Program Description
The Astrobiology Minor is designed for students who are interested in astronomy, geophysics, biology, and science communication.
Open to all Cornell undergraduates not enrolled in an Astronomy major. Minimum grades:
- B- in 1000–2000 level courses
- C- in 3000-level and above
- Up to 4 credits of ASTRO 4940 Independent Study in Astronomy may be applied with approval of the Astronomy Director of Undergraduate Studies
To apply for an Astronomy Minor make an appointment to visit the Director of Undergraduate Studies (astrodus@cornell.edu).
Minor Requirements
- 15 total credits
- 2 or 3 Astronomy courses (2 at 3000-level or above)
- 2 or 3 interdisciplinary courses (1 must be biology-related)
The astrobiology minor provides a cross-disciplinary frame work linking selected Astronomy courses with appropriate courses in Earth and Atmospheric Science, Biology and Science Communication, including:
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9-11 |
| From New Worlds to Black Holes | |
| Our Solar System | |
| A Spacecraft Tour of the Solar System: Science, Policy and Exploration | |
| The Solar System: Planets, Small Bodies and New Worlds | |
| Search for Life in the Universe | |
| Exoplanets and Planetary Systems | |
| The Life of Stars: From Birth to Death | |
| Planetary Image Processing with MATLAB | |
| Data Analysis and Research Techniques in Astronomy | |
| 9-12 |
| General Microbiology Lectures | |
| The Earth System | |
| Introduction to Biogeochemistry | |
| RNA in Biology and Medicine | |
| Population Genetics | |
| Communication, Environment, Science, and Health | |
| Science Writing for the Media | |
| Public Communication of Science and Technology | |
| Meteorological Observations and Instruments | |
| Evolution of the Earth System | |
| Climate Dynamics | |