Astronomy + Data Science, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
The Department of Astronomy also offers a BSLAS in Computer Science & Astronomy
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science
Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 62-66 hours
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Twelve hours of 300 and 400-level courses must be taken on this campus.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Departmental distinction: To graduate with distinction requires a specified minimum grade point average in all Computer Science, Statistics, Information Science, and Mathematics courses listed below. A GPA of 3.25 is required for Distinction, 3.5 for High Distinction, and 3.75 for Highest Distinction.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Data Science Core | 28-31 | |
| Mathematical Foundations | ||
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| Linear Algebra: Select one of the following (MATH 227 or MATH 257 is recommended) | 2-4 | |
| Linear Algebra for Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | ||
| Introductory Matrix Theory | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Data Science Fundamentals | ||
| STAT/CS/IS 107 | Data Science Discovery | 4 |
| STAT 207 | Data Science Exploration | 4 |
| CS 307 | Modeling and Learning in Data Science | 4 |
| Computational Fundamentals | ||
| CS 277 | Algorithms and Data Structures for Data Science | 4 |
| Ethics and Responsibility in Data Science | ||
| IS 467 | Ethics and Policy for Data Science | 3 |
| IS 477 | Data Management, Curation & Reproducibility | 3 |
| Required Astronomy Coursework | 31-32 | |
| PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | University Physics: Elec & Mag | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 214 | Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | 2 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| ASTR 210 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 310 | Computing in Astronomy | 3 |
| Advanced Astronomy Courses - Select two courses from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Stellar Astrophysics | ||
| Planetary Systems | ||
| Galaxies and the Universe | ||
| Astronomical Techniques | ||
| Research or Discovery Experience | 3 | |
| Individual Study | ||
or ASTR 490 | Senior Thesis | |
| One of the most important skills a student will gain in an Astronomy & Data Science degree will be the ability to present astronomical data in meaningful ways. A research or discovery experience is as much as pillar of this degree program as both the data science core coursework (Part 1) and the coursework in Astronomy (Part 2). | ||
| This experience should be developed with an advisor before the end of a student’s sophomore year and result in the creation of one or more artifacts documenting the experience. A minimum of 3 credit hours must be specifically designated to the preparation and the completion of the experience component. | ||
| Examples of possible experiences may include: | ||
| ● A semester study-abroad with at one or more courses focused on discovery while attending the international institution. | ||
| ● A multi-semester capstone experience within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
| ● A semester co-op experience outside Champaign-Urbana focused on a subject within the student’s area of specialization. | ||
| ● A multi-semester undergraduate research experience under the direction of Illinois faculty. | ||
| ● A summer NSF REU program focused within a student’s area of specialization. | ||
| Total Hours | 62-66 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astronomy plus Data Science