Master of Science in Astronomy

OVERVIEW The Master of Science in Astronomy course was conceived by Dr. Florentino Tesoro; former Office-in-Charge of PAGASA and by Dr. Bernardo M. Soriano Jr., Chief of the Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Space Sciences Bureau of PAGASA sometime in 2004 astronomy research in the RTU has reached a significant level. Through the initiative of Dr. Soriano, who was then the Chairman of Division XII (Division of Earth Sciences) of the National Research Council of the Philippines, the name of said Division was amended to Division of Earth and Space Sciences in recognition of the recent accelerated progress in the field of astronomy research. Dr. Tesoro thereafter suggested to Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug, RTU President the possibility of offering a course in astronomy at RTU. Dr. Tesoro guarantees PAGASA support to the project. Meanwhile, the RTU and PAGASA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of joint projects in astronomy. The course seeks to establish the study of this science on a firm foundation. The course is envisioned to provide the student a wide range of knowledge in all aspects of astronomy in a more general manner. The student will choose the field of research that would be most interesting to him or her. Consequently, we have designed the course to suit professionals of all persuasions, who might wish to study astronomy either for professional advancement or for pure interest or love for science. The course is open for non-science majors. A non-science major will take a few introductory courses to prepare him/her for the more detailed aspects of astronomy. Classes have been conduct alternately in PAGASA and in the RTU. Both institutions have research-capable telescopes and equipment. Presently, there are only four Individual Members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the Philippines. Individual membership in the IAU is limited to professional scientists at the PhD level and beyond. Three of the Filipino IAU members are faculty members in the course. A professor in astronomy in astronomy from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom recently joined the faculty. The students attend the regular astronomy lectures conducted by foreign astronomers being held in PAGASA. The MS in Astronomy course has become a very intellectually satisfying course. CURRICULUM PREPARATORY COURSES: AST 201: Principles of Science 3 Units The course will include discussion of scientific concepts and principles relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include concepts in biology, chemistry, meteorology, genetics, evolution, anatomy, geology, and other fields relevant to Astronomy. Physics will also be studied in this course in this curriculum. AST 202: Principles of Mathematics 3 Units This course is a study of the basic mathematical principles and tools relevant to the study Astronomy. Specially, it will include basic principles in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

AST 203: Principles of Physics 3 Units This course will include the study of the principles and laws of physics which have bearing on the study of Astronomy. MAJOR COURSES: AST 204: A Survey of Principles Concerning Stars 3 Units Lecture This course will have emphasis on the basic principles about spectral types of stars, stellar interiors, stellar evolution, stellar atmospheres, variable stars, Cepheid, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes. AST 205: Seminar on Galaxies 3 Units Lecture This course shall include basic studies on the nature of galaxies, galaxy clusters, the elliptical galaxies, the spiral galaxies, the irregular galaxies, the low surface galaxies, the interacting galaxies, the giant radio galaxies, the Seyfert galaxies, the X-ray galaxies, the dwarf galaxies and quasars. AST 206: Basic Concepts on Cosmology 3 Units Lecture This course includes both physical and observational cosmology. It will include basic observations, the Robertson-Walker Metric, the Friedmann Models, the Thermal History of the Universe, Primordial Nucleosynthesis, inflation and baryogenesis, the Hubble Constant, growth structures, redshift surveys, the Multiverse theory. AST 207: Basic Principles on the Solar Systems 3 Units Lecture This course will include topics in solar physics, planetary atmospheres, planetary surfaces, and the origin of the Solar System. Field observations of Solar System objects will be conducted. AST 208: Life in the Universe 3 Units Lecture This is a discussion of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial life, along problems in detecting and contacting extraterrestrial civilizations. Topics will include the nature and origin of life on Earth, the search for life on the other planets, the possibility of space travel, and the probability extraterrestrials visiting the Earth. AST 209: Observational Astronomy I 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory In this course, the students will learn the constellations and the names and coordinates of specific stars. Visual observations of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters, supernova remnants, double and multiple stars, and nebulae shall be conducted. Observational projects will be required. AST 210: Observational Astronomy II 1 Unit Lecture, 2 Units Laboratory This course will deal with astrophotography and the use of CCDs for imaging. Spectroscopy will also be studied, including a study of positional astronomy. Elements of image processing and an introduction to computer-based image processing shall be included. Students will be taught to use various telescopes and other types of instruments.

AST 211: Astronomy Education 3 Units Lecture As scientists, the students will be taught how to teach Astronomy to a wide variety of audiences, to lead discussions, and to create tests. Focus on educational research relevant to Astronomy will be emphasized. AST 212: Astronomy and Meteorology 3 Units Lecture This course will include topics on the correlation of planetary science with the study of meteorology, such as how the Sun could affect Earths atmosphere, the comparison between the atmosphere of the planets and the Earth, an analysis of the composition of the Earths atmosphere, and a comparative study of the Earths weather and those of the planets AST 213: Thesis 6 Units The paper shall be submitted as requirement for graduation. In lieu of the research paper, any three research term papers accomplished in the other courses may be accepted in compliance with the thesis requirement, provided they will be considered acceptable by a panel of professors. CORE COURSE MA 100: Research Method and Designs 3 Units MA 101: Applied Statistics 3 Units MA 103: Cooperative Education and Special Study 3 Units COGNATE COURSE MA 303: Program Development & Evaluation 3 Units MA 806: Administrative Processes and HBO 3 Units Tuition Fee: Php 225.00/unit For more details please contact the School of Graduate Studies 534-8267 loc. 125