Astrochemistry Double Major / Degree
Undergraduates who wish to receive formal training in astrochemistry may complete either a double major or double degree program in Astronomy and Chemistry. Such students are especially encouraged to take Astr/Chem 450 and Astr/Chem 451 if their timing permits. Please consult your undergraduate advisor for more information about these curricula.
Astrochemistry Courses
Astrochemistry (ASTR/CHEM 450) (NOT CURRENTLY TAUGHT): Covers the foundations of astrochemistry, a young field at the intersection between chemistry and astronomy. Topics to be discussed include the interstellar medium, atomic and molecular physics, interstellar chemistry, molecular astronomy, and unresolved enigmas in the field. The class will involve lectures, discussion, and readings from the primary and review literature. Suitable for graduate students or advanced undergraduate students in chemistry, physics, or astronomy. Prerequisites: CHEM 442 and CHEM 444, or PHYS 427 and PHYS 486, or equivalent experience in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. Expected to be offered in the Fall semester of even-numbered years. ASTR/CHEM 450 syllabus
Astrochemistry Laboratory (ASTR/CHEM 451) (NOT CURRENTLY TAUGHT): An active, hands-on introduction to observational astrochemistry, laboratory astrochemistry, and theoretical astrochemistry. Activities will include astronomical observations of interstellar molecules at the Observatory, spectroscopy of molecules in the laboratory, quantum chemical calculations and simulations of molecular spectra, and modeling of interstellar chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM/ASTR 450. Expected to be offered in the Spring semester of odd-numbered years.
A wide variety of courses indirectly related to astrochemistry are offered by the Astronomy and Chemistry departments. More information on course offering can be found here.
Research Groups In Astrochemistry
Research related to astrochemistry is conducted by a number of groups at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, including those of the following faculty:
- Leslie Looney, Astronomy