Physics B.A./B.S. with Emphasis in Astrophysics

The emphasis in Astrophysics is designed for students interested in pursuing a career and advanced study in astronomy and astrophysics.  The degree program contains a strong core of physics and mathematics courses which provides the desired breadth and academic rigor to prepare the student for entry into any of the many subfields of modern space-related careers (for example, space science and technology, planetary science, astrobiology, etc.). 

The emphasis in Astrophysics is designed for students interested in pursuing a career and advanced study in astronomy and astrophysics.  The degree program contains a strong core of physics and mathematics courses which provides the desired breadth and academic rigor to prepare the student for entry into any of the many subfields of modern space-related careers, including astronomy and astrophysics, space science and technology, planetary science, and astrobiology.

Core Curriculum Courses42
See the Core Curriculum Requirements
Required courses in the major
PHYS 101Physics and Astronomy Seminar1
University Physics I *
PHYS 2426University Physics II4
PHYS 317Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering3
PHYS 321Modern Physics3
PHYS 333Wave Motion, Acoustics, and Optics4
PHYS 335Advanced Physics Laboratory3
Choose 2 from the following:6
Classical Mechanics (Choose two from the following:)
Electricity and Magnetism
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Emphasis Courses
ASTR 203Stars and the Universe for STEM Majors3
or ASTR 1303 Stars and the Universe
(ASTR) 303 requires permission of faculty advisor)
ASTR 310Observational Astronomy4
ASTR 410Stellar Structure and Evolution3
ASTR 420Galaxies and Cosmology3
PHYS 119Introduction to Python Computer Programming for the Physical Sciences1
PHYS 319Computational Physics with Python3
PHYS 401Current Topics in Physics and Astronomy (1 sh, must be repeated for total of 2 sh)2
6 SCH of additional PHYS 400-level courses6
PHYS or ASTR or MATH (Advanced) 3
Support Courses **
Calculus I (4 hours) *
Calculus II *
MATH 2415Calculus III4
MATH 2320Differential Equations3
General and Quantitative Chemistry I *
CHEM 1111General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I1
Second Major or Minor or Electives
18-24 semester hours required in second major or minor or electives18-24
Total Hours120-126
*

 This course should be taken to fulfill Core Curriculum Requirements

**

These courses may apply to the second major or minor

A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in all courses in this Major.

Notes

  • Suggested second majors include mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and biology. Other choices are possible.
  • Planning for a second major should not be delayed beyond the middle of the sophomore year. A minor in a second subject may be chosen instead of a second major. The choice of mathematics as second major allows for four additional courses to be elective. Many students select minors in both mathematics and computer science.

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