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Physics B.A. - Astronomy

The astronomy concentration provides a thorough study of astronomy and astrophysics as well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate programs in astronomy and astrophysics while others have found career opportunities at national astronomical observatories.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics; Astronomy Concentration

College of Humanities & Sciences

Degree Specific Credits: 69

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Catalog Year: 2019-2020

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog.

Summary

Lower-Division Physics Core10
Lower-Division Astronomy Core4
Upper-Division Physics Core12
Upper-Division Astronomy Core9
Major Electives12
Physics Electives
Physics Laboratory Electives
Math Requirements16
Computer Science Electives3
Advanced College Writing Requirement3
Total Hours69

Lower-Division Physics Core

Complete one of the following Physics sequences:10
Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics:
PHSX 205N
& PHSX 206N
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
PHSX 207N
& PHSX 208N
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
Calculus-based Physics (strongly recommended):
PHSX 215N
& PHSX 216N
Fund of Physics w/Calc I
and Physics Laboratory I w/Calc
PHSX 217N
& PHSX 218N
Fund of Physics w/Calc II
and Physics Laboratory II w/Calc
Total Hours10

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Lower-Division Astronomy Core

Rule: Complete all of the courses in one of the two options. 4 total credits required.

Astronomy Core: Option 1

If option 1 is chosen, complete all of the following courses:
ASTR 132NStars, Galaxies, and the Universe3
ASTR 135NStars, Galaxies, and the Universe Lab1
Total Hours4

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Astronomy Core: Option 2

If option 2 is chosen, complete the following course:
ASTR 142NThe Evolving Universe4
Total Hours4

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Physics Core

Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301Intro Theoretical Physics3
PHSX 311Oscillations and Waves2
PHSX 343Modern Physics3
PHSX 461Quantum Mechanics I3
PHSX 499Senior Capstone Seminar1
Total Hours12

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Astronomy Core

Note: In addition, ASTR 351 and ASTR 362 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
ASTR 353Galactic Astrophysics3
ASTR 363Stellar Astr & Astrophys I3
ASTR 365Stellar Ast & Astrophys II3
Total Hours9

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Major Electives

Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 12 total credits required.

Physics Electives

Complete three of the following courses:9
ASTR 351
Planetary Science
PHSX 320
Classical Mechanics
PHSX 327
Optics
PHSX 333
Computational Physics
PHSX 423
Electricity & Magnetism I
PHSX 425
Electricity & Magnetism II
PHSX 446
Thermodyn & Stat Mech
PHSX 451
Elementary Particle Physics
PHSX 462
Quantum Mechanics II
PHSX 491
Special Topics
Total Hours9

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Physics Laboratory Electives

Complete one of the following laboratory courses:3
ASTR 362
Observational Astronomy
PHSX 323
Intermediate Physics Lab
PHSX 444
Advanced Physics Lab
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: In addition, M 317, M 412, and M 418 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
M 171Calculus I4
M 172Calculus II4
M 221Introduction to Linear Algebra4
M 273Multivariable Calculus4
Total Hours16

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Electives

Select one of the following courses:3
CSCI 100
Intro to Programming
CSCI 135
Fund of Computer Science I
PHSX 333
Computational Physics (strongly recommended)
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Advanced College Writing Requirement

Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.

Complete the following course:
PHSX 330Communicating Physics3
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-