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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Physics Core | 10 | |
| Lower-Division Astronomy Core | 4 | |
| Upper-Division Physics Core | 12 | |
| Upper-Division Astronomy Core | 9 | |
| Major Electives | 12 | |
Physics Electives | ||
Physics Laboratory Electives | ||
| Math Requirements | 16 | |
| Computer Science Electives | 3 | |
| Advanced College Writing Requirement | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Lower-Division Physics Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hours | 10 | |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| If option 1 is chosen, complete all of the following courses: | ||
| ASTR 132N | Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe | 3 |
| ASTR 135N | Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe Lab | 1 |
| Total Hours | 4 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Astronomy Core: Option 2
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| If option 2 is chosen, complete the following course: | ||
| ASTR 142N | The Evolving Universe | 4 |
| Total Hours | 4 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Upper-Division Physics Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| PHSX 301 | Intro Theoretical Physics | 3 |
| PHSX 311 | Oscillations and Waves | 2 |
| PHSX 343 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHSX 461 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHSX 499 | Senior Capstone Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Upper-Division Astronomy Core
Note: In addition, ASTR 351 and ASTR 362 are recommended.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| ASTR 353 | Galactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 363 | Stellar Astr & Astrophys I | 3 |
| ASTR 365 | Stellar Ast & Astrophys II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Major Electives
Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 12 total credits required.
Physics Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hours | 9 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Physics Laboratory Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following laboratory courses: | 3 | |
ASTR 362 | Observational Astronomy | |
PHSX 323 | Intermediate Physics Lab | |
PHSX 444 | Advanced Physics Lab | |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Math Requirements
Note: In addition, M 317, M 412, and M 418 are recommended.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| M 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| M 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| M 221 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| M 273 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Computer Science Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hours | 3 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-
Advanced College Writing Requirement
Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following course: | ||
| PHSX 330 | Communicating Physics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Minimum Required Grade: C-