Degree option: Bachelor of Science
with a major in astronomy.
Description of program: The
Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a major directed toward a career in
astronomy. The first-year and sophomore program includes a combined concentration
in astronomy, physics and mathematics.
Most professional positions in
astronomy and astrophysics generally require study leading to the Ph.D. degree.
Opportunities include research positions in observatories, often in conjunction
with university teaching, and scientific positions in government agencies and
industry.
Program of study for major: The
Bachelor of Science degree requires a minimum of 49 credit hours in astronomy
and physics courses in a program to be developed by the student and the adviser
and approved by the department. The upper division program concentrates on
astrophysics with courses in such areas as mechanics, electromagnetic theory,
space and astrophysics.
All programs include the following
common core of astronomy and physics courses in the first two years:
First and sophomore years
Astronomy
1 & 1L — Descriptive Astronomy and Lab
Physics
5 — Topics in Physics
Physics
1 — Introductory Physics I
Astronomy
41 — General Astronomy
Physics
2 — Introductory Physics II
Physics
50 — Modern Physics
Physics
59 — Advanced Laboratory I
Physics
61 — Error Theory
Physics
191 — Physics Seminar
Minimum degree requirements also
include:
Astronomy
185 — Introduction to Astrophysics I — Stars
Astronomy
195 — Introduction to Astrophysics II — Galaxies
and Cosmology
Physics
121 — Theoretical Mechanics
Physics
122 — Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory
Physics
182 — Thermodynamics and Statistical
Physics
Physics
192, 193 — Physics Seminar II, III
Select one course from the
following:
Physics
149 — Advanced Laboratory II
Physics
159 — Advanced Laboratory III
A Senior Capstone Experience is
required, which may be either an NSF sponsored REU experience between the
junior and senior years, or one of the courses Physics 197 or 198 — Research
Participation taken during the senior year.
Requirements for all programs also
include Chemistry 1, General Chemistry I with laboratory, and related courses
in mathematics and computer science appropriate to the options chosen by the
student.
Depending on the student’s career
goals, the academic adviser may recommend additional courses chosen from
electives. The following courses are highly recommended for students going to
graduate school:
Physics
133 — Electronics
Physics
181 — Quantum Theory
Physics
188 — Advanced Classical Physics
Chemistry
2 — General Chemistry II with laboratory