BA in Astronomy
The B.A. degree in astronomy a minimum of 40 hours of required astronomy and physics courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 15 hours of mathematics, and at least 9 additional hours in the natural sciences and mathematics, chosen with the Advisor’s approval are required.
Recommended Introductory Course: PHYS 1910 Frontiers Of Physics and Astronomy (strongly recommended)
The following courses are required:
ASTR 2010 Solar System Astronomy
ASTR 2020 Stars, Galaxies, And The Universe
ASTR 3880 Foundations of Astronomy
ASTR 4810 Astrophysics I
ASTR 4820 Astrophysics II
ASTR 4880 Astrophysical Measurements
Basic Physics Sequence: either (PHYS 2130 and PHYS 2135 & PHYS 2140 and PHYS 2145) or (PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2075 & PHYS 2080 and PHYS 2085 & PHYS 2100)
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
Select 6 additional hours of advanced physics courses numbered 3000 or higher
The following related courses in Mathematics are also required:
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multivariable Calculus
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
Other courses in related science areas: At least 9 additional hours hours of approved electives, of which at least two courses must be major-level chosen from at least two of the departments: in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences, approved by the student’s academic advisor.
This program is intended to provide the combination of fundamental physics, together with general and advanced astronomy, required for a career in astronomy or a related area. It also has the flexibility required by students who wish to pursue interdisciplinary studies or prepare for careers in teaching or other professions requiring a fundamental understanding of the physical sciences.
Below is a sample plan of study. Consult your degree audit for your program requirements
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| NSM 1000 | Foundations of Academic Success for Science and Math Majors | 2 |
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy (Or electives to reach 120 hours) | 3 |
| ASTR 2010 | Solar System Astronomy | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ASTR 2020 | Stars, Galaxies, And The Universe | 3 |
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 2135 | Physics for Science and Engineering Majors I - Lab | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 2145 | Physics for Science and Engineering Majors II - Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
BIOL 2150 to BIOL 4xxx | ||
CHEM 1230 to CHEM 4xxx | ||
EEES 2010 to EEES 4xxx | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | ||
| Technical Writing | ||
| Professional and Business Writing | ||
| Arts and Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I (WAC) | 3 |
| 3000-4000 level Phys | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| ASTR 3880 | Foundations of Astronomy | 4 |
| 3000-4000 level PHYS | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
BIOL 2150 to BIOL 4xxx | ||
CHEM 1230 to CHEM 4xxx | ||
EEES 2010 to EEES 4xxx | ||
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| ASTR 4810 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| ASTR 4880 | Astrophysical Measurements | 3 |
| Elective | 5 | |
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| ASTR 4820 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| Electives | 7 | |
| Non-US Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120-122 | |
- PLO 1. Our students must be able to analyze and solve (using the appropriate mathematical techniques) any undergraduate problem from the core areas of physics and astronomy (Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum theory and astronomy).
- PLO 2. Our students must be able to perform astronomical observations to measure physical properties of interest.
- PLO 3. Our students must also be able to analyze these results in order to interpret the significance, including an estimation of the uncertainties associated with their measurements.
- PLO 4. Our students must be able to discuss and explain scientific information in both written and oral formats.