BS Astrophysics Track (starting before Fall 2023):

The Astrophysics track is recommended to those students who want to pursue a graduate degree in astrophysics and related fields.

Astronomy Courses:

ASTRON 191A: First Year Seminar (1 credit, Fall semester only)
ASTRON 228: Astrophysics I: Stars and Galaxies (3 credits, Spring semester only)

JUNIOR YEAR WRITING: Students whose primary major is astronomy should take ASTRON 301: Writing in Astronomy (3 credits, Fall semester only) to satisfy the Junior Year Writing requirement. Students whose primary major is not astronomy, only need take the junior year writing course offered in their primary major.

INTEGRATIVE EXPERIENCE: Students whose primary major is astronomy can take either ASTRON 339: Astronomy in a Global Context (3 credits, Spring semester only) or PHYSICS 440: Intermediate Lab (4 credits, Fall and Spring semesters) to satisfy the Integrative Experience requirement. Students whose primary major is not astronomy, only need to take the integrative experience course offered in their primary major.

ASTRON 335: Astrophysics II: Stellar Structure and Evolution (4 credits, Fall semester only) ASTRON 452: Astrophysics III: Galaxies and the Universe (4 credits, Spring semester only)

One additional astronomy course (at least 3 credits) at the 300 level or higher. Recommendations:

ASTRON 330: Topics in Astrophysics (3 credits.)
ASTRON 337: Techniques of Optical and Infrared Astronomy (4 credits, fall semester)

Most faculty members in astronomy are engaged in basic research and undergraduate research opportunities are available through independent study, honor research and summer internships. Although not required, we encourage students to get involved in research.

Physics Courses:

PHYSICS 181: Physics I – Mechanics ( 4 credits with lab, Fall semester only)
PHYSICS 182: Physics II – Electricity and Magnetics (4 credits with lab, Spring semester only) PHYSICS 281: Computational Physics (3 credits, Fall or Spring semesters)

PHYSICS 282: Techniques of Theoretical Physics (3 credits, Spring semester only)

PHYSICS 284 (and associated lab PHYSIC 286): Modern Physics I (4 credits, Spring semester only)

PHYSICS 287 (and associated lab PHYSIC 289): Physics III – Waves and Thermodynamics (4 credits, Fall semester only)

PHYSICS 421: Mechanics I (4 credits, Fall semester only)
PHYSICS 422: Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits, Spring semester only) PHYSICS 423: Statistical Physics (4 credits, Spring semester only)
PHYSICS 424: Quantum Mechanics (4 credits, Fall semester only)

Math Courses:

MATH 131: Calculus I (4 credits, Fall or Spring semesters)

MATH 132: Calculus II (4 credits, Fall or Spring semesters)

MATH 233: Multivariate Calculus (3 credits, Fall or Spring semesters)

MATH 331: Ordinary Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers (3 credits, Fall or Spring semesters)

Suggested Course Schedule:

Freshman Year:

Fall: ASTRON 191A, PHYSIC 181, MATH 131 Spring: ASTRON 228, PHYSIC 182, MATH 132

Sophomore Year:

Fall: PHYSIC 281, PHYSIC 287/289. MATH 233 Spring: PHYSIC 282, PHYSIC 284/286, MATH 331

Junior/Senior Years:

Fall: ASTRON 335, PHYSIC 421, PHYSIC 424, ASTRON 301 Spring: ASTRON 339, ASTRON 452, PHYSIC 422, PHYSIC 423, Either Fall or Spring: one elective 300+ course