This information is part of the .
Major Requirements
A student interested in astronomy or astrophysics should enroll in this program. A student interested in planetary astronomy should also consider the Ìý±è°ù´Ç²µ°ù²¹³¾.
Required Math Courses
All of the following:
Required Astronomy-Physics Courses
All of the following:
- PHYS 125Ìý-ÌýHow Physics Sees the World
- PHYS 201Ìý-ÌýMathematical Methods for Physics
- PHYS 205Ìý-ÌýMathematical Methods of Physics
- PHYS 232Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Mechanics
- PHYS 233Ìý-ÌýIntro Electricity & Magnetism
- PHYS 334Ìý-ÌýIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
- ASTR 210Ìý-ÌýIntermediate Astronomy and Astrophysics
- ASTR 312Ìý-ÌýAstronomical Techniques
Astronomy Courses
One of the following:
- ASTR 414Ìý-ÌýAstrophysics
- ASTR 416Ìý-ÌýGalactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
- ASTR 313Ìý-ÌýPlanetary Science
Additional Astronomy/Physics Electives
- Two additional astronomy or physics courses at the 300- or 400-level (excluding PHYS 334, PHYS 336, PHYS 392,ÌýPHYS 492, ASTR 312, ASTR 392, andÌýASTR 492)
Senior Research Experience
Minimum Grade and GPA requirement
To be eligible to graduate with a major in any of the programs of this department, a student is expected to achieve a grade of C– or better inÌýeachÌýof the courses offered in the department that areÌýrequired for the major. There are no exceptions to this policy. Additionally, a student's cumulative GPA for all courses counted toward the major must be at least 2.00.
Honors and High Honors
To qualify for graduation with honors, physics and astronomy-physics students must be invited by the department chair, in consultation with department faculty, to do an honors thesis. Normally, this invitation is extended only after exceptional performance in the capstone courseÌýÌý
The following are also required:
The completion (with a grade of C- or better) of at least two additional 300- or 400-level physics or astronomy courses beyond the minimum needed for the major.Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, andÌýÌýdo not count towards this requirement. With the permission of the chair, a 300- or 400-level course in another NASC department may substitute for one of these courses.
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in all 300- and 400-level classes taken to satisfy the upper-level course requirements for the major and for honors.
The completion, defense, and public presentation of an honors thesis.ÌýThis thesis, to be evaluated by department faculty and an external reviewer, is normally a significant extension of the work completed inÌý.ÌýStudents normally enroll inÌýÌýorÌýÌý during the spring semester of their senior year to complete the work.
The department faculty will subsequently determine whether to award honors or high honors.ÌýNeither is guaranteed. High honors will be given only for truly extraordinary work.
Physics and Astronomy department
For more information about the department, including Faculty,Ìýtransfer credit, awards, etc.,Ìýplease visit theÌýÌýcatalogÌýpage.