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Pre-Astronomy Major
The Pre-Astronomy Curriculum in the B.S. Physics Major is designed for students with a serious interest in astronomy, and is similar in scope to a double major in Physics and Astronomy at many other universities. This challenging program offers a solid foundation in physics along with specialized study for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in astronomy or astrophysics. Students with majors in fields other than physics who desire a more flexible and less intense program should consider the Astronomy Minor.
Required and recommended courses are listed below by the year in which they are taken by most students. The order is not fixed, but check the course listings for prerequisite requirements. This list does not include Arts and Sciences degree requirements (including language), University General Education Requirements, or other electives. Consult with the Chair and the Pre-Astronomy major adviser during your freshman year for help in planning your program.
Freshman
- MATH 263A-B-C, Analytic Geometry and Calculus [12 hrs.]
- PHYS 210, Physics Seminar [1]
- PHYS 251-252, General Physics [10]
- PHYS 210, Physics Seminar [1]
Sophomore
- MATH 263D, Analytic Geometry and Calculus [4]
- MATH 340, Differential Equations [4]
- MATH 410, Matrix Theory [4] (recommended)
- CS 220, Introduction to Computing [5] (recommended)
- PHYS 253, General Physics [5]
- PHYS 272-273, Electronics Lab [4]
- PHYS 351-352, Modern and Quantum Physics [8]
- MATH 340, Differential Equations [4]
Junior
- MATH 440, Vector Analysis [4]
- MATH 441, Fourier Analysis & Partial Differential Equations [4]
- ASTR 305, Fundamentals of Astrophysics [3]
- ASTR 401, Stellar Astrophysics [3]
- ASTR 402, Galactic and Interstellar Astrophysics [3]
- PHYS 311-312, Mechanics [8]
- PHYS 371-372-373, Intermediate Lab [6]
- MATH 441, Fourier Analysis & Partial Differential Equations [4]
Senior
- ASTR 403, Extragalactic Astrophysics & Cosmology [3]
- ASTR 410*, Observational Astrophysics [3]
- ASTR 310*, Astronomy Lab [1 - 3 repeatable]
- ASTR 450*, Studies in Astronomy [1 - 3 repeatable]
- PHYS 411, Thermodynamics [4]
- PHYS 412, Kinetic Theory & Statistical Mechanics [4] (recommended)
- PHYS 427, 428, Electricity and Magnetism [8]
- PHYS 429, Electromagnetism and Relativity [3] (recommended)
- PHYS 451, Quantum Mechanics [4] (recommended)
- ASTR 410*, Observational Astrophysics [3]
* A total of at least 6 hours in combined coursework from ASTR 310, 410, or 450 is required.
Other beneficial Physics electives include PHYS 303 (Computing Methods in Physics), 423 (Optics), and 453 (Nuclear and Particle Physics).
If you are in the Honors Tutorial College, special combinations of some of
the above courses can be arranged; consult with the Pre-Astronomy major
adviser.
More Astronomy Info:
Astronomy Minor.Astronomy/Astrophysics Faculty
Tom Statler (Pre-Astronomy Major Adviser)