Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy and Astrophysics are offered in the Department of Physics.
Astrophysicists apply physics and mathematics to the study of planets, stars, galaxies, pulsars, black holes, quasars and the universe, among many other fascinating objects in order to understand their origin, evolution and ultimate fate. Students who major in astronomy or astrophysics usually have very inquisitive minds and a good aptitude for physics and mathematics. The bachelor degree programs in astronomy and astrophysics provide the student with a solid background in laboratory and theoretical astrophysics as well as in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics. Research opportunities are available to supplement classroom instruction.
The bachelor of science degree in astrophysics is designed for students who wish to go on to graduate studies in astrophysics with the goal of becoming professional astronomers. Professional astronomers generally find positions at colleges, and universities, national labs, NASA or its contractors and in various space industries. This degree also prepares you for many jobs in related fields such as computer science, mathematics or physics.
The bachelor of arts degree in astronomy is intended for students who desire a broad background in astronomy, mathematics and physics but do not plan to do graduate work in astrophysics. With this broad background, the student is well prepared in many fields of endeavor, including planetarium and museum work, teaching astronomy at colleges and universities, secondary education, science writing, or in many professions in which the ability to learn is critical.
Both of these degrees can be profitably combined with mathematics and other sciences producing excellent double majors or double degrees.
A minor program in astronomy is also available for students who wish to enlarge their potential for a career choice or who may be eager to learn more about astrophysics than an introductory course can provide.
Astronomy and Astrophysics Degree Programs
B.A. with Major in Astronomy Program Requirements
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 021 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 022 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 023 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 205 | Linear Methods | 3 |
| Basic and Intermediate-Level Science | ||
| ASTR 007 & ASTR 008 | Introduction to Astronomy and Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory | 4 |
| EES 021 | Introduction to Planet Earth | 3 |
| PHY 010 | General Physics I | 4 |
| or PHY 011 | Introductory Physics I | |
| PHY 013 | General Physics II | 3-4 |
| or PHY 021 | Introductory Physics II | |
| PHY 012 | Introductory Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| PHY 022 | Introductory Physics Laboratory II | 1 |
| PHY 031 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| ASTR 105 | Introduction to Planetary Astronomy | 3 |
| PHY 220 | Advanced Physics Laboratory I | 3 |
| Advanced Astronomy and Astrophysics | ||
| ASTR 301 | Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 302 | Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| Approved Electives | 6 | |
| Select two additional courses from the following list | ||
| High-Energy Astrophysics | ||
| General Relativity | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism I | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism II | ||
| Classical Mechanics I | ||
| Thermal Physics | ||
| Quantum Mechanics I | ||
| Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics | ||
| Introduction to String Theory | ||
| Total Credits | 52-53 | |
A total of 120 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy.
B.S. in Astrophysics Program Requirements
| Mathematics Courses | ||
| MATH 021 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 022 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 023 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 205 | Linear Methods | 3 |
| MATH 208 | Complex Variables | 3-4 |
| or MATH 320 | Ordinary Differential Equations | |
| or MATH 322 | Methods of Applied Analysis I | |
| Basic Science Courses | ||
| PHY 011 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| or PHY 010 | General Physics I | |
| PHY 021 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| PHY 012 | Introductory Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| PHY 022 | Introductory Physics Laboratory II | 1 |
| PHY 031 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| CHM 030 | Introduction to Chemical Principles | 4 |
| ASTR 105 | Introduction to Planetary Astronomy | 3 |
| Laboratory and Computing Courses | ||
| PHY 220 | Advanced Physics Laboratory I | 3 |
| PHY 221 | Advanced Physics Laboratory II | 2 |
| CSE 003 | Introduction to Programming, Part A | 2 |
| or CSE 007 | Introduction to Programming | |
| *Or an equivalent course in scientific computing. | ||
| Intermediate and Advanced Courses | ||
| PHY 212 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHY 213 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHY 215 | Classical Mechanics I | 4 |
| PHY 340 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHY 362 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| ASTR 301 | Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 302 | Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 12 | |
| Select four Physics or Astronomy courses numbered higher than 100. Up to two courses in appropriate technical areas offered in other departments may be substituted, when selected with advisor approval. Students planning graduate work in physics are encouraged to include PHY 273 (Research) among their electives. | ||
| Total Credits | 79-80 | |
A total of 123 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics.
Recommended sequence of courses for the first two years
B.A. with Major in Astronomy
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 001 | 3 | ENGL 002 | 3 |
| ASTR 007 & ASTR 008 | 4 | PHY 010 or 011 | 4 |
| EES 021 | 3 | PHY 012 | 1 |
| EES 022 | 1 | MATH 022 | 4 |
| MATH 021 | 4 | Col. Sem. | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHY 013 or 021 | 3-4 | PHY 031 | 3 |
| PHY 022 | 1 | MATH 205 | 3 |
| MATH 023 | 4 | ASTR 110 | 1 |
| ASTR 105 | 3 | Appr. Elec. | 3 |
| Dist req | 3-4 | Dist req | 4-7 |
| 14-16 | 14-17 | ||
| Total Credits: 58-64 | |||
B.S. Astrophysics
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 001 | 3 | ENGL 002 | 3 |
| PHY 011 or 010 | 4 | CHM 030 | 4 |
| PHY 012 | 1 | MATH 022 | 4 |
| MATH 021 | 4 | Col. Sem. or Dist. Req.* | 3-4 |
| Col. Sem. or Dist. Req.* | 3-4 | ||
| 15-16 | 14-15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHY 021 | 4 | PHY 031 | 3 |
| PHY 022 | 1 | CSE 003 or 007 | 2-4 |
| MATH 023 | 4 | MATH 205 | 3 |
| ASTR 105 | 3 | Dist. Req. | 3-4 |
| Elective or Dist. Req. | 3-4 | Elective or Dist. Req. | 3-4 |
| 15-16 | 14-18 | ||
| Total Credits: 58-65 | |||
- *
Students may choose to select ASTR 007 by deferring a distribution requirement (though it is not required for the BS in Astrophysics).
- **
Or an equivalent course in scientific computing.
Departmental Honors in Astronomy or Astrophysics
Students receiving a BA in Astronomy or a BS in Astrophysics may earn Departmental Honors by satisfying the following requirements:
- Academic Performance: Minimum grade point average of 3.50 in astronomy and physics courses used to satisfy the major degree requirements.
- Research or Project-Based/Creative Activity: completion of approved1 special topics courses in astronomy that include written reports, or completion of 6 credits of ASTR 273 (research) or equivalent, or completion of a summer research project with written report and oral presentation
- Additional Course Work: Completion of at least one approved1 300-level course in either physics or astronomy beyond those required in the student’s degree program. This course may not be selected from special topics or research courses such as ASTR 372.
- 1
Specific approvals are granted by the Program Director.
The Minor Program in Astronomy
The minor in astronomy consists of 15 credits of astronomy and physics courses, at least 9 credits of which must be astronomy courses at or above the 100-level. No more than one course required in a student’s major program may be included in the minor program. The minor program should be designed along a coherent intellectual theme in consultation with the Physics Department Chair. Examples of course sequences for the minor program can be found on the Physics Department Web Site.
Courses
ASTR 007 Introduction to Astronomy 3 Credits
Introduction to planetary, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy. An examination of the surface characteristics, atmospheres, and motions of planets and other bodies in our solar system. Properties of the sun, stars, and galaxies, including the birth and death of stars, stellar explosions, and the formation of stellar remnants such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes. Quasars, cosmology, and the evolution of the universe. May not be taken by students who have previously completed ASTR 105, PHY 105, ASTR 301, PHY 301, ASTR 302 OR PHY 302.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 008 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory 1 Credit
Laboratory to accompany ASTR 007. Must be enrolled concurrently in ASTR 007.
Corequisites: ASTR 007
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 091 Special Topics in Astrophysics 1-4 Credits
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 105 Introduction to Planetary Astronomy 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the solar system. Topics include observations of the sky, transition from the geocentric to the heliocentric paradigm, gravitational interactions, formation and evolution of the solar system, the structure of and energy production in the Sun, survey of the planets in the solar system, including their dynamics, interiors, atmospheres, composition, and moons, the nature of asteroids, comets, and the Kuiper belt, and the study of exoplanets. Instructor permission required in lieu of Phy 5/10/11.
Prerequisites: PHY 005 or PHY 010 or PHY 011
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 191 Special Topics in Astrophysics 1-4 Credits
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 273 Research 2-3 Credits
Participation in current research projects being carried out within the department.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 291 Special Topics in Astronomy 1-4 Credits
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 300 Apprentice Teaching 3 Credits
ASTR 301 Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics 3 Credits
This course will take an observational, theoretical, and computational perspective to investigate the physics of stars. Students will learn how to measure fundamental stellar properties (distance, brightness, mass, radius, and temperature). Students will combine astronomical data analysis with physical modeling, including applications from classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and nuclear physics, to describe the atmosphere, internal structure, energy generation, and evolution of stars. Additional topics include: binary stars, variable stars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes.
Prerequisites: (PHY 010 or PHY 011) and (PHY 013 or PHY 021 or PHY 023) and PHY 031 and (MATH 022 or MATH 032 or MATH 052)
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 302 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics 3 Credits
This course covers the astrophysics of the universe from stars to cosmological structure. We explore star clusters and stellar populations, and examine the components, structure, and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy. We investigate galactic morphology, classification, and evolution, including active galaxies and quasars. The course concludes with a short introduction to cosmology and an overview of galaxy clusters and intergalactic structure.
Prerequisites: (PHY 010 or PHY 011) and (PHY 013 or PHY 021 or PHY 023) and (MATH 022 or MATH 032 or MATH 052) and ASTR 301
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 332 (PHY 332) High-Energy Astrophysics 3 Credits
Observation and theory of X-ray and gamma-ray sources, quasars, pulsars, radio galaxies, neutron stars, black holes. Results from ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray satellites. Generally offered in the spring of odd-numbered years.
Prerequisites: PHY 021 and (MATH 023 or MATH 033) and PHY 031 and PHY 215
Can be taken Concurrently: MATH 023, MATH 033
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 342 (PHY 342) General Relativity 3 Credits
An introduction to Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Topics covered: the geometry of spacetime; curvature and the gravitational field equations; the Schwarzschild and Kerr black holes and more general spacetime geometries; black hole thermodynamics; gravitational waves; the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker geometry and inflationary cosmology; dark energy and the cosmological constant problem.
Prerequisites: (PHY 021) and (MATH 023 or MATH 033) and PHY 215
Can be taken Concurrently: MATH 023, MATH 033, PHY 215
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 344 Cosmology 3 Credits
This course covers the large-scale evolution of our universe from the big bang until today and into the far future. Topics covered: Hubble expansion, Friedman equations, Einstein’s biggest blunder, dark energy, dark matter, the standard model of cosmology (the so-called ΛCDM model), the cosmic microwave background, nucleosynthesis and inflation.
Prerequisites: PHY 021 and (MATH 023 or MATH 033) and PHY 215
Can be taken Concurrently: MATH 023, MATH 033, PHY 215
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 389 Honors Project 1-6 Credits
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
ASTR 391 Special Topics in Astronomy 1-4 Credits
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
ASTR 491 Special Topics in Astronomy 1-4 Credits
Selected topics not sufficiently covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
