Physics and Astronomy (BS)

Variable Credit Min

Variable Credit Max

Major Academic Plan

Learning Outcomes

Title

Physics Theory and Application

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to apply principles to model and solve representative problems both analytically and computationally at an introductory level from the primary physical theories (classical mechanics quantum mechanics special relativity thermodynamics electromagnetism and optics) and at an advanced level from classical mechanics electricity and magnetism and in topics chosen from quantum mechanics optics and thermal physics. Apply physical theories to the solution of astrophysical problems.

Title

Observation and Computational Skills

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to locate and observe astronomical objects write scientific programs to simulate physical systems and analyze astrophysical data.

Title

Effective Communication

Learning Outcome

Communicate professionally to a technical audience both orally and in writing. Be able to understand scientific ideas by reading books and journal articles.

Title

Professional Ethics

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to understand scientific ethical practices and demonstrate them in the conduct of scientific research.

Title

Research and Professional Preparation

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to conduct astronomical or astrophysical research under the direction of a faculty mentor to contribute to the generation of new knowledge and prepare to do this professionally.

Program Requirements

No more than 3 hours of D credit is allowed in major courses.

Requirement 1 —Complete 1 Requirement

Requirement 1.1 —Complete 20 Courses

course - Intro to Computer Science 3.0

course - Calculus 2 4.0

course - Intro to Newtonian Mechanics 3.0

course - Intro to Waves, Optics, Thermo 3.0

course - Descriptive Astronomy 3.0

course - Intro Phscs Careers & Rsrch 1 0.5

course - Intro Electricity & Magnetism 3.0

course - Modern Physics 3.0

course - Solar System Astronomy 3.0

course - Stars & Galaxies 3.0

course - Computational Physics Lab 1 1.0

course - Intro Phscs Careers & Rsrch 2 0.5

course - Intro Math Physics 3.0

course - Mechanics 3.0

course - Observational Astronomy 3.0

course - Computational Physics Lab 2 1.0

course - Stellar Astrophysics 3.0

course - Galaxies and Cosmology 3.0

course - Electricity & Magnetism 3.0

course - Quantum Mechanics 3.0

Note: Phscs 191 should be taken the first semester as a freshman. Phscs 291 should be taken the first semester as a sophomore.

Requirement 2 —Complete 2 of 4 Courses

course - Statistical & Thermal Physics 3.0

course - Electrodynamics 3.0

course - Appl Quantum Mechanics 3.0

course - Principles of Optics 3.0

Requirement 3 —Complete 1 of 2 Options

Option 3.1 —Complete 2 Courses

course - Math for Engr 1 4.0

course - Math for Engineering 2 4.0

Option 3.2 —Complete 4 Courses

course - Elementary Linear Algebra 2.0

course - Computational Linear Algebra 1.0

course - Calculus of Several Variables 3.0

course - Ordinary Differential Equation 3.0

Requirement 4 —Complete 1 Requirement

Senior thesis:

Complete a senior thesis, including the following:

A. Choose a research mentor and group as early as possible, starting with information in Phscs 191 and 192, and discussions with faculty, your advisor, and the senior thesis coordinator. It is best to start as a freshman or sophomore. Some internships may qualify for your project.

Requirement 4.1 —Complete 2 hours

course - Senior Thesis - You may take up to 2.0 credit hours 0.5v

Requirement 5 — Obtain confirmation from your advisement center that you have completed the following:

Students are required to take the Physics "Major Field Test" the last semester before they graduate. The test is a standardized assessment of undergraduate physics written by ETS (Educational Testing Service). The ETS website contains a description of the exam and sample problems: http://www.ets.org/mft/about/content/physics. Results of the exam do not appear on the transcript or affect the GPA. Students should contact the Physics undergraduate secretary to make arrangements for taking the exam; typically it's done in the Testing Center before mid-semester.

Note: Students planning on graduate school in astronomy should consider taking all four of Phscs 360, 442, 452, 471, instead of only two. Gain statistics and computer programming skills beyond what you get in this major by taking courses such as Stat 201 (Statistics for Engineers and Scientists) and courses such as Phscs 430 (Computational Physics 3) and Me En 373 (Introduction to Scientific Computing).