Physics, Astronomy Concentration, B.S.

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The B.S. in Physics with a Concentration in Astronomy is a modification of Plan A, the general physics major track, to emphasize observational astronomy and stellar and galactic astrophysics. This concentration is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate studies and/or careers in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as for students who desire an increased emphasis on image processing techniques and radiative processes and energy transport.

Requirement

Core Areas A, B, C, D, and E: 42 hours

General Education Requirements (Core Curriculum)

(Students must select MATH 1113 in area A and MATH 1634 in area D. In Plans A,B, E, F, G, and the Astronomy concentration, it is advised that students select XIDS 2001 (The Physical Universe) in area B and CHEM 1211 + CHEM 1211L and CHEM 1212 + CHEM 1212L in area D.)

Core Area F: 18 Hours

MATH 1113 - Precalculus 3.0 - 4.0 Credit Hours (1 of 4)
MATH 1634 - Calculus I 4 Credit Hours (1 of 4)
MATH 2644 - Calculus II 4 Credit Hours
MATH 2654 - Calculus III 4 Credit Hours
PHYS 2211 - Principles of Physics I 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 2211L - Principles of Physics I Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
PHYS 2212 - Principles of Physics II 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 2212L - Principles of Physics II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours

Courses Required for the Degree: 45-54 Hours

PHYS 3113 - Mechanics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 3213 - Thermodynamics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 3313 - Electricity and Magnetism 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 3503 - Modern Physics 3 Credit Hours
MATH 3303 - Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Credit Hours
XIDS 2001 - What do you really know about: XXX (Special Topics) 1 Credit Hours (The Physical Universe, if not completed in area B)
CHEM 1211 - Principles of Chemistry I 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 1211L - Principles of Chemistry I Lab 1 Credit Hours
CHEM 1212 - Principles of Chemistry II 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 1212L - Principles of Chemistry II Lab 1 Credit Hours (if not completed in area D)

Ten Hours Selected From

Astronomy Concentration Core.
At least 7 credit hours in this area must have the ASTR prefix. That is, either PHYS 4323 or PHYS 4333 (but not both) may count toward the 10 hours.

ASTR 3133 - Observational Astronomy 3 Credit Hours
ASTR 3683 - Astronomy Research 1-2 Credit Hours
ASTR 4103 - Stellar Astrophysics 3 Credit Hours
ASTR 4433 - Galaxies and Cosmology 3 Credit Hours
ASTR 4984 - Introduction to Astrophysical Literature 1 Credit Hours
PHYS 4323 - Nuclear Physics 3 Credit Hours OR
PHYS 4333 - Quantum Mechanics 3 Credit Hours

Nine Hours Selected From:

Math Electives

MATH 2853 - Elementary Linear Algebra 3 Credit Hours
MATH 3353 - Methods of Applied Mathematics 3 Credit Hours
MATH 3413 - Survey of Modern Algebra 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4003 - Dynamical Systems 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4013 - Numerical Analysis 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4203 - Mathematical Probability 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4213 - Mathematical Statistics 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4313 - Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Credit Hours
MATH 4363 - Partial Differential Equations 3 Credit Hours

Fifteen Additional Hours Selected From:

PHYS 3013 - Basic Electronics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 3023 - Digital Electronics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 3413 - Optics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 4323 - Nuclear Physics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 4333 - Quantum Mechanics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 4413 - Introduction to Solid State Physics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 4683 - Physics Research 1.0 - 3.0 Credit Hours
ASTR 2313 - Astronomy 3 Credit Hours
ASTR 3683 - Astronomy Research 1-2 Credit Hours
ASTR 4984 - Introduction to Astrophysical Literature 1 Credit Hours
PHYS 3511 - Experimental Physics I 1 Credit Hours
PHYS 3521 - Experimental Physics II 1 Credit Hours
PHYS 4513 - Mathematical Physics 3 Credit Hours
PHYS 4523 - Computational Physics 3 Credit Hours OR
MATH 4153 - Applied Mathematical Modeling 3 Credit Hours

Electives: 6-15 Hours

Must include enough upper level hours to make a total of at least 39.