Astronomy, BA
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Astronomy
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts program provides both a theoretical foundation and practical experience in the field of astronomy, offering flexible coursework in astronomy, math, and physics that helps to facilitate double or secondary majors. Students develop skills in data analysis, computational methods, and science communication. This program prepares students for graduate study in astronomy or careers in data science, science education, public outreach, and related fields.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify astronomical objects and describe their essential properties.
- Students will be able to apply physical laws and quantitative mathematics to understand astronomical phenomena.
- Students will be able to use computational methods to characterize and interpret data.
- Students will be able to apply astronomical knowledge to develop and execute a focused research project.
- Students will be able to demonstrate effective science communication skills to explain the results of scientific research.
- Students will be able to apply physical laws and quantitative mathematics to understand advanced theoretical and laboratory physics concepts.
Undergraduate Policies
For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs
Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.
Program Requirements
Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.
The Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy requires 120 credit hours, including 15 credit hours in astronomy, 26 credit hours in physics, 14 credit hours in math, 3 credit hours in computer programming, and 9 credit hours in technical electives.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required 200 Level Courses: | 6 | |
| Stars and Planets | ||
| Galaxies and Cosmology | ||
| Required 300 Level Courses: | 9 | |
| Choose three of the following: | ||
| Astronomical Techniques | ||
| Stellar Physics | ||
| The Local Universe | ||
| Cosmology and the Structure of the Universe | ||
| Additional required courses: | ||
| MATH 121 | Calculus for Science and Engineering I | 4 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus for Science and Engineering II | 4 |
| or MATH 124 | Calculus II | |
| MATH 223 | Calculus for Science and Engineering III | 3 |
| or MATH 227 | Calculus III | |
| MATH 224 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 228 | Differential Equations | |
| PHYS 121 | General Physics I - Mechanics | 4 |
| or PHYS 123 | Physics and Frontiers I - Mechanics | |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| or PHYS 124 | Physics and Frontiers II - Electricity and Magnetism | |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Computational Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 313 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 324 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| ENGR 131 | Elementary Computer Programming | 3 |
| Technical electives: a | 9 | |
| Dark Matter | ||
| Exploratory Data Science | ||
| Planetary Materials | ||
| The Copernican Revolution | ||
| Introduction to Linear Algebra for Applications | ||
| Revolutions in Science | ||
| Analog and Digital Electronics | ||
| Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism II | ||
| Physical Optics | ||
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II | ||
| Methods of Mathematical Physics I | ||
| Basic Statistics for Engineering and Science | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 67 | |
- a
Consult advisor for other acceptable classes.
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MATH 121 | Calculus for Science and Engineering I | 4 |
| PHYS 121 or PHYS 123 | General Physics I - Mechanics or Physics and Frontiers I - Mechanics | 4 |
| Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 122 or MATH 124 | Calculus for Science and Engineering II or Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 122 or PHYS 124 | General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism or Physics and Frontiers II - Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| ENGR 131 | Elementary Computer Programming | 3 |
| Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ASTR 221 | Stars and Planets | 3 |
| MATH 223 or MATH 227 | Calculus for Science and Engineering III or Calculus III | 3 |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ASTR 222 | Galaxies and Cosmology | 3 |
| MATH 224 or MATH 228 | Elementary Differential Equations or Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Computational Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ASTR 328 | Cosmology and the Structure of the Universe | 3 |
| PHYS 313 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ASTR 311 | Stellar Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 324 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 331 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Capstone b | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ASTR 306 | Astronomical Techniques | 3 |
| Breadth, or Elective course a | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- a
- b
A Capstone Experience is required of all students. The Astronomy BA does not require the Astronomy Capstone but only that 3 credit hours of Capstone be taken in some field. Depending on the Capstone taken, the 3 credit hours may be spread over two semesters.