The BA program is appropriate for students desiring a broad academic experience. It also provides greater flexibility when planning a joint degree with another department. Students preparing for graduate school in astronomy, physics, or a closely related science should consider the more intensive BS program.

Concentration Requirements for BA degree in Physics and Astronomy

• Two of the following: AST 203, 232, 241, or 242, including at least one of AST 241 or 242
• A total of three other 200 level physics or astronomy courses.
• Two additional 200 level technical courses, which can be in physics, mathematics, or another science or engineering (not necessarily at the 200 level).
• At least a 2.0 (C) average in astronomy, physics and mathematics courses must be maintained.
  
  

The choices of courses must be approved as a coherent program by the undergraduate astronomy advisor.

A typical program of study for the last two years is:

Third Year
Fall	Spring
PHY 217 -- Electricity & Magnetism I	PHY 237 -- Quantum Mech. of Physical Systems 1, or PHY 227 -- Thermo. & Statistical Mech. 4
PHY 235W -- Classical Mechanics	MTH 282 -- Intro. Complex Variables
MTH 281 -- Fourier Series	AST 241 -- Stellar Astrophysics 2
AST 232 -- The Milky Way Galaxy 2	Elective 3. 4
Fourth Year
Fall	Spring
AST 203 -- Astronomical Techniques 2	AST 242 -- Galaxies and Cosmology 2
AST or PHY Elective	PHY 246 -- Qunatum Theory, or PHY 227 -- Thermo. & Statistical Mech.
Elective or Cluster	Elective or Cluster
Elective	Elective 3

¹Students who have taken PHY 237 in their sophomore year should consider taking PHY 246 in either their junior or senior years. Students who have not already had PHY 237 should take it in their junior year.

²AST 203, AST 232, AST 241 and AST 242 are given every other year.

³PHY 218 (Electricity & Magnetism II), PHY 227 (Thermo. & Stat. Mech.), PHY 243/244 (Advanced Experimental Techniques I & II), or PHY 246 (Quantum Theory) is recommended.

⁴ Students continuing to graduate school in physics or in astronomy generally take the GRE Physics Exam during the Fall of their senior year. Before taking the GREs, it is strongly recommended that you have taken PHY 227 and that you review old copies of GRE exams available in the Physics/Optics/Astronomy Library, located on the 3rd floor of Bausch & Lomb Hall, room 374.

Note: Equivalent graduate level courses may be substituted when appropriate.

Go to Undergraduate Programs page.