Apr 01, 2025

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.) With Concentration In Astronomy

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program: B.S.
Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306

Astronomy and astrophysics are the endeavor to understand the universe and to explain the origin of celestial objects and phenomena. It involves both planetary science (EAPS) and stellar science. The astrophysics track will require spectroscopy and instrumentation classes in addition to the astronomy core classes.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this degree, students will:

have skills that can lead to a career in astronomy, optics, data analysis or software; or for pursuing graduate education in physics, astronomy or engineering.

Program Delivery:

This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

Declare this major within the Department of Physics

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

Physics Astronomy 4-Year Plan:

Physics with Astrophysics Track 4-Year Plan:

Physics 15200 must be repeated if a grade of C- or below is received
A grade of C- or above in all supporting courses is required
A maximum of one grade below C- is allowed except for in supporting courses
A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses taken for the major

Physics BS with Secondary Education 4-Year Plan:

General Education Requirements Credits: 33

Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description. Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major. A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above. Go to Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree.

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6

See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree for Speaking requirement

ENGL 23301 - Intermediate Expository Writing Cr. 3.

International Language: Credits 6-8

See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

Core Physics Major Courses: Credits 22

PHYS 15200 - Mechanics Cr. 5.
PHYS 17000 - Special Topics in Physics Cr. 1-4.
- taken as First Year Seminar Cr. 2.
PHYS 25100 - Heat, Electricity, and Optics Cr. 5.
PHYS 34200 - Modern Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 34300 - Modern Physics Laboratory Cr. 1.
PHYS 44200 - Quantum Mechanics Cr. 3.
PHYS 48001 - Senior Thesis I Cr. 3.
PHYS 48002 - Senior Thesis II Cr. 0.

Core Supporting Courses: Credits 16

CHM 11500 - General Chemistry Cr. 4.
MA 16500 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Cr. 4.
MA 16600 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Cr. 4.
MA 26100 - Multivariate Calculus Cr. 4.
or
MA 26300 - Multivariate and Vector Calculus Cr. 4.

Additional Physics Major Courses: Credits 20

PHYS 30500 - Intermediate Mathematics Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 31000 - Intermediate Mechanics Cr. 4.
PHYS 31200 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism Cr. 3.
or
ECE 31100 - Electric And Magnetic Fields Cr. 3.
PHYS 32200 - Optics Cr. 3.
PHYS 32500 - Scientific Computing Cr. 3.
PHYS 34500 - Optics Laboratory I Cr. 1.
PHYS 34600 - Advanced Laboratory I Cr. 1.
PHYS 41800 - Thermal and Statistical Physics Cr. 3.

Additional Supporting Course: Credits 10

CHM 11600 - General Chemistry Cr. 4.
MA 35100 - Elementary Linear Algebra Cr. 3.
MA 36300 - Differential Equations Cr. 3.

Concentration in Astronomy

Core Astronomy /Astrophysics Courses: Credits 18

PHYS 13500 - The First Three Minutes Cr. 3.
ASTR 10000 - The Solar System Cr. 3.
ASTR 10500 - Stars And Galaxies Cr. 3-4.
ASTR 36400 - Stars And Galaxies Cr. 3.
ASTR 37000 - Cosmology Cr. 3.
ASTR 40100 - Introduction To Astrophysics Cr. 3.
or
ASTR 45100 - Galaxies And Large Scale Structure Cr. 3.
or
ASTR 47100 - Stellar Evolution Cr. 3.

Optional Astrophysics Track: Credits 11-12

PHYS 36100 - Electronics for Scientists Cr. 4.
PHYS 52400 - Physical Optics and Experimental Spectroscopy Cr. 4.
or
PHYS 40500 - Atomic and Molecular Physics Cr. 3.
PHYS 53600 - Electronic Techniques for Research Cr 4.

General Electives

Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120

Total Credits: 120

Student Responsibility

You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.