All candidates for a degree in Applied Arts and Sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the General Catalog. No more than 48 units in Astronomy can apply to the degree. A minor is not required with this major.
Degree Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Map
Preparation for the Major. Astronomy 201; Mathematics 150, 151, 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (28 units)
Recommended: Chemistry 200, Computer Science 106 or 107.
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive semesters of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to the section of the General Catalog on “Graduation Requirements”.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University’s Writing Proficiency Assessment with a score of 10 or above, or completing one or the approved writing courses (W) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 27 upper division units in astronomy and physics to include Astronomy 350, 440, 450; Mathematics 342A; Physics 350, 354; and six units selected with the approval of the astronomy undergraduate adviser. Recommended: Physics 360, 400A, 406.
A sample course program for the B.A. degree is as follows:
Year 1
Fall Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Math | 150 | Calculus 1 | 5 |
G. E. | I-1 | Oral Communication | 3 |
G. E. | IIC | Humanities | 3 |
G. S. | 100 | University Seminar | 1 |
Foreign Language | (5) |
Spring Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Phys | 195 | Principles of Physics | 3 |
Phys | 195L | Principles of Physics Lab | 1 |
Math | 151 | Calculus II | 4 |
G. E. | I-2 | Written Communication | 3 |
Foreign Language | (5) |
Year 2
Fall Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
G. E. | IIA | Life Science | 3 |
Math | 252 | Calculus III | 4 |
Phys | 196 | Principles of Physics | 3 |
Phys | 196L | Principles of Physics Lab | 1 |
G. E. | I-3 | Written Communication | 3 |
Spring Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Phys | 197 | Principles of Physics | 3 |
Phys | 197L | Principles of Physics Lab | 1 |
Astr | 201 | Astronomy for Science Majors | 3 |
G. E. | IIB | Social and Behavioral Science | 3 |
G. E. | IIC | Humanities | 3 |
Foreign Language | (3) |
Year 3
Fall Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Math | 342A | Methods of Applied Math I | 3 |
Phys | 350 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
Astr | 450 | Astrophysics of Star Systems | 3 |
G. E. | IIB | Social and Behavioral Science | 3 |
G. E. | IIC | Humanities | 3 |
G. E. | III | American Institutions | 3 |
Spring Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Astr/Phys | Elective | 3 | |
Astr | 350 | Astronomical Techniques | 3 |
G. E. | IIC | Humanities | 3 |
G. E. | III | American Institutions | 3 |
G. E. | IV | Explorations | 3 |
Year 4
Fall Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
Astr | 440 | Astrophysics of Stars | 3 |
Phys | 354 | Modern Physis | 3 |
Astr/Phys | Elective | 3 | |
G. E. | IV | Explorations | 3 |
Elective | 3 | ||
Elective | 1 |
Spring Semester
Course | # | Title | Units |
G. E. | Explorations | 3 | |
Astr/Phys | Elective | 3 | |
Astr/Phys | Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | ||
Upper Division Elective | 1 |