Astrophysics Four-Year Plan
Revised 04/2024
Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course prerequisites and corequisites (designated by &)
UD: must be admitted to the major prior to enrollment
◊: Courses required for admission to this major
+: Phys 3041 and Phys 4303 not required if admitted prior to Fall 2017. Recommended as Technical Electives.
Note: This is a sample plan that shows the department's recommended course plan for completing this degree in four years. Alternative course options can be seen on the APAS or Catalog page.
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
- ◊ Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or prereq) [4cr]
- ◊ Phys 1301W Intro Physics I (&Math 1371) [4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
- CSE 1001 First Year Experience [1cr]
Spring Semester
- ◊ Math 1372 Calculus II (1371) [4cr]
- ◊ Phys 1302W Intro Physics II (1301W, &Math 1372) [4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
- ◊ Math 2373 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (1372) [4cr]
- ◊ Phys 2503 Physics III: Waves, Optics (1302W, Math 1372) [4cr]
- ◊ Phys 2201 Intro Thermo & Statistical Physics (1302W, Math 1372) [4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
- Ast 2001 Intro Astrophysics (Math 1372, Phys 1302W or instructor consent) [4cr]
- Phys 2601 Quantum Physics (2503, &Math 2373) [4cr]
- Phys 3041 Math for Physics+ (1302W, Math 2373) [3cr]
Junior Year
Fall Semester
- Phys 4001 Analytical Mechanics (2503 or 2601, 3041, Math 2374) [4cr]
- Ast 4xxx or 5xxx [4cr]
- Phys 3605W Modern Physics Lab (&2503) [3cr]
- Technical Elective I [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- Ast 4xxx or 5xxx [4cr]
- Technical Elective II [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
Senior Year
Fall Semester
- Ast 4994W Senior Thesis [3 or 4cr]
- Phys 4002 Electricity & Magnetism (2503 or 2601, 3041, Math 2374) [4cr]
- Technical Elective III [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- Phys 4303 Electrodynamics & Waves+ (4002) [3cr]
- Technical Elective IV [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
Total Credits Needed for Degree: 120
Additional Information
The APAS is the official method for tracking completion of your specific degree requirements. This plan is not a contract and curriculum can change.
Applying to a major: z.umn.edu/csemajorapp
Courses required for admission to this major: Math 1371, Math 1372, Math 2373, Phys 1301W, Phys 1302W, Phys 2503, Phys 2201
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
Department Contact Information
Website: astro.umn.edu/undergrad
Main Phone: 612-624-4811 | Main Office: Tate Hall 285
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Liliya Williams
Departmental Student Advisor: Professor Bob Gehrz; gehrz001@umn.edu
Major Catalog Page: https://umtc.catalog.prod.coursedog.com/programs/011624207
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University Degree Requirements
All students must complete the following requirements. Requirements with an (*) will be fulfilled by taking courses at UM-TC required for this major.
Writing Requirements
University Writing:
- Writ 1301/1401 or equivalent
Writing Intensive (WI):
- One: Any level*
- One: Any level*
- One: 3/4/5xxx level (in major)*
- One: 3/4/5xxx level (any dept.)*
Liberal Education
Cores:
- Biological Sciences w/Lab
- Physical Sciences w/Lab*
- Historical Perspectives
- Social Sciences
- Arts/Humanities
- Literature
- Mathematical Thinking*
Themes (choose 4 of 5):
- Race, Power, and Justice in the US (required)
- Civic Life and Ethics
- The Environment
- Global Perspectives
- Technology and Society