Astrophysics Four-Year Plan

Revised 05/2021

Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course pre-requisites and co-requisites (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.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

  • Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or pre-req) [4cr]
  • Phys 1301 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 (1301, &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 (1302, Math 1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 2201 Intro Thermo & Statistical Physics (1302, Math 1372) [4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
  • Ast 2001 Intro Astrophysics (Math 1372, Phys 1302 or instructor consent) [4cr]
  • Phys 2601 Quantum Physics (2503, &Math 2373) [4cr]
  • Phys 3041 Math for Physics+ (1302, 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 2373, Phys 2503, Phys 2201

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Department Contact Information

astro.umn.edu/undergrad • 612-624-4811 • Tate Hall 285
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Liliya Williams
Departmental Contact: Professor Bob Gehrz; gehrz@astro.umn.edu

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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 & Society