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BA in Astronomy & Physics

Astronomy encompasses the most interesting physical phenomena in the universe, from the atmospheres of planets to the discovery and characterization of planets orbiting other stars, the nature of galaxies and the stars within them, the supermassive black holes at the centers of large galaxies, and how the universe got to be the way it is. Astronomy & Physics (A&P) majors gain a broad knowledge of the principles of astronomy and physics, including planets in the solar system, stars and star formation, the nature of the interstellar medium, galaxies and cosmology, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and mathematical methods of physics. A&P students learn to communicate astronomical information effectively to a variety of audiences using a variety of media and methods. They learn to think critically and evaluate, interpret, and solve problems related to astronomy, physics, and general scientific topics. The A&P BA is a pathway to research-oriented careers. It prepares students for either immediate workforce entry or further, graduate-level study in astronomy and related sciences. Students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in astronomy or astrophysics are advised to choose this major.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the principles of astronomy.

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the principles of physics.

Communicate astronomical information effectively, both in writing and verbally (or signed), and to a variety of audiences.

Think critically and evaluate, interpret, and solve problems related to astronomical topics as well as other technical and general scientific topics.

Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University's general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Astronomy & Physics will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning, as well as some of the requirements in Communication and the Intellectual Toolkit. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

Astronomy & Physics majors will also satisfy College of Arts & Sciences requirements, described here.

A total of 19 courses are required for the major, all completed with a grade of C or higher. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are 4 unit hours.

Prerequisites (4)

CAS AS 202 Principles of Astronomy I

CAS AS 203 Principles of Astronomy II

CAS PY 251 Principles of Physics 1 (or CAS PY 211 General Physics)

CAS PY 252 Principles of Physics 2 (or CAS PY 212 General Physics)

Required Courses (15)

CAS AS 311 Planetary Physics

CAS AS 312 Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics

CAS AS 441 Observational Astronomy or CAS PY 581 Advanced Laboratory

CAS MA 123 Calculus I

CAS MA 124 Calculus II

CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus

CAS PY 313 Waves and Modern Physics (or PY 351 Modern Physics I)

CAS PY 355 Methods of Theoretical Physics

CAS PY 405 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I

CAS PY 406 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves II

CAS PY 408 Intermediate Mechanics

CAS PY 410 Statistical Thermodynamics

CAS PY 451 Quantum Physics 1

and at least two courses from the following list:

CAS AS 413 Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology

CAS AS 414 Solar and Space Physics