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 Physics at Virginia

The Astronomy/Physics BS is an interdepartmental major administered jointly with the Astronomy Department. The program prepares a student for graduate study in either astronomy or physics, or in related fields. Students in this major have advisors both from Astronomy and Physics. Official information regarding the major requirements is available in the Undergraduate Record.

While it is not required, we recommend that prospective majors take ASTR 1610 (Introduction to Astronomy Research), which introduces many of the 'big ideas' in astronomy and helps connect students with research opportunities in the department.

Requirements for the major are:

  • PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 (prereq: Calc 1)
  • PHYS 1429 - Physics 1 Workshop (coreq: Intro Physics 1)
  • PHYS 1655 Python for Scientists and Engineers or PHYS 3630 - Computational Physics
  • MATH 2310 or APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus (prereq: Calc 2)
  • PHYS 2410 or PHYS 2415 - Introductory Physics 2 (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
  • PHYS 2419 - Physics 2 Workshop (coreq: Intro Physics 2)
  • PHYS 2620 - Modern Physics (prereq: Intro Physics 2)
  • ASTR 2110 - Introduction to Astrophysics 1 (prereq: Intro Physics 1)
  • ASTR 2120 - Introduction to Astrophysics 2 (prereq: Intro to Astrophys 1)
  • MATH 3250 or APMA 2130 - Differential Equations (prereq: Calc 2)
  • PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving (coreq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
  • ASTR 3130 - Observational Astronomy (prereq: Intro to Astrophys 2)
  • PHYS 3210 - Classical Mechanics (prereq: Intro Physics 2, Differential Equations)
  • PHYS 3310 - Statistical Physics (prereq: Modern Physics)
  • PHYS 3340 - Mathematics for Physics (prereq: Multivariable Calc)
  • MATH 4220 or APMA 3140 - Partial Differential Equations (prereq: Differential Equations)
  • PHYS 3420 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 (prereq: Intro Physics 2, Partial Differential Equations)
  • PHYS 3430 - Electricity and Magnetism 2 (prereq: E&M 1)
  • PHYS 3650 - Quantum Mechanics 1 (prereq: Modern Physics, Differential Eqns, Math for Physics)
  • ASTR 4988 - Senior Thesis
  • Six additional credits of 3000- to 5000-level astronomy electives

Declaring the Major

You are welcome to declare an astronomy/physics major at any time, there are no prerequisites or conditions to fulfill. To start the process, please fill out this form to request a major advisor.

Distinguished Major Program

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or better. For the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP), students must meet the requirements of the Astronomy-Physics major described above, must complete either PHYS 3660 (Quantum Phys. II) or any PHYS course at the 5000-level, complete a two-semester Senior Thesis (ASTR 4998), and complete at least two ASTR courses at the 4000-5000 level (excluding ASTR 4993 and ASTR 4998) as part of the six credits of elective Astronomy courses. This program may lead to the award of degrees with Distinction, High Distinction, or Highest Distinction.

Sample Course Schedule (New Requirements)

Only courses related to the astronomy/physics degree are shown. This schedule assumes one semester of calculus experience from high school, either via dual enrollment or AP Calculus AB. The major is still readily accessible to students with no calculus background, consult with an advisor about developing a schedule suitable to your situation.

Year Fall     Spring  
1 MATH 1320 [4] Calculus 2   MATH 2310 [4] Calculus 3
  PHYS 1660 [1]  Practical Computing*   PHYS 1420 [3] Intro Phys 1
        PHYS 1429 [1] Workshop 1
        ASTR 1610 [1] Intro Astr. Research*
           
2 MATH 3250 [4] Differential Eqns   PHYS 3340 [4] Math for Physics
  PHYS 2410 [3] Intro Phys 2   PHYS 2620 [4] Modern Physics
  PHYS 2419 [1] Workshop 2   PHYS 2720 [2] Problem Solving
  PHYS 1655 [3] Python   ASTR 2120 [3] Intro Astrophys 2
  ASTR 2110 [3] Intro Astrophys 1      
           
3 MATH 4220 [3] Partial Diff. Eqs.   ASTR 3130 [3] Observational Lab
  PHYS 3210 [3] Classical Mech.   PHYS 3420 [3] E&M 1
  PHYS 3650 [3]  Quantum 1   ASTR xxxx [3] Elective
           
4 PHYS 3430 [3] E&M 2   ASTR xxxx [3] Elective
  PHYS 3310 [3] Statistical Physics   ASTR 4998 [3] Thesis
  ASTR 4810 [3] Astrophysics*      

*PHYS 1660 (Practical Computing) and ASTR 1910 (Intro to Astronomy Research) are optional courses that are not required for the major. ASTR 4810 is not required for the major but recommended for students interested in graduate school.

Return to Undergraduate Program page