Sample Course Programs for Undergraduate Astronomy Degrees



Astronomy Bachelor of Arts Degree (Liberal Arts and Sciences)

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.

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 320, 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.


Sample Course Program for the B.A. Degree:

Year 1
Fall SemesterSpring Semester
Course#TitleUnitsCourse#TitleUnits
MATH150Calculus I5PHYS195Principles of Physics3
G.E.I-1Oral Communication3PHYS195LPrinciples of Physics Lab1
G.E.IICHumanities3MATH151Calculus II4
G.S.100University Seminar1G.E.I-2Written Communication3
  Foreign Language(5)  Foreign Language(5)
Year 2
Fall SemesterSpring Semester
Course#TitleUnitsCourse#TitleUnits
G.E.IIALife Science3PHYS197Principles of Physics3
MATH252Calculus III4PHYS197LPrinciples of Physics Lab1
PHYS196Principles of Physics3ASTR201Astronomy for Science Majors3
PHYS196LPrinciples of Physics Lab1G.E.IIBSocial and Behavioral Science3
G.E.I-3Written Communication3G.E.IICHumanities3
      Foreign Language(3)
Year 3
Fall SemesterSpring Semester
Course#TitleUnitsCourse#TitleUnits
MATH342AMethods of Applied Math I3ASTR320Solar System Astronomy3
PHYS350Classical Mechanics3ASTR350Astronomical Techniques3
G.E.IIBSocial and Behavioral Science3G.E.IICHumanities3
G.E.IICHumanities3G.E.IIIAmerican Institutions3
G.E.IIIAmerican Institutions3G.E.IVExplorations3
Year 4
Fall SemesterSpring Semester
Course#TitleUnitsCourse#TitleUnits
ASTR440Astrophysics of Stars3ASTR450Astrophysics of Star Systems3
PHYS354Modern Physics3ASTR/PHYSElective3
ASTR/PHYSElective3G.E.IVExplorations3
G.E.IVExplorations3  Elective3
  Elective3  Elective3
  Elective1    


For further information about the undergraduate courses or degree programs, contact the Astronomy Department Undergraduate Adviser Dr. Orosz: jorosz[at]mail.sdsu.edu.

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