Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics is suited for students whose career goals involve the combination of physics with other fields such as engineering, business, or humanities. This program also provides excellent preparation for technical writers, technical salespeople, and laboratory technicians and research assistants. The Bachelor of Arts in Physics with a Concentration in Astronomy is similar to the B.A. in Physics, but with upper division work concentrated in astronomy. This program also provides excellent preparation technical writers, as well as observatory or planetarium staff. The Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed to educate students who plan to pursue further education in physics or related fields (M.S. or Ph.D. programs), or who plan to seek employment as physicists, scientific associates, or technical staff members in industry, national laboratories, or academic laboratories. This program combines the education in physics fundamentals of the B.A. program with additional advanced courses, laboratory, and computer work, and more specialized work in a specialty such as solid state physics, optical physics, or computational physics. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to gain research experience. Graduates should have the fundamental mathematical, scientific, and learning skills to enable them to be lifelong learners who can rapidly master new scientific and technical developments. The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Concentration in Astrophysics is similar to the B.S. in Physics program, but with significant upper division work in astronomy, as appropriate for students planning employment or graduate study in the area of astrophysics. A senior project with thesis is required. High school preparation for these programs should include two years of algebra, one year of geometry, one-half year of trigonometry, one year of chemistry, and one year of physics. Some experience in computer programming is valuable. All students, especially those who have not completed a substantial chemistry course in high school, are strongly urged to take CHEM 115 and CHEM 215-CHEM 216 in their first year of college. It is suggested that students in these programs consult with their advisor before selecting courses to meet General Education requirements. Unnecessary repetition of elementary topics might be avoided by careful selection of courses. A plan of study prepared in consultation with a department advisor is prerequisite to entry into upper division study. Students who are considering teaching physics at the secondary school level should see a credential advisor in the department before planning the major since specific courses and a competency assessment are required for admission to the credential program. A maximum of 6 units taken CR/NC may be counted toward any undergraduate degree. All prerequisites for upper division courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. See course descriptions for prerequisite requirements