University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Physics B.A. - Astronomy

The astronomy concentration provides a thorough study of astronomy and astrophysics as well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate programs in astronomy and astrophysics while others have found career opportunities at national astronomical observatories.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics; Astronomy Concentration

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog. 

Summary

Lower-Division Physics Core10
Lower-Division Astronomy Core4
Upper-Division Physics Core12
Upper-Division Astronomy Core9
Major Electives12
Physics Electives
Physics Laboratory Electives
Math Requirements16
Computer Science Electives3
Advanced College Writing Requirement3
Total Hours69

Degree Specific Credits: 69

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Lower-Division Physics Core

Complete one of the following Physics sequences:10
Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics:
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
Calculus-based Physics (strongly recommended):
Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus I
and Physics Laboratory I with Calculus
Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus II
and Physics Laboratory II with Calculus
Total Hours10

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Lower-Division Astronomy Core

Rule: Complete all of the courses in one of the two options. 4 total credits required.

Astronomy Core: Option 1

If option 1 is chosen, complete all of the following courses:
ASTR 132NStars, Galaxies, and the Universe3
ASTR 135NStars, Galaxies, and the Universe Lab1
Total Hours4

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Astronomy Core: Option 2

If option 2 is chosen, complete the following course:
ASTR 142NThe Evolving Universe4
Total Hours4

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Physics Core

Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301Intro Theoretical Physics3
PHSX 311Oscillations and Waves2
PHSX 343Modern Physics3
PHSX 461Quantum Mechanics I3
PHSX 499Senior Capstone Seminar1
Total Hours12

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Astronomy Core

Note: In addition, ASTR 351 and ASTR 362 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
ASTR 353Galactic Astrophysics3
ASTR 363Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics I3
ASTR 365Stellar Ast & Astrophys II3
Total Hours9

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Major Electives

Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 12 total credits required.

Physics Electives

Complete three of the following courses:9
Planetary Science
Classical Mechanics
Optics
Computational Physics
Electricity & Magnetism I
Electricity & Magnetism II
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Elementary Particle Physics
Quantum Mechanics II
Special Topics
Total Hours9

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Physics Laboratory Electives

Complete one of the following laboratory courses:3
Observational Astronomy
Intermediate Physics Lab
Advanced Physics Lab
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: In addition,M 412, and M 418 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
M 171Calculus I4
M 172Calculus II4
M 221Introduction to Linear Algebra4
M 273Multivariable Calculus4
Total Hours16

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Electives

Select one of the following courses:3
Introduction to Computer Science
Interdisciplinary Computer Science I
Computational Physics (strongly recommended)
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Advanced College Writing Requirement

Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.

Complete the following course:
PHSX 330Communicating Physics3
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-