The knowledge acquired and the analytical skills developed provide excellent broad-based training for careers in industry, education and government as well as preparation for graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics, science education, engineering, law, and medicine.
The Department of Astronomy offers two undergraduate degree options.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Astronomy
Broader and less specialized than the B.S., with the aim of developing and sharpening analytical and quantitative reasoning while at the same time cultivating broader knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers, including business, law, the health professions, science writing, and teaching.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Astrophysics
Designed for students who intend to pursue careers in a scientific or technical field by continuing to study astronomy, astrophysics or physics at the graduate level or to commence study in some related field such as planetary science.
Coursework for the Major
All students are required to take 10 core courses in mathematics, physics and astronomy. The B.A. in astronomy requires a total of 41 credits; the B.S. in astrophysics requires a minimum of 62 credits. Students pursuing the B.A. have fewer additional required astronomy and physics courses, which offers greater flexibility for taking courses in other disciplines.
All required courses must be completed with minimum grades of C.
Required Courses for Both Degrees
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 | 4 |
| PHY 2048 & 2048L | Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory for Physics with Calculus 1 | 4 |
| PHY 2049 & 2049L | Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory for Physics with Calculus 2 | 4 |
| AST 3018 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 | 3 |
| AST 3019 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 2 | 3 |
| AST 3722C | Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 29 |
Recommended Coursework for Graduate Study
Students should talk with the undergraduate coordinator and plan to take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| Select additional courses: | ||
COP 2271 | Computer Programming for Engineers | |
MAA 4402 | Functions of a Complex Variable | |
MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | |
PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | |
PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | |
PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | |
STA 3032 | Engineering Statistics |
Students of exceptional ability who have some background in physics are encouraged to take the enriched physics with calculus sequence PHY 2060/PHY 2061 instead of PHY 2048/PHY 2049; PHY 3063 may then be taken in place of PHY 3101; and PHZ 3113 may be substituted for PHY 3221.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
UFTeach Program
More Info
There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary science teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see the undergraduate coordinator about the UFTeach program. UFTeach students can complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching along with their B.A. in astronomy and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
Research
Students pursuing the B.S. in astrophysics are encouraged to engage in research with astronomy faculty by signing up for at least three credits of AST 4911; 3 credits of AST 4911 may count toward the 4000 level requirement; an additional 3 credits of AST 4911 may be applied toward the 4000 level requirement with the approval of the undergraduate coordinator.