physics and astronomy
philosophy
115
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Professors Bloom, Cheyne, McDermott; Associate Professors Keohane, Thurman; Visiting Associate Professor Holt
No student may both minor in Physics and complete a major within the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Chair: Jonathan W. Keohane
For more information about the department, see its web page.
The requirements for a major in Physics are 34 hours within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including Physics 131, 132, 151, 152, 233, 244, 331, 332, either Physics 106 or 243, and at least one of Physics 351, 352, or 461. Of the remaining 9 hours, 3 hours must be at the 200-level or above and 3 hours must be at the 300-level or above. Students majoring in Physics must complete Mathematics 141, 142, and 242. The requirements for a major in Engineering Physics are 36 hours, including Physics 101, 106, 131, 132, 151, 152, 215, 243, 244, 331, 451, and 452. The remaining 6 hours must be at the 200 level or higher. Students majoring in Engineering Physics must complete Mathematics 141, 142, 242, 231, and 243. Students majoring in Engineering Physics must complete either Physics 220 or Computer Science 261. A student may not major in both Physics and Engineering Physics. Physics majors seeking Distinction in Physics must complete Physics 461-462 and may not use these courses to fulfill elective hours in the major. Engineering Physics majors seeking Distinction in Engineering Physics must complete Physics 461-462 as a replacement for Physics 451-452 and meet all requirements as defined by the department. The requirements for a minor in Astronomy are 18 hours, including Astronomy 110, 151, 210, and 310; and Physics 131, 132, 151, and 152. Of these classes, only Physics 131, 132, 151, and 152 may count for both this minor and another major or minor that lists these courses among its requirements. The requirements for a minor in Physics are 19 hours within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, including: Physics 131, 132, 151, 152, 233, and one semester of Physics 351 or 352. Of the remaining 6 hours, at least 3 hours must be at the 300-level or above. Students minoring in Physics must complete Mathematics 141 and 142, with Mathematics 242 being highly recommended.
ASTRONOMY ASTRONOMY 110. (3) INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY. An examination of astronomy: its methods and history, and the origin and development of the solar system, the galaxy, and the universe. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: Astronomy 151. Offered: each semester. ASTRONOMY 125. (3) LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE. This course concentrates on the astronomical and biological conditions which have made possible the development of life on Earth. Our knowledge of the cosmos is critically examined to estimate the probabilities for life to arise elsewhere. Methods of searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life are reviewed. This is a one-semester course intended for the non-physicalscience major. Prerequisite: none. Offered: on sufficient demand. ASTRONOMY 210. (3) OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY. Optical and radio astronomy are introduced, with an emphasis on measurement techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis. Prerequisites: Astronomy 110 and Astronomy 151. Offered: spring semester of even-numbered years.
