Why study physics and astronomy?
Our goal is to understand the physical universe. The questions addressed by our department’s research and education missions range from the applied, such as an improved understanding of the materials that can be used for solar cell energy production, to foundational questions about the nature of mass and space and how the universe was formed and subsequently evolved, and how astrophysical phenomena affected the Earth and its evolution. We study the properties of systems ranging in size from smaller than an atom to larger than a galaxy on timescales ranging from billionths of a second to the age of the universe. Our courses and laboratory/research experiences help students hone their problem solving and analytical skills and thereby become broadly trained critical thinkers. While about half of our majors move on to graduate studies in STEM, many find employment in the private sector in diverse situations ranging from financial analysts to physicians. Graduates of all our degree programs can be found in key positions regionally, nationally, and internationally. In this way, our department is at the forefront of telling the academic story of the University of Kansas to people around the state and around the world.
Undergraduate programs in astronomy
Astronomy degrees are offered through the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The astronomy curriculum offers undergraduates a survey of modern astronomy and an introduction to physical science, gives science and engineering students an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics, and prepares students majoring in astronomy for graduate study in astronomy or related fields.
Advising
Students considering a major in astronomy should confer early with a departmental representative about the selection of courses. The B.A. degree is appropriate for students who want a general education in astronomy as part of a broadly structured liberal education. The B.S. is a more specialized program with a substantial emphasis on physics content as well as astronomy. It provides preparation for a professional career or graduate work in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields. A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation.
First- and Second-Year Preparation
All major programs in physics and astronomy share requirements in basic physics and mathematics including PHSX 150
, a seminar course for majors. Completion of MATH 125
and MATH 126
in the first year allows students to start calculus-based physics foundation courses (PHSX 211
and PHSX 216
or PHSX 213
, followed by PHSX 212
and PHSX 236
or PHSX 214
) by the second semester. Majors are encouraged to take PHSX 213
and PHSX 214
, the honors versions of PHSX 211
/PHSX 216
and PHSX 212
/PHSX 236
. Students should take these courses and ASTR 391
in their first two years. B.S. astronomy majors normally complete additional course work in mathematics (MATH 127
, MATH 290
, and MATH 320
), as well as PHSX 313
and PHSX 316
, in the second year.
Courses for Nonmajors
ASTR 191
surveys a wide range of contemporary astronomy topics; ASTR 394
is open to students with previous coursework in astronomy, biology, or geology; ASTR 391
offers an introduction to physical astronomy at a calculus-based level.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Astronomy
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| |
| |
| EECS 138 | Introduction to Computing: _____ | 3 |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors |
| PHSX 150 | Seminar in Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Physics | 1 |
| 5 |
| General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory | |
| General Physics I Honors | |
| 4 |
| General Physics II
and General Physics II Laboratory | |
| General Physics II Honors | |
| 5 |
| General Chemistry I | |
| Chemistry for Engineers |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I |
| Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors
and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors |
| MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| or MATH 291 | Elementary Linear Algebra, Honors |
| MATH 320 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 220 | Applied Differential Equations |
| or MATH 221 | Applied Differential Equations, Honors |
| 3 |
| Mathematical Physics | |
| Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences | |
| Applied Mathematical Statistics I | |
| Introductory Modern Algebra | |
| Numerical Methods | |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Probability | |
| Complex Variable and Applications | |
| Applied Partial Differential Equations | |
| Calculus of Variations and Integral Equations | |
| Geometry I | |
| |
| ASTR 391 | Physical Astronomy, Honors | 3 |
| ASTR 591 | Stellar Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR 592 | Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy | 3 |
| ASTR 691 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| ASTR 692 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| ASTR 503 | Undergraduate Research | 1-4 |
| or ASTR 501 | Honors Research |
| PHSX 313 | General Physics III | 3 |
| PHSX 315 | Introduction to Computation for Physics and Astronomy | 3 |
| PHSX 316 | Intermediate Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| PHSX 611 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| 4 |
| Electronic Circuit Measurement and Design | |
| Physical Measurements | |
| PHSX 521 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHSX 531 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHSX 671 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| 3 |
| |
| Topics in Advanced Astrophysics | |
| Space Plasma Physics | |
| Space Plasma Physics |
| Gravitation and Cosmology (recommended) | |
| |
| ASTR 596 | Observational Astrophysics | 4 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses (above), majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior(300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Below is a sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the B.S. in Astronomy. To view the list of courses approved to fulfill KU Core 34, please visit the KU Core 34 page.
This degree plan assumes students will have completed MATH 104, or its equivalent, prior to the freshman year, fall semester.
| Freshman |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| MATH 125 (Core 34: Math and Statistics (SGE))030* | 4 | ASTR 391 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 |
| PHSX 150 (Major Requirement)4 | 1 | MATH 126 (Major Requirement) | 4 |
| CHEM 130 or 170 (Core 34: Natural and Physical Sciences (SGE); Major Requirement)040* | 5 | PHSX 211
& PHSX 216 (Major Requirement)5 | 5 |
| Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 | EECS 138 (Major Requirement)8 | 3 |
| Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 | |
| | 16 | | 15 |
| Sophomore |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| ASTR 591 (Major Requirement)2,4 | 3 | ASTR 592 (Major Requirement)3,4 | 3 |
PHSX 212
& PHSX 236 (Major Requirement)6 | 4 | PHSX 313 (Major Requirement) | 3 |
| MATH 127 (Pre-requisite for Major Requirement) | 4 | PHSX 316 (Major Requirement) | 1 |
| MATH 290 (Major Requirement) | 2 | MATH 320 (Major Requirement) | 3 |
| Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 | Core 34: Communications (SGE) 020 | 3 |
| | PHSX 315 | 3 |
| | 16 | | 16 |
| Junior |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| ASTR 596 (Capstone Requirement, Major Requirement)3,4 | 4 | ASTR 692 (Major Requirement)3,4 | 3 |
| ASTR 691 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 | PHSX 611 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 |
| PHSX 521 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 | PHSX 616 or 536 (Major Requirement) | 4 |
| PHSX Math Elective 300+ (Major Requirement)1 | 3 | Core 34: US Culture (SGE)070 | 3 |
| Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060 | 3 | ASTR 503 | 1-4 |
| | 16 | | 14-17 |
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| PHSX 531 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 | PHSX 693, ASTR 792, ASTR 795, or PHSX 795 (PHSX lecture or lab 500+) | 3 |
| PHSX 671 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 | Core 34: Global Culture (SGE)070 | 3 |
| Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060 | 3 | Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours | 3 | |
| | 15 | | 12 |
| Total Hours 120-123 |
Please note:
All students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are required to complete 120 total hours of which 45 hours must be at the Jr/Sr (300+) level.
Notes:
* - This course is a Required major course and is also part of KU Core 34: Systemwide General Education. If this course is not taken to fulfill the Core 34:SGE requirement, it must be taken in place of elective hours.
** - This course is a Recommended KU Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This specific course is not required but is recommended by the program’s faculty.
*** - This course is a Required KU Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This program is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents to require this specific KU Core 34:Systemwide General Education course. If a student did not take this course it must be taken in addition to other degree requirements.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Display Astronomy Content Knowledge.
- Display Experimental Skills.
- Display Computational Skills.
- Display Discipline Specific Research Skills.
Departmental Honors in Physics and Astronomy
Qualified students earning either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in astronomy or physics may graduate with Honors in Physics & Astronomy by fulfilling the following requirements: (1) By the end of the candidate's final semester, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major, in all courses taken in residence and elsewhere; and (2) Complete at least 24 semester hours of astronomy and physics courses numbered 500 or above, including undergraduate research represented by two hours of credit in ASTR 501, ASTR 503, PHSX 501 or PHSX 503. A grade of B or better must be earned in one of the following: ASTR 501, ASTR 503, PHSX 501 or PHSX 503. All of our department’s honors requirements include student research, for which results shall be presented in either: (1) a written research summary, read by 3 faculty members in physics and astronomy or related fields or authorship on a peer-reviewed manuscript; or (2) a research-based oral presentation at an appropriate venue (e.g., Undergraduate Research Symposium, a presentation in an advanced department seminar class, a discipline specific meeting); or (3) presentation of a poster at an appropriate venue. Students intending to graduate with honors in physics and astronomy must file a Declaration of Intent Form with the Departmental Honors Coordinator, preferably during their junior year but no later than enrollment for the final undergraduate semester.
