Specializations
Sample Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Physics, Specialization in Astronomy
Year 1 (Fall Semester)
(3) PHYS 120 Frontiers in Physics: Past and Present
(4) CHEM 131 Engineering Chemistry
(1) CHEM 135 Engineering Chemistry Lab (EL)
(5) MATH 150 Calculus I (QR)
(3) ENG 101 Composition
(1) FST 101 Succeeding & Engaging at SIUE
17 - Total Credits
Year 1 (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 102 Composition II
(3) ACS 101 Public Speaking
(5) MATH 152 Calculus II (BPS)
(4) PHYS 151 University Physics I (BPS)
(1) PHYS 151L University Physics I Laboratory (EL)
16 - Total Credits
Year 2 (Fall Semester)
(4) PHYS 152 University Physics II (BPS)
(1) PHYS 152L University Physics II Laboratory (EL)
(4) MATH 250 Calculus III (BPS)
(3) MATH 321 Linear Algebra I
(3) RA 101 Reasoning & Argumentation
15 - Total Credits
Year 2 (Spring Semester)
(4) PHYS 201 University Physics III (BPS)
(1) PHYS 201L University Physics III Laboratory (EL)
(4) PHYS 251 Waves
(3) MATH 305 Differential Equations
(3) PHYS 230 Planetary and Solar System (Odd Year)
or
(3) Elective* (Even Year)
15 - Total Credits
Year 3 (Fall Semester)
(4) PHYS 416 Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Even Year)
(4) PHYS 304 Intro to Quantum Physics
(4) PHYS 321 Intro to Classical Mechanics
(3) Breadth Humanities (BHUM) (Even Year)
or
(3) PHYS 410 Optics (Odd Year)
15 - Total Credits
Year 3 (Spring Semester)
(4) PHYS 406 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (Odd Year)
(3) PHYS 230 Planetary and Solar System (Odd Year)
(4) PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics (Odd Year)
or
(3) Elective* (Even Year)
(3) PHYS 343 Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics (Even Year)
(3) PHYS 318 Theory and Application of Elect Measure (Even Year)
(3) ENG 334 Scientific Writing
(1) PHYS 376 Career Preparation in Physics
13 or 15 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Fall Semester)
(3) CS 145 Introduction to Computing
(3) IS 364 The Atomic Era
(3) Breadth Life Science and Health Experience (BLS, EH)
(3) PHYS 499A Senior Assignment Project: Part I
(3) Humanities (BHUM) (Even Year)
or
(3) PHYS 410 Optics (Odd Year)
15 - Total Credits
Year 4 (Spring Semester)
(3) PHYS 343 Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics (Even Year)
(3) PHYS 318 Theory and Application of Elect Measure (Even Year)
or
(4) PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics (Odd Year)
(4) PHYS 406 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (Odd Year)
(3) Breadth Fine & Performing Arts (BFPA)
(3) Breadth Social Sciences (BSS)
(2) PHYS 499B Senior Assignment Project: Part II
14 or 16 - Total Credits
Total Hours 122
*Elective: Choose one of the following - PHYS 240, PHYS 314, PHYS 396, PHYS 397, PHYS 398, PHYS 442, PHYS 450, PHYS 472, PHYS 496, PHYS 497, PHYS 498
