Astrophysics, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
Astrophysics, the study of how the universe works by applying the methods and principles of physics, is the cornerstone of modern astronomy. Students majoring in Astrophysics must complete advanced coursework in both astronomy and physics, allowing them to demonstrate the rigorous preparation necessary for graduate study in astronomy/astrophysics, physics, and planetary and space sciences.
STEM designated*; BSLAS Degree (Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences)
The Astronomy Department undergraduate program also includes majors in Astronomy, Computer Science + Astronomy, and Astronomy + Data Science, as well as a minor in Astronomy.
Astronomy Major
The LAS major in Astronomy is a flexible program for students who are fascinated by the cosmos and plan to pursue technical or professional careers in areas requiring a solid grounding in physical science and mathematics. It is based upon both a broad and an in-depth exploration into astronomy and allied disciplines, and is flexible enough to be paired with many other majors or minors.
STEM designated*; BSLAS Degree (Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Computer Science + Astronomy Major
The LAS major in Computer Science + Astronomy is a flexible program for students who wish to combine a solid grounding in computer science with technical knowledge of astronomy. This blended curriculum helps develop a unique approach to problem solving and offers novel perspectives in interdisciplinary work, such as data visualization, data mining, astrophysical simulations, and image processing.
STEM designated*; BSLAS Degree (Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Astronomy + Data Science Major
The Astronomy + Data Science major incorporates simultaneously a strong foundation in Data Science and Astronomy to develop an appreciation and understanding of how big data is transforming science. Graduates of the Astronomy + Data Science program will have gained experience working with modern large data sets using current computational and statistical methods, with a strong grounding in data curation and ethics.
STEM designated*; BSLAS Degree (Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences)
Astronomy Minor
The minor in astronomy is designed to broaden the student's knowledge of science and our place in the universe. The minor in Astronomy will benefit especially those students who are eager to learn astronomy but who do not anticipate it to be their career. The Astronomy minor is also suitable for students who intend to pursue careers in areas that may benefit from a good knowledge of astronomy such as the aerospace industry, science writing, scientific journalism, or science teaching in schools.
QUESTIONS?
To get answers to your questions about our undergraduate programs in astronomy or to schedule a visit, contact Astronomy Advising.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
Departmental distinction: A student majoring in astrophysics may earn distinction or high distinction by attaining a minimum grade point average of 3.4 or 3.75, respectively, in required major courses (defined in the table below) taken at Illinois. For highest distinction, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements for high distinction, a senior thesis (ASTR 490) must be completed with strong endorsement by the research supervisor. Questions about eligibility for distinction status should be directed to an astronomy advisor before the senior year.
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Minimum required major and supporting course work: Normally equates to 65 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level in the major must be taken on this campus.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-20 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 17 | |
| Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
| University Physics: Mechanics | ||
| University Physics: Elec & Mag | ||
| Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | ||
| Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | ||
| Relativity & Math Applications | ||
| Advanced Astronomy | 15 | |
| Computing in Astronomy (CS 100 is recommended as a prerequisite but not required) | ||
| Select three of the following four courses: | ||
| Stellar Astrophysics | ||
| Planetary Systems | ||
| Galaxies and the Universe | ||
| Astronomical Techniques | ||
| At least 3 additional hours of approved 300- or 400-level ASTR courses. | ||
| Advanced Physics | 12 | |
| Classical Mechanics I | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields I | ||
| At least 6 additional hours of approved 300- or 400-level PHYS courses | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Techniques | 3 | |
At least one course taken for the Advanced Requirements must be from the following courses: | ||
| Astronomical Techniques | ||
| Classical Physics Lab | ||
| Light | ||
| Electronic Circuits | ||
| Supporting Technical Courses | 18 | |
| Calculus (Students with previous calculus experience should consider MATH 221) | ||
or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| Calculus II | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Intro Differential Equations | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free elective course | 1 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 5 | PHYS 211 | 4 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| General Education or Composition I course | 3 | Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR 210 | 3 | ASTR 310 | 3 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | PHYS 213 & PHYS 214 | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | 4 | PHYS 225 | 2 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR 404, 405, 406, or 414 | 3 | ASTR 404, 405, 406, or 414 | 3 |
| MATH 285 | 3 | MATH 415 | 3 |
| PHYS 325 | 3 | PHYS 435 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR 404, 405, 406, or 414 | 3 | Advanced ASTR Elective | 3 |
| Advanced PHYS Elective | 3 | Advanced PHYS Elective | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
Undergraduate Astrophysics majors will graduate with a demonstrated ability to:
- Understand the hierarchical architecture of the cosmos, increasing in scale from the Solar System to the Galaxy to the Universe, and decreasing in scale to atoms and their nuclei. Understand the interplay among these scales.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of physics.
- Apply problem-solving skills in physics.
- Develop physical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Identify which physics principles should be applied to a specified situation.
- Solve theoretical and applied problems in physics using problem solving skills and physics knowledge.
- Define and use fundamental principles and techniques of astronomy and astrophysics.
- Identify which principles should be applied to a specified situation.
- Show familiarity with astronomical observables and their physical origin.
- Understand and apply basic physics and computational techniques to solve problems in astrophysics and interpret the results.
- Analyze astronomical data and quantitative data generally.
- Demonstrate the ability to link observation and theory.
- Demonstrate the ability to draw qualitative conclusions from quantitative information, and vice versa.
- Demonstrate the ability to plan observational programs, use astronomical telescopes and instrumentation, and to analyze and present astronomical data.
- Plan and perform guided research, or attain an advanced-level understanding of a topic of contemporary interest in astronomy and astrophysics.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
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