Astrophysics, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
The Department of Astronomy also offers a BSLAS in Computer Science & Astronomy
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 UIUC. 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
| 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 | Free elective course | 3 |
| PHYS 211 | 4 | ASTR 210 | 3 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 4 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 | General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 241 | 4 | ASTR 310 | 3 |
| PHYS 212 | 4 | PHYS 214 | 2 |
| PHYS 213 | 2 | PHYS 225 | 2 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ASTR Advanced course | 3 | ASTR Advanced course | 3 |
| MATH 285 | 3 | ASTR 300-400 level course | 3 |
| PHYS 325 | 3 | PHYS 300-400 level course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 415 | 3 | ASTR Advanced course | 3 |
| PHYS 435 | 3 | PHYS 300-400 level course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 2 | Advanced Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 2 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Astrophysics
Department of Astronomy website
Astronomy Faculty
Astronomy advising
Overview of College Admissions & Requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website