Astronomy, B.S.

Universal Curriculum Requirements

To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page .

Requirements for the Astronomy-Physics Major

The Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy-Physics is offered jointly by the astronomy and physics departments. This program prepares students for graduate study in astronomy, physics, computer science, and related fields. 

Students can substitute PHYS 1425 (Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers) for PHYS 1420 (Introductory Physics 1), and PHYS 2415 (Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers) for PHYS 2410 (Introductory Physics 2).

Prospective astronomy-physics majors are strongly urged to consult with the astronomy undergraduate advisor during registration week of their first semester at the University.

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  Each of the Following:

• MATH 1310 - Calculus I Credits: 4
• MATH 1320 - Calculus II Credits: 4
• MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4
• MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4
• MATH 4220 - Partial Differential Equations and Applied Mathematics Credits: 3

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  Each of the Following:

• PHYS 1420 - Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics Credits: 3
• PHYS 1429 - Introductory Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1
• PHYS 1655 - Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers Credits: 3
• PHYS 2410 - Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics Credits: 3
• PHYS 2419 - Introductory Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1
• PHYS 2620 - Modern Physics Credits: 4
• PHYS 2720 - Problem Solving and Special Topics in Classical Physics Credits: 2
• PHYS 3210 - Classical Mechanics Credits: 3
• PHYS 3310 - Statistical Physics Credits: 3
• PHYS 3340 - Mathematics for Physics Credits: 3
• PHYS 3420 - Electricity and Magnetism I Credits: 3
• PHYS 3430 - Electricity and Magnetism II Credits: 3
• PHYS 3650 - Quantum Physics I Credits: 3

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  Each of the Following:

• ASTR 2110 - Introduction to Astrophysics I Credits: 3
• ASTR 2120 - Introduction to Astrophysics II Credits: 3
• ASTR 3130 - Observational Astronomy Credits: 4
• ASTR 4998 - Senior Thesis Credits: 3
• Six additional credits of 3000-5000 level astronomy courses

Distinguished Majors Program in Astronomy-Physics

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.400 or better. For the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP), students must meet the requirements of the astronomy-physics major described above, must complete either PHYS 3660 or any PHYS course at the 5000-level, complete a two-semester Senior Thesis (ASTR 4998), and complete at least two ASTR courses at the 4000 - 5000-level (excluding ASTR 4993 and 4998) as part of the six credits of elective astronomy courses. This program leads to the award of degrees with distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction.

Additional Information

For more information, contact the Undergraduate Advisor, Department of Astronomy, 530 McCormick Road, P.O. Box 400325, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4325; (434) 924-7494; Fax: (434) 924-3104.
astro-ugradadv@virginia.edu; http://astronomy.as.virginia.edu.