Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics
The astrophysics program emphasizes the physics of stars, galaxies, planets/planetary systems, and cosmology/relativity, and also introduces observational best practices and instrumentation used in modern astrophysics. Graduates move on to jobs in government, universities, the private sector, or teaching positions in middle school and high school. Others continue on to obtain a master’s degree or a Ph.D. The program is designed so that obtaining dual degrees in astrophysics and physics can be accomplished in four years of study.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Requirements | (43) | |
| PHYS 100 | Intro to the Profession | 2 |
| PHYS 123 | General Physics I: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | Gen Physics II: Elect&Magntism | 4 |
| PHYS 223 | General Physics III | 4 |
| PHYS 240 | Computational Science | 3 |
| PHYS 301 | Math Methods of Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 304 | Thermodynmics&Statistical Phys | 3 |
| PHYS 308 | Classical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 309 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 348 | Modern Physics for Scntst&Engr | 3 |
| PHYS 405 | Fndmntls of Quantum Theory I | 3 |
| PHYS 413 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Advanced Physics Lab I | 3 |
| PHYS 485 | Physics Colloquium | 1 |
| PHYS 485 | Physics Colloquium | 1 |
| Astronomy Requirements | (16) | |
| PHYS 360 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 361 | Observational Astrophysics | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Relativity | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 461 | Extragalactic Astrophysics | 3 |
| Mathematics Requirements | (18) | |
| MATH 151 | Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 152 | Calculus II | 5 |
| MATH 251 | Multivariate & Vector Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 252 | Introduction to Diff Equations | 4 |
| Chemistry Requirements | (8) | |
| CHEM 124 | Princ of Chemistry I with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 125 | Prin of Chemistry II w/Lab | 4 |
| Computer Science Requirement | (2) | |
| CS 105 | Intro to Computer Programming | 2 |
| Humanities and Social Science Requirements | (21) | |
| See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C | 21 | |
| Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) | (6) | |
| See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E | 6 | |
| Free Electives | (12) | |
| Select 12 credit hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 126 | |
Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics Curriculum
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| PHYS 100 | 2 | PHYS 221 | 4 |
| PHYS 123 | 4 | MATH 152 | 5 |
| MATH 151 | 5 | CHEM 125 | 4 |
| CHEM 124 | 4 | Humanities or Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| PHYS 223 | 4 | PHYS 240 | 3 |
| MATH 251 | 4 | PHYS 348 | 3 |
| CS 105 | 2 | PHYS 360 | 3 |
| Humanities 200-level Course | 3 | MATH 252 | 4 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective (300+) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| PHYS 301 | 3 | PHYS 309 | 3 |
| PHYS 308 | 3 | PHYS 4603 | 3 |
| PHYS 3611 | 4 | Free Elective | 3 |
| PHYS 4052 | 3 | IPRO Elective I | 3 |
| Social Sciences Elective (300+) | 3 | Social Sciences Elective (300+) | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
| PHYS 413 | 3 | PHYS 304 | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | 3 | PHYS 4033 | 3 |
| PHYS 4613 | 3 | PHYS 485 | 1 |
| PHYS 485 | 1 | IPRO Elective II | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Humanities Elective (300+) | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: 126 | |||
| 1 | PHYS 361 is offered every other fall semester. |
| 2 | PHYS 405 can also be taken in the 7th semester with a free elective moved to the 5th semester. |
| 3 | These three courses will be offered in a three-semester rotation and taken by 3rd and 4th year students together. |
