Astrophysics

Description
The astrophysics concentration is designed for students interested in developing a background in the theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Students will acquire the following abilities: to think critically about scientific problems, to reduce complex problems to their most important attributes, and to design experiments, observations and theoretical models to address those attributes. Students pursuing an astrophysics concentration are expected to have a strong background in physics and mathematics.

Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 20 credit hours including 12 of upper division hours for this concentration.
• Students must take at least 12 of the 20 units at ASU.
• All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher.
• A minimum 6 upper division hours must be taken in courses offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• All students will be required to meet with an academic advisor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration to declare the concentration and confirm that the requirements are being met.
• Transfer course work must be evaluated by an advisor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration before it can be applied toward the concentration requirements.

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

AST 321 Introduction to Planetary and Stellar Astrophysics)

AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics

AST 421 Astrophysics I 

AST 422 Astrophysics II 

Electives Options -- 8 credit hours

Choose one of the following options for the additional eight credit hours. (8)

Option 1

SES 121 Earth, Solar System and Universe I

SES 123 Earth, Solar System and Universe Laboratory I

SES 126 Exploration of the Universe

SES 128 Exploration of the Universe Lab 

Option 2

AST 111: Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy

AST 112: Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 

Option 3

AST OR MAT OR PHY OR SES Upper Division Elective (8)

In order to satisfy SQ natural science requirements, both a lecture and its corresponding laboratory section must be completed.
 

At least eight credit hours of AST, SES, PHY or MAT upper-division electives; these may include (but are not limited to):

AST 494 Observing Instrumentation and Data Analysis 

SES 311 Essentials of Astrobiology: Exploration for Life in the Universe

Courses required for the astrophysics concentration may have additional prerequisites.