Mar 28, 2024  
UofM 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
UofM 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics - Astronomy Concentration (B.S.)


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The objectives of the BS in Physics program with a concentration in Astronomy are to (a) acquire knowledge of core principles in physics, (b) be able to justify and explain specific approaches to solving problems, (c) develop an understanding of research methodology in physics, (d) be able to effectively communicate scientific results in both oral and written reports, (e) develocomputational skills both in programming and data analysis, (f) be able to use specialized research equipment, (g) be able to collaborate with other students in an out of the laboratory and during problem-solving sessions, and (h) apply knowledge to independent research projects.

The Astronomy concentration is designed for students interested in acquiring knowledge and pursue a graduate degree in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. The concentration provides rigorous theoretical and computational training covering subject topics such as stars, galaxies, exoplanets, black holes, cosmology, and astrobiology.

University General Education Program (41 hours)


See Graduation from the University  for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following requirements specified for the Physics major:

Mathematics


The Major (69 hours in addition to University General Education Program)


Major Core (47 hours)

Astronomy Concentration (22 hours)


Electives


Electives must be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Honors Program


This program is open to physics majors who maintain an inclusive grade point average of at least 3.25, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in the major, have achieved junior standing, and have completed PHYS 3010   Students admitted to the honors program must complete 8 hours of upper-division physics honors courses: (1) PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992  Honors Research in Physics, where the student will conduct original scholarly work under the direction of an honors research advisor; (2) PHYS 4999  Senior Honors Thesis, where the student will write a thesis based upon background reading and the experimental research completed in PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992 ; (3) PHYS 4911  Senior Honors Seminar, where the student will give a presentation based on the work completed in PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992 .

Those students who complete the physics honors program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Physics.” Moreover, the student’s diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this distinction.

Physics Astronomy Concentration 4 year Plan


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


First Semester


Second Semester


Junior Year


First Semester


Second Semester


Senior Year


First Semester


Second Semester


Total Hours: 120


Note:


GE = General Education Requirements                     BS = Bachelor of Science college requirements                       UD = Upper Division

Foreign Language Requirement - See the Undergraduate Catalog

 

Degree hours = 120                      42 Upper Division hours required for graduation

No more than 2 hours of physical education courses may be counted toward a degree

Residence - 30 of the last 60 hours must be taken at University of Memphis; at least 60 hours must be at a four-year institution; transfer students must earn at least 6 hours of a major at UofM and at least 3 hours of a minor at UofM

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