Why study Astrophysics
If you are interested in the stars this may be the major for you.
Astrophysics is the study of the stellar and galactic evolution and the origins of the universe. It is an inherently multidisciplinary field that brings together physics knowledge in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism with chemistry and other topics. The astrophysics concentration, rather than including 18 credit hours of electives as in the standard physics major, specifies 18 credit hours of ASTR coursework including Astrophysics I and II. Astrophysics graduates go on to graduate and professional school in fields such as physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science, medical physics, medicine, law, and finance. Astrophysics graduates can be found working in a variety of fields under titles such as physicist, engineer, analyst, and consultant.
Faculty assist with focusing on undergraduate research, small class sizes and great faculty-student interactions; all of which culminate in a capstone project. With our faculty expertise in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics and Stars, this concentration will never cease to amaze.
What will I Learn
- Physics-specific knowledge.
- Problem-solving competency: Solve complex, ambiguous problems in real-world contexts.
- Instrumentation competency: competency in basic experimental technologies, including vacuum, electronics, optics, sensors, and data acquisition equipment. This includes basic experimental instrumentation abilities, such as knowing equipment limitations; understanding and using manuals and specifications; building, assembling, integrating, operating, and troubleshooting equipment; establishing interfaces between apparatus and computers; and calibrating laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
- Software competency: competency in learning and using industry-standard computational, design, analysis, and simulation software, and documenting the results obtained for a computation or design.
- Coding competency: competency in writing and executing software programs using a current software language to explore, simulate, or model physical phenomena.
- Data analytics competency: competency in analyzing data, including with statistical and uncertainty analysis; distinguishing between models; and presenting those results with appropriate tables and charts.
- Effective communication skills.
- Professional/workplace skills
Program Information
Astrophysics Program Requirements