Undergraduate Degrees, page 2
Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Department Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy
| Required courses, Lower division | Units |
| PHYS 151L | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Waves, |
| and Sound | 4 |
| PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Thermodynamics, |
| Electricity, and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and |
| Modern Physics | 4 |
| Required courses, Upper division | Units |
| ASTR 400 | The Solar System | 4 |
| ASTR 410 | Stellar Astronomy | 4 |
| ASTR 420 | Galaxies and Cosmology | 4 |
| ASTR 430L | The Reduction of Observations | 4 |
| ASTR 440 | Astrophysics | 4 |
| PHYS 302L | Physical Optics | 4 |
| PHYS 304* | Mechanics, or |
| PHYS 316* | Introduction to Thermodynamics and |
| Statistical Physics | 4 |
*In some cases ASTR 490 may be substituted for PHYS 304 or 316.
| Other requirements | Units |
| MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences
This program is intended primarily for students interested in teaching in the physical sciences, although it may be appropriate for other students with an interest in the physical sciences.
For the lower division, CHEM 105abL or 115abL; GEOL 105L; MATH 125 and 126; PHYS 151L and 152L, are required. For the upper division, 32 units of courses (eight courses) applicable to majors in astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences and physics, with at least four units (one course) in each of these four majors are required.
Department Requirements for a Minor in Physics
For the lower division, PHYS 151L, 152L and 153L; CHEM 105abL or 115abL; and MATH 125, 126, 226 and 245 are required. For the upper division, PHYS 304, 408ab and 438ab; and MATH 445 are required.
Department Requirements for a Minor in Astronomy
For the lower division, PHYS 105abL or 135abL (or PHYS 151L and 152L), and MATH 126 are required. For the upper division, ASTR 400, 410, 420 and one of either ASTR 385, 430L or 440 are required.
Grade Point Average in Major Subject
A GPA of C (2.0) or higher is required in all upper division courses taken in the department for all of the above major degree programs. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all courses in the department specifically listed as subject requirements.
Advisement
Advisement is required for all physics majors (both B.S. and B.A. degree candidates) and for all physics-computer science majors. Students should meet with their departmental academic advisor at least once a semester to review the direction of their academic programs. Students who have not met with an advisor should contact the associate chair for undergraduate affairs. Students are also encouraged to seek the advisement of faculty members whose specializations are appropriate to their intended field of graduate study.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Students are encouraged to become familiar with the research programs of the faculty in the department. Students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in research in physics or astronomy following graduation are strongly encouraged to become involved directly in one of the research programs, whether as summer research assistants or as part-time laboratory assistants during the academic year. Specific research opportunities will depend upon individual faculty research programs.
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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
Joye Day
day@mizar.usc.edu