MSU Logo   Undergraduate Information
 

Physics Major with a
Concentration in Astronomy (PHAS)

Program Effective: Fall 2004
(Click here for earlier programs.)

Quick References
  • PHAS Curriculum Guide (PDF)
  • PHAS Matriculation Worksheet (Excel)
    1. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (72 Credits)
      1. Required Physics Courses (24 Credits)
        CODECOURSECREDITS
        PHYS 191 University Physics I 4
        PHYS 192 University Physics II 4
        PHYS 210Mechanics4
        PHYS 240Electricity and Magnetism 4
        PHYS 350 Optics3
        PHYS 460 Modern Physics3

      2. Required Concentration Courses - Choose a minimum of 14 credit hours from the list below.
        CODECOURSECREDITS
        PHYS 280 Astronomy 4
        PHYS 380 Observational Astronomy 4
        PHYS 480 Astrophysics3
        PHYS 495 Laboratory Research in Physics3

      3. COLLATERAL COURSES. Complete the following: (34 Credits)
        CODECOURSECREDITS
        MATH 122Calculus I4
        MATH 221Calculus II4
        MATH 222Calculus III4
        MATH 420Differential Equations 4
        STAT 401Applied Statistics for the Sciences3
        CMPT 183Foundations of Computer Science I3
        CHEM 120General Chemistry I4
        CHEM 121General Chemistry II4
        GEOS 107Planet Earth4

    2. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. (44-47 Semester Hours )
      Core:
      1. New Student Seminar (1 credit):
        CODE COURSE CREDITS
        MATH 102 New Student Experience for Mathematical Sciences 1

      2. Interdisciplinary Core (9 credits):
        # CODE COURSE CREDITS
        B1 GNED 201 Contemporary Issues I: Scientific Issues 3
        B2 GNED 202 Contemporary Issues II: National Issues 3
        B3 GNED 303 Contemporary Issues III: Global Issues 3

      Distribution:
      1. Communication (9 credits):
        C1 Writing/Literature 3 credits
        C1 Writing/Literature 3 credits
        C2 Communication 3 credits

      2. Fine and Performing Arts (3 credits):
        D Fine and Performing Arts 3 credits
        * Meets Multicultural Awareness Requirement.
        ** For honors program students only.

      3. World Languages (3-6 credits):
        E World Languages 3-6 credits

      4. Humanities (6 credits):
        F1 World Literature or General Humanities 3 credits
        F2 Philosophy or Religion 3 credits

      5. Computer Science (0-credit included in major) ... (CMPT 183)
      6. Mathematics (0-credit included in major) ... (MATH 122,221)
      7. Natural/Physical Science (0-credit included in major) ... (PHYS 191)

      8. Physical Education (1 credit):
        J Physical Education 1 credit

      9. Social Science (9 credits):
        K1 American or European History 3 credits
        K2 Non-Western Cultural Perspectives 3 credits
        K3 Social Science 3 credits
        * Meets Multicultural Awareness Requirement.
        ** For honors program students only.

      10. General Education Elective (3)

    3. FREE ELECTIVE CREDITS. (1-4 Semester Hours)

    MINIMUM TOTAL FOR GRADUATION: 120 Semester Hours