B.S. Physics Program Map

Carina Nebula from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

Astronomy Concentration

The B.S. in Physics with a Concentration in Astronomy emphasizes observational astronomy as well as  stellar and galactic astrophysics. This concentration is designed for students who desire an increased emphasis on image processing techniques and radiative processes and energy transport.

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Stats

60

Core Credit Hours

47

Major Credit Hours

13

Elective Credit Hours

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Plan Your Degree

Disclaimer: This program map is intended ONLY as a guide for students to plan their course of study. It does NOT replace any information in the Undergraduate Catalog, which is the official guide for completing degree requirements.

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
C: ENGL 1101

English Composition I

 3
M: MATH 1113

Precalculus

 4
ASTR 2313

Astronomy

 3
I: XIDS 2002

What do you know about: xx

 2
T: CHEM 1211 + Lab

Principles of Chemistry I

 4

Milestones:

  • Complete ENGL 1101 with a C or better.
  • Complete Area M Math.

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
C: ENGL 1102

English Composition II

 3
T: MATH 1634

Calculus I

 4
T: CHEM 1212 + Lab

Principles of Chemistry II

 4

I: Oral Communications

2

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

Milestones:

  • Complete ENGL 1102 with a C or better.
  • Complete Calculus I (MATH 1634) over the summer in order to start PHYS sequence in the fall, if needed. 

 

16 Fall Credit Hours + 16 Spring Credit Hours = 32 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
F: PHYS 2211 + Lab

Principles of Physics I

 4
F: MATH 2644

Calculus II

 4
MATH 2853 OR Elective

Elementary Linear Algebra or Elective

 3
PHYS 2130

Sophomore Physics Seminar

 1

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
F: PHYS 2212 + Lab

Principles of Physics II

 4
MATH 3303

Ordinary Differential Equations

 3
F: MATH 2654

Calculus III

 4
ASTR 3683

Astronomy Research

 1

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

Milestones:

  • Complete Principles of Physics sequence.
  • Complete Math up to ODE.

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 14 Spring Credit Hours = 29 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 3503

Modern Physics

 3
PHYS 3113

Mechanics

 3
ASTR 3133

Observational Astronomy

 3

MATH Elective

3

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 3213

Thermodynamics

 3
PHYS 3133

Electricity and Magnetism

 3

ASTR 4103/4433 OR PHYS 4323/4333

3

Elective

3

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 30 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall
Course Name Credit Hours

MATH Elective

3

PHYS Elective

3

PHYS Elective

3

Elective

3

Elective

2

Term 2: Spring
Course Name Credit Hours

ASTR 4103/4433 OR PHYS 4323/4333

3

Elective

3

PHYS Elective

3

Elective

3

Core Option: A, S, or P

3

 

14 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 29 Credit Hours

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Crush Your Course

First Year:

  • Enroll in XIDS 2001: Physical Universe and Core IMPACTS courses.
  • Complete math courses through Calculus 1.
  • Take Principles of Physics 1 (or ASTR 2313) in your second semester.
  • Attend physics workshops.
  • Meet with your Physics mentor.

Middle Years:

  • Complete Principles of Physics.
  • Take Modern, Mathematical, Mechanics, E&M and Thermal.
  • Establish your pathway/concentration.
  • Take core and electives to balance upper-level coursework.

Last Year:

  • Finish your degree requirements.
  • Complete your research/internships.
  • Present at a conference.
  • Write a scientific paper.
  • Finish strong.
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Find Your Place

First Year:

  • Meet Physics faculty and learn about their research and scholarship opportunities.
  • Join the Physics Engineering club.
  • Connect with junior/senior/physics students and ambassadors.

Middle Years:

  • Become a Student Assistant for a physics lab, workshops, or the Observatory.
  • Get involved in research or an internship.
  • Apply for summer internships or REUs.
  • Attend a scientific conference.

Last Year:

  • Become a Physics Ambassador.
  • Expand your professional network.
  • Apply for internships in local industries or graduate programs.
  • Attend career fairs. Send your resume to one of our alumni.
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Broaden Your Perspectives

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

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Connect Off-Campus

First Year:

  • Visit Wolves Vote to learn about the voting process and registration.
  • Consider volunteering for a campaign or organization in your community.

Middle Years:

  • Complete an internship in your field.
  • Consider a summer or part-time job.
  • Ask your department about networking opportunities with alumni.

Last Year:

  • Ask for advice from professionals in your field of interest.
  • Explore career shadowing opportunities.
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Take Care of Yourself

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

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Pave Your Path

First Year:

Middle Years:

  • Draft your resume and attend a resume blitz.
  • Learn about how to network on social media and update your Handshake profile.
  • Draft your personal statement.
  • Visit the graduate school to find out about graduate programs and admission requirements.

Last Year:

  • Request references from professors and supervisors.
  • Draft your resume cover letter and personal statement and revise it with career services.
  • Attend business fairs and career fairs at UWG and across the state.
  • Attend an interview workshop.
  • Apply for graduate programs.

Careers

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Career Opportunities

This degree may help you get work as the following:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Astronomer
  • Data Scientist
  • Geophysicist
  • Lab Manager
  • Medical Physicist
  • Optical Engineer
  • Physics Teacher
  • Professor
  • Research Scientist

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Don't forget to check out Wolf Watch to explore degree requirements!