Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Concentration in Astronomy Roadmap
120 Total Units Required
Minimum Number of Units in the Major: 52
This roadmap is a suggested plan of study and does not replace meeting with an advisor. Please note that students may need to adjust the actual sequence of courses based on course availability. Please consult an advisor in your major program for further guidance.
| First Semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 115 | Introduction to Astronomy (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite, B1) | 3 |
| ENG 114 | Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice (A2) 1 | 3 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus I (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite, B4) 2 | 4 |
| GE Area A 3 | 3 | |
| GE Area C | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| MATH 227 | Calculus II (Major Lower-Divison Prerequisite) | 4 |
| PHYS 220 & PHYS 222 |
General Physics with Calculus I and General Physics with Calculus I Laboratory (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite, B1, B3) |
4 |
| GE Area A | 3 | |
| GE Area E | 3 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| MATH 228 | Calculus III (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite) | 4 |
| PHYS 230 & PHYS 232 |
General Physics with Calculus II and General Physics with Calculus II Laboratory (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite) |
4 |
| GE Area C | 3 | |
| GE Area D | 3 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ASTR 300 | Stars, Planets, and the Milky Way (Major Upper-Division Core) | 3 |
| MATH 245 | Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (Hidden Prerequisite for PHYS 320) | 3 |
| PHYS 240 & PHYS 242 |
General Physics with Calculus III and General Physics with Calculus III Laboratory (Major Lower-Division Prerequisite) |
4 |
| GE Area B: Life Science (B2) | 3 | |
| GE Area D | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| ASTR 301 | Observational Astronomy Laboratory (Major Upper-Division Core) | 2 |
| PHYS 320 & PHYS 321 |
Modern Physics I and Modern Physics Laboratory (Major Upper-Division Core) |
5 |
| GE Area C | 3 | |
| GE Area F ± | 3 | |
| U.S. and California Government | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| ASTR 340GW | The Big Bang - GWAR (Major Upper-Division Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 470 | Observational Techniques in Astronomy (Major Upper-Division Core) | 3 |
| GE Area UD-B: Upper-Division Physical and/or Life Sciences | 3 | |
| GE Area UD-C: Upper-Division Arts and/or Humanities | 3 | |
| SF State Studies or University Elective - Take Two 4 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Seventh Semester | ||
| Major Elective 5 | 4 | |
| GE Area UD-D: Upper-Division Social Sciences | 3 | |
| SF State Studies or University Elective - Take Three 4 | 8 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Eighth Semester | ||
| PHYS 695 | Culminating Experience in Physics (Major Upper-Division Core) | 1 |
| Major Elective 5 | 4 | |
| SF State Studies or University Elective - Take Three 4 | 9 | |
| Units | 14 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
- 1
ENG 114 can only be taken if you complete Directed Self-Placement (DSP) and select ENG 114; if you choose ENG 104/ENG 105 through DSP you will satisfy A2 upon successful completion of ENG 105 in the second semester; multilingual students may be advised into alternative English courses.
- 2
To determine the best B4 course option, students should complete the online advising activity at mathadvising.sfsu.edu. Questions? Contact Gator Smart Start.
- 3
To avoid taking additional units, it is recommended that you meet the SF State Studies (AERM, GP, ES, SJ) requirements within your GE or major.
- 4
Complementary Studies
Upon completion of the B.A. in Physics program, students will have taken 12 units of Calculus courses that satisfy the Complementary Studies requirement for a B.A. degree.
Students who have earned AA-T or AS-T degrees and are pursuing a similar B.A. degree at SF State are required to fulfill the Complementary Studies requirement as defined by the major department. Students should consult with a major advisor about how transfer units and/or SF State units can best be applied to this requirement in order to ensure degree completion within 60 units.
- 5
Major Elective (8 units)
At least 8 units of upper-division courses in astronomy, physics, geosciences, mathematics or related subjects, selected on advisement. No more than 3 units of 600 level courses may count toward this requirement.
- ±
Given catalog rights, fall 2023 transfer students do not need to complete an Area F course.