Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

This degree is physics-intensive providing a strong fundamental physics foundation as well as a strong foundation in astrophysics and the physical rules guiding the universe.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astrophysics?

Have you ever thought about the very big things-like the universe? Or the very small, like the inside of an atom? If you ponder the big questions, and look for patterns in nature's behavior, then maybe you're an astrophysicist in the making. You can find out at Northern Arizona University.

Here, you will be steeped in the sciences of physics and astrophysics. Physics uses mathematics to describe why and how things work, and astrophysics uses the laws of physics to reveal the nature of celestial objects. You will be encouraged to think independently, to join faculty research projects, and will benefit from the university's array of high-tech instruments and proximity to world-class Lowell Observatory. If you want to search for planets outside the solar system or learn how a laser actually works, you'll receive the guidance you need in NAU's merged major in Physics and Astrophysics program.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Research assistant
  • Telescope operator
  • Industrial researcher
  • Scientific programmer
  • Defense industry team member
  • National Laboratory technician

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Planetary scientist
  • Researcher
  • University professor
  • Optical engineer

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 239
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

Physics seeks to explain everything from the structure, evolution, and formation of the universe to the nature of matter and energy. Astrophysics is the application of physics to celestial bodies and seeks to understand the formation, structure, and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe. At its heart, physics aims to provide fundamental and predictive explanations to observed phenomena, establishing relationships between measurable quantities, and developing mathematical models to interpret, leverage and understand these phenomena. The physics and astrophysics major emphasizes foundational skills for understanding key physical phenomena in astrophysics, including matter, motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, quantum theory, and gravity, including Einstein´s theory of general relativity. Students will acquire the skills to understand the observed abundance of the elements, the age of the universe, the nature of gravitational waves, and the cosmic microwave background. Through a mastery of physics and astrophysics, students will develop advanced mathematical, computational, and experimental skills. Major work is completed through classroom and laboratory exercises. The critical thinking, scientific analysis, and communications skills obtained through the completion of a physics and astrophysics degree will prepare graduates for entry to graduate and professional schools, industry careers, and research laboratory work.


Student Learning Outcomes

The BS in Physics and Astrophysics program is designed to prepare students for a career in a technical field or for graduate studies in physics, applied physics, astrophysics, or astronomy.

Physics Content
Students will understand the laws of physics in the following areas:


Astrophysics Content
Students will be able to apply the laws of physics in order to understand the following:
Laboratory Skills
Computational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Students will develop problem-solving capacities.
Communication Skills

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science

Physics and Astrophysics, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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