Introduction

Please click here to see Physics department information.

Astrophysics is an important and well-represented subdiscipline of physics. It includes the study of the solar system, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, as well as cosmology. A minor in this field combines a theoretical approach with observational analysis. There is also the opportunity to do research in this field.

The physics department offers minors in physics, biophysics, and astrophysics. However, it is not possible to receive a minor in more than one of these fields.  Also, physics majors may elect to receive the astrophysics or biophysics minor from the department, but not the physics minor.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the astrophysics advisor, meet physics faculty engaged in Astrophysics research, attend departmental astrophysics-related seminars, and explore ways that astrophysics relates to research undertaken by faculty in other disciplines.

For more information, contact:

Alberto Sadun (Astrophysics Minor Advisor)
Email: alberto.sadun@ucdenver.edu
Office: North Classroom 3809
 
Michael "Bodhi" Rogers (Physics advisor)     
Email: physics.chair@ucdenver.edu
Office: North Classroom 3123B

These requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their program advisor and CLAS advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

Program Delivery

• This is an on-campus program.

Declaring This Minor

• Click here to go to information about declaring a minor.

General Requirements

Students must satisfy all requirements as outlined below and by the department offering the minor.

• CU Denver General Graduation Requirements  

• Click here for information about Academic Policies

Program Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 16 PHYS credit hours.

2. Students must complete a minimum of 6 upper-division (3000-level and above) PHYS credit hours.

3. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in all minor courses taken at CU Denver and must achieve a minimum cumulative minor GPA of 2.0. All graded attempts in required and elective courses are calculated in the minor GPA. Students cannot complete minor or ancillary course requirements as pass/fail.

4. Students must complete a minimum of 9 PHYS credit hours with CU Denver faculty.

Program Restrictions, Allowances and Recommendations

1. Requirements for the minor in astrophysics may be used to fulfill the requirements of the major in physics.

2. A student majoring in physics who wants to minor in astrophysics cannot use the 3000-level and above courses applied to the Astrophysics minor for their Physics Major requirements.

Introductory Physics Lecture/Lab Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Take the following courses		10
PHYS 2010	College Physics I	4
or PHYS 2311	General Physics I: Calculus-Based
PHYS 2321	Intro Experimental Phys Lab I	1
or PHYS 2351	Applied Physics Lab I
PHYS 2020	College Physics II	4
or PHYS 2331	General Physics II: Calculus-Based
PHYS 2341	Intro Experimental Phys Lab II	1
or PHYS 2361	Applied Physics Lab II

Upper Division Astrophysics Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Take a minimum of two of the following: 1		6
PHYS 3050	General Astronomy II
PHYS 3070	Physical Cosmology
PHYS 3082	Energy and the Environment
PHYS 3411	Thermal Physics
PHYS 3840	Independent Study: PHYS 2
PHYS 3939	Internship 2
PHYS 4510	Optics
PHYS 4550	Astrophysics
PHYS 4840	Independent Study: PHYS 1
PHYS 4920	Advanced Undergraduate Seminar 1
PHYS 4980	Advanced Physics Topics 2

1	Students must complete a minimum of 6 upper-division (3000-level and above) PHYS credit hours.
2	Topics in these classes vary, as do the number of credits that can be earned. See departmental advisor for approval.

To learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes for this program, please visit our website.