Astrophysics Minor
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
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This is an on-campus program.
Declaring This Minor
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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
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Click here for information about Academic Policies
Program Requirements
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Students must complete a minimum of 16 PHYS credit hours.
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Students must complete a minimum of 6 upper-division (3000-level and above) PHYS credit hours.
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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.
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Students must complete a minimum of 9 PHYS credit hours with CU Denver faculty.
Program Restrictions, Allowances and Recommendations
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Requirements for the minor in astrophysics may be used to fulfill the requirements of the major in physics.
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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
Code | Title | Hours |
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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
Code | Title | Hours |
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Take a minimum of two of the following: 1 | 6 | |
General Astronomy II | ||
Physical Cosmology | ||
Energy and the Environment | ||
Thermal Physics | ||
Independent Study: PHYS 2 | ||
Internship 2 | ||
Optics | ||
Astrophysics | ||
Independent Study: PHYS 1 | ||
Advanced Undergraduate Seminar 1 | ||
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.