BA.PH.AS - Physics-Astronomy (Major)

Required Astronomy Courses (22 Credits)

• Astronomy 177, 178, and 179

• Two courses chosen from Astronomy 310, 320, and 330

• At least two credits from Astronomy 310, 320, 330, 350, 360, 380, 391, 392, or 490

Required Physics Courses (24 Credits)

• Physics 145/145L, 155/155L, or 247

• Physics 156/156L, 245, 255, and 267

• Two courses chosen from Physics 325, 339, 347, 357, and 385

• One additional course in Physics numbered between 300 and 480, or the lecture/lab combination of BBMB 324 and 334

Required Mathematics Courses (13 Credits)

• Mathematics 125 (or 124), 126, 225, and 244

Senior Requirements

• Two-part comprehensive written exam

• One-hour oral exam conducted jointly

Honors

• Students submit an “Honors in Major Study Application” to their department.

• Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which they are eligible.

• Accumulated at least 87 credits

• Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman

• Major GPA of at least 3.500

• Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program.

• Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course.

• Pass the senior assessment with distinction.

• The department will submit the honors applications to the Registrar’s Office of students pursuing honors by the specified deadline.

• The department will submit the “Senior Assessment/Major Study Certificate” to the Registrar’s Office no later than Reading Day.

• An acceptable digital copy of the honors thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day.