The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program lets students explore the fundamental forces in nature through investigating atomic, nuclear and elementary particle systems.
This applied physics program is designed to produce graduates prepared for space and aerospace-related careers. Students can choose from three areas of specialization: Astroparticle Physics; Exotic Propulsion; or Gravitational Physics and Cosmology. Working with a dedicated faculty with state-of-the art labs and equipment, students graduate prepared to promote the exploration of space and add to the body of knowledge in science.
Because of the strong emphasis on experimental physics, graduates are well-suited to enter a variety of fields in industry and graduate programs. In addition to employment in research and the space program, graduates with physics degrees will pursue diverse space physics careers in fields such as medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics and other areas that utilize physicists, such as the military and security sector.
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree is housed in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Sophia Schwalbe is a Junior in Space Physics, in Air Force ROTC and the Honors Program, and has participated in research with LIGO. Read her blog titled "LIGO Proved Gravitational Waves Exist and I Helped!"
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is a 120-credit hour program that can be completed in eight semesters. The list of courses below comprises the complete requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Space Physics. The list is organized as a “vertical outline” according to the year in which the courses would normally be taken. While it is not a requirement that the courses be taken during the year shown, students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Therefore, it is recommended that students keep their schedule as close as possible to the one shown below. Before registering for a course, check the course description section of the catalog to ensure that all prerequisites and/or corequisites are met. Note that prerequisites for a course are only considered met if the student obtained a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite courses. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in core PS courses.
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Credits | ||
COM Elective * | 3 | |
CHM 105 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
PS 204 | General Astronomy | 3 |
PS 208 | Physics II | 3 |
PS 215 | Physics I | 3 |
PS 216 | Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
PS 221 | Intermediate Physics Laboratory | 2 |
SS lower-level elective * | 3 | |
UNIV 101 | College Success ** | 1 |
Credits Subtotal | 31 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
COM Elective * | 3 | |
HU lower-level elective * | 3 | |
MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
MA 335 | Introduction to Linear and Abstract Algebra | 3 |
MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
PS 219 | Physics III | 3 |
PS 222 | Intermediate Astronomy | 3 |
PS 232 | Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences | 3 |
PS 303 | Modern Physics | 3 |
PS 315 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 2 |
Credits Subtotal | 31 | |
Junior Year | ||
COM Elective * | 3 | |
MA 435 | Linear and Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
PS 321 | Classical Mechanics I | 3 |
PS 330 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
PS 350 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
PS 380 | Optics Laboratory | 3 |
Open Electives | 3 | |
Technical Elective | 3 | |
Credits Subtotal | 30 | |
Senior Year | ||
PS 405 | Atomic Nuclear Physics | 3 |
PS 430 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PS 490 | Senior Research Thesis, Part I *** | 3 |
PS 491 | Senior Research Thesis, Part II *** | 3 |
Technical Electives | 6 | |
HU upper-level elective | 3 | |
SS upper-level elective | 3 | |
Open Electives | 4 | |
Credits Subtotal | 28 | |
Credits Total | 120 |
* | Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisites are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the appropriate level. |
** | Open elective or in excess of degree requirement. |
*** | In their senior year, eligible students will choose a thesis project in association with a supervising faculty member. Students who are not eligible to take PS 490 and PS 491 will instead take 6 credits of technical electives selected from the list below. Eligibility for taking PS 490 is described in the prerequisites for the course in the course description section of the catalog. |
Communications Electives | ||
COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
COM 222 | Business Communication | 3 |
COM 225 | Science and Technology Communication | 3 |
or any COM 3XX or COM 4XX course | ||
Lower-level Social Sciences electives | ||
EC 210 | Microeconomics | 3 |
EC 211 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
Any lower-level SS, RS, or SIS course | ||
Lower-level Humanities electives | ||
Any HU 140 series | ||
Upper-level Humanities electives | ||
Any upper-level HU course | ||
Upper-level Social Sciences electives | ||
Any upper-level SS course | ||
Technical Electives | ||
PS 322 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
PS 331 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
PS 375 | Planetary Science | 3 |
PS 408 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
PS 412 | Particle Physics and Cosmology | 3 |
PS 413 | Particle Physics and Cosmology II | 3 |
PS 420 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
PS 422 | Space Propulsion | 3 |
PS 451 | Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
PS 299 | Special Topics in Physical Science | 1-4 |
or PS 399 | Special Topic in Physical Science | |
or PS 499 | Special Topic in Physical Science | |
MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
MA 443 | Complex Variables | 3 |
MA 299 | Special Topics in Mathematics | 1-4 |
or MA 399 | Special Topics in Mathematics | |
or MA 499 | Special Topics in Mathematics | |
Any other upper-division technical course with approval of the Physics Department Chair. |
B.S. in Astronomy
Students with stars in their eyes can begin to unlock the secrets of the universe in an observatory setting that capitalizes on the campus’ high altitude and clear skies.
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the Prescott Campus empowers students to excel in various aspects of the field.