The sample curricula show 4 distinct approaches to the study of astronomy and astrophysics
at the University of California at Berkeley. The first two are for students with a 
strong focus on physics and astrophysics. They differ in the starting point upon entry
to UCB and the amount of upper division physics courses taken along with major in Astrophysics.
Frequently a double major is taken with Astrophysics and Physics.

The second two curricula offer students opportunity for broader study in the physical
sciences at Berkeley with less concentration on upper division Physics. Students can
explore parallel interests in chemistry, geophysics, engineering and computer sciences. 
The Physical Sciences major can be pursued with an Astrophysics concentration or even an
Astrophysics minor.

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Undergraduate curriculum philosophy for focused Astrophysics majors and double majors:
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The Astro 7AB courses provide a broad overview of astronomy that applies basic
physical theory to the structure, origin and fate of stars and systems of stars and
includes a description of the fundamental structure and evolution of space-time.
Physics 7A (mechanics, waves) and Math 1AB (calculus) are essential preparations to 
Astro 7AB. Completion of the Physics 7ABC series and Math 53AB concurrent with Astro 
7AB is expected.

The Astro 120ABC laboratory courses give a basic introduction to astronomical measurements
and astronomical instrumentation by in depth work at optical/radio/infrared wavelengths, 
respectively. Physics 110AB (E&M) are recommended as prerequisites, or as concurrent enrollment,
for Astro 120B.

The Astro 160AB courses build on the physics background obtained in early courses 
(1) to show how physics determines the typical masses, radii, luminosities and evolution 
of stars (160A), cosmological expansion, the behavior of high energy particles and 
large-scale structure formation (160B); and (2) to teach the students how to estimate 
and carry out dimensional analysis. We strongly recommend that the student take  Physics 
112 (statisical physics) and 110AB (E&M) as juniors as these provide essential background
for astrophysics and Physics 137AB (quantum) concurrently with Astro 160AB in their senior 
year. Astro 7AB are not required for Astro 160AB but they are required for Astrophysics 
majors. Double majoring with Physics is encouraged because of the central role of advanced
physics in astrophysics.

-->comment on relationship of math courses to physics/astrophysics courses;
   Math 121AB? Probability/statistics course?

Career goals: astrophysics graduate work or other advanced degree in related fields.

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Undergraduate curriculum philosophy for broad Astrophysics major and double majors and
Physical science majors with Astrophysics concentration or minor
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The Astro 7AB courses provide a broad overview of astronomy that applies basic
physical theory to the structure, origin and fate of stars and systems of stars and
includes a description of the fundamental structure and evolution of space-time.
Physics 7A (mechanics, waves) and Math 1AB (calculus) are essential preparations to
Astro 7AB. Completion of the Physics 7ABC series and Math 53AB concurrent with Astro
7AB is expected.
 
The Astro 120ABC laboratory courses give a basic introduction to astronomical measurements
and astronomical instrumentation by in depth work at optical/radio/infrared wavelengths,
respectively. Physics 110AB (E&M) are recommended as prerequisites, or as concurrent enrollment,
for Astro 120B.
 
Astronomy 149 discusses the physical science of planetary systems with topics ranging from 
comets and lesser bodies in the solar system to comparative planetary interiors and 
atmospheres to newly discovered planetary and substellar companions of distant stars. 
Astronomy 169 discusses the astrophysics of galaxies starting with the distribution, state 
and fate of the matter between stars as it both delineates galactic structure and serves as 
wombs for the formation of new stars, and continuing with discussion of the manifold of 
galaxies and their origin and evolution. Astro 7AB provides an important introduction to these
curricula, but they will be taught with basic physics and math as the only prerequisites.

This Astrophysics curriculum path is available to those taking a broader range of courses in 
physical sciences and engineering. Double majoring in sciences other than physics and in
engineering is encouraged. This curriculum also allows more flexibility for late starters 
and those desiring a less demanding program in physics to obtain an Astrophysics degree.

Career goals: teachers, field engineer, computing applications, scientific and technical
 writing, other technical fields
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