Astrophysics Major and Minor

Required courses:

Math 1A/1B
Math 53/54*
Physics 7A/B/C or Physics 5A, 5B/5BL, 5C/5CL

The lower-division courses highly recommended but not required are:

Astro 7A/7B
Astro 98 (Python DeCal)
Data 8 CS 61A/Physics 77/Physics 88

All required prerequisites need to be taken for a letter grade, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. We require a C- or better in all our lower prerequisite classes.

* Please note: Physics 89 is a requirement for the physics major (replaces Math 54). Therefore, students who are planning a double major or a minor with Astrophysics and Physics are required to complete Physics 89 in lieu of Math 54. If you have taken a Math 54 equivalent before transferring into Berkeley, you may take Phys 89 pass/no pass.

Important Notes:

Astro 7A and 7B are recommended prerequisites for all upper-division courses.
The 30 unit requirement (or 24 units for double majors with another major) is the sum of astronomy upper division courses and the electives.
Lower-divison prerequisites must be satisfied (please see list on our Declaring the Major page) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. We require a C- in all our lower prerequisite classes.
Upper division courses and electives need to be taken for a letter grade. We require a C- or better in all our upper division classes..

Required (choose one):	Astro 120 Astro 121 Astro 128
Required (choose two):	Astro 160 Astro C161 Astro C162
Required (take a minimum of 18 units OR 12 units if you are a double major):	Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses)

* These courses are not required but strongly recommended for anyone considering the Astrophysics major.
** Prerequisite Course can be taken concurrently.
***Instead of the Physics 7 series students can opt to take the Physics 5 series.

DEPARTMENT	COURSES
Astronomy	C101 Order-Of-Magnitude Physics
Chemistry	104A/B Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 105 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 108 Inorganic Synthesis and Reactions 12A/B Organic Chemistry 120A/B Physical Chemistry 122 Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy 125 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 143 Nuclear Chemistry
Computer Science Computer Science and Data Science double majors only	160 User Interface Design and Development 164 Programming Languages and Compilers 169 Software Engineering 184 Foundations of Computer Graphics 186 Introduction to Database Systems 188 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 189 Introduction to Machine Learning
Data Science	C100 Principles & Techniques of Data Science C140 Probability for Data Science
Earth and Planetary Science	108 Geodynamics 109 Computer Simulations in Earth and Planetary Sciences 113 Biological Oceanography and Biogeochemistry 122 Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors C181: Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
Electrical Engineering	118 Introduction to Optical Engineering 120 Signals and Systems
Mathematics	104 Introduction to Analysis 110 Linear Algebra 113 Introduction to Abstract Algebra 121A/B Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences 128A/B Numerical Analysis 160 History of Mathematics 185 Introduction to Complex Analysis
Mechanical Engineering	106 Fluid Mechanics
Nuclear Engineering	100 Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Technology 101 Nuclear Reactions and Radiation
Physics	105 Analytical Mechanics 110A/B Electromagnetism and Optics 111 Modern Physics and Advanced Electrical Laboratory 112 Introduction to Statistical and Thermal Physics 129 Particle Physics 137A/B Quantum Mechanics 139 Special Relativity and General Relativity 141A/B Solid State Physics 142 Introduction to Plasma Physics 151 Special Topics 188 Bayesian Data Analysis and Machine Learning for Physical Sciences (previously 151)
Statistics	134 Concepts of Probability 135 Concepts of Statistics C140 Probability for Data Science 153 Introduction to Time Series 159 Reproducible and Collaborative Statistical Data Science

Undergraduate Advising

Major Advisor

Brianna Franklin, the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Advisor, is available to answer your questions about the Astrophysics major and other undergraduate matters.

Email: bfranklin@berkeley.edu
Office: 501 Campbell Hall
Advising: Please use CalCentral to make an appointment with Brianna!

Ask questions via our Advising Discord

Faculty Advisors

Eugene Chiang and Courtney Dressing are the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Faculty Advisors. They are available to assist with issues that arise during your time as an undergraduate student in the Astrophysics program; they are also a great resource for explanations pertaining to the content of courses.

Email: echiang@astro.berkeley.edu; dressing@berkeley.edu

Drop-In Advising: Eugene – Fridays 9:30-10:30am (CH 355); Courtney – Tuesdays 2-3pm (CH 355)

Peer Advisors

Astronomy Peer Advisors are current Astrophysics that are here to answer your questions about the major and the department in general. You can connect with the Astronomy Peer Advisors on our Advising Discord or during drop-in advising hours along with Brianna, Eugene, or Courtney.

Spring ’23 Astronomy Peer Advisors: Joanna Hardesty & Sam Paplanus

Undergraduate FAQs

Prospective and current students! Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions here: FAQs

Still have questions? Reach out to undergraduate advisor, Brianna Franklin, at bfranklin@berkeley.edu

Required (take a minimum of two):	Astro 120 Astro 121 Astro 128 Astro 160 Astro C161 Astro C162
Required (take a minimum of three):	Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses)

Astrophysics Major and Minor

Lower Division Requirements for the Astrophysics Major and Minor

Astrophysics Major Upper Division Requirements

Astrophysics Minor Upper Division Requirements

Summary of Upper-Division Electives

Undergraduate Advising

Undergraduate FAQs