Astrophysics Major and Minor
Astrophysics Major
Undergraduates wishing to major in Astrophysics must complete the following course requirements in the Astronomy Department:
Optional |
Astro 7A/7B Python DeCal OR |
Required (take a minimum of one): |
Astro 120 (lab course) |
Required (take a minimum of two): |
Astro 160 |
Required (take as needed) |
Upper division electives so that the total is 30 units for a single major and 24 units for a double major (see below for complete list of eligible courses |
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..
Astrophysics Minor
Undergraduates wishing to minor in Astrophysics must complete the following courses in the Astronomy Department:
Optional: |
Astro 7A |
Required (take a minimum of two): |
Astro 120 |
Required (take a minimum of three): |
Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses) |
Important Notes:
- Astro 7A and 7B are recommended for the minor, but are not required.
- 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.
Course List and Prerequisites
The following is a list of course prerequisites for the Astrophysics major and minor required courses.
Courses |
Required Prerequisites |
Recommended Prerequisites |
---|---|---|
Astro 7A* |
Physics 7A/B** OR |
Python DeCal OR |
Astro 7B* |
Physics 7A/B/C** OR |
Python DeCal OR |
Astro 120 |
Physics 7A/B/C** OR Physics 5A/B/C*** |
Astro 7A/B Python DeCal OR |
Astro 121 |
Physics 7A/B/C OR Physics 5A/B/C*** |
Astro 7A/B Python DeCal OR |
Astro 128 |
Astro 7A/B** OR |
Data 8/100 OR |
Astro 160 |
Physics 7A/B/C OR Physics 5A/B/C*** |
Astro 7A
|
Astro C161 |
Physics 7A/B/C OR Physics 5A/B/C*** |
Astro 7B |
Astro C162 |
Physics 7A/B/C OR Physics 5A/B/C*** |
Astro 7A |
Physics 77* |
None |
|
Computer Science 61a* |
None |
|
Python DeCal* |
None |
* These courses are not required but strongly recommended for anyone considering the Astrophysics major. Please consult with the Undergraduate Adviser.
** Prerequisite Course can be taken concurrently.
***Instead of the Physics 7 series students can opt to take the Physics 5 series.
Summary of Upper-Division Electives
Below is a list of elective courses applicable to the study of Astrophysics.
DEPARTMENT |
COURSES |
---|---|
Physics |
|
Mathematics |
|
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
|
Statistics |
|
Earth and Planetary Science |
|
Chemistry |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
|
Undergraduate Advising
Amber Banayat, the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Adviser, is available to answer your questions about the Astrophysics major and other Undergraduate matters. Other resources include: piazza.com/berkeley/other/astro101
Join our prospective mailing list at prospective+subscribe@astro.
Email: astroadvising@berkeley.edu
Phone: (510) 463-1839
Office: 501 Campbell Hall
Advising: Please use Calcentral to make an appointment
Undergraduate Faculty Adviser
Mariska Kriek is the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Faculty Adviser. She is available to assist with issues that arise during your time as an Undergraduate student in the Astrophysics program; Professor Kriek is a great resource for explanations pertaining to the content of courses.
Email: mkriek@berkeley.edu
Office: 317 Campbell Hall
Hours: Sign up for office hours