Dec 04, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Astrophysics Minor


Introduction

Please click here  to see Physics department information.

Astrophysics is an important and well-represented subdiscipline of physics. It includes the study of the solar system, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, as well as cosmology. A minor in this field combines a theoretical approach with observational analysis. There is also the opportunity to do research in this field.

The physics department offers minors in physics, biophysics, and astrophysics. However, it is not possible to receive a minor in more than one of these fields.  Also, physics majors may elect to receive the astrophysics or biophysics minor from the department, but not the physics minor.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the astrophysics advisor, meet physics faculty engaged in Astrophysics research, attend departmental astrophysics-related seminars, and explore ways that astrophysics relates to research undertaken by faculty in other disciplines.

For more information, contact:                                                                                                                Clyde Zaidins (Physics advisor)                                                                                                                clyde.zaidins@ucdenver.edu                                                                                                                Office: North Classroom 3123B

These degree requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their major advisor and CLAS advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

Program Delivery

  • This is an on-campus program.

Declaring This Minor

  • Please see your advisor.

General Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements


  1. Students must complete a minimum of  17  PHYS credit hours.
  2. Students must complete a minimum of 6 upper-division (3000-level and above) PHYS credit hours.
  3. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all courses applied to minor requirements.
  4. Students must complete all minor courses taken at CU Denver and all transfer courses applying to minor requirements with a minimum grade of C-(1.7).  Students cannot complete minor course requirements as pass/fail.
  5. Students must complete a minimum of 9 PHYS credit hours with CU Denver faculty.

Program Restrictions, Allowances and Recommendations


  1. Requirements for the minor in astrophysics may be used to fulfill the requirements of the major in physics.
  2. A student majoring in physics who wants to minor in astrophysics needs to take a minimum of 15 credit hours in astrophysics that do not overlap with the major, excluding college physics, general physics or the associated labs.