Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy helps many students acquire a general understanding and appreciation of physics and astronomy. In the liberal arts tradition, the undergraduate curriculum is complete and flexible enough to allow a graduate with a major in physics to pursue a variety of careers. Many of our graduates continue their studies with graduate work in physics or other areas.

For the student interested in combining the study of physics with studies in other areas, the department can assist in the planning of an individual curriculum which meets both the minimum requirements of the Physics program and the student’s needs and interests. Such planning is of particular value to students intending to pursue careers in engineering, computer science, applied physics, medicine, radiation medicine, biophysics, law, meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, environmental sciences, management, or the teaching of physics and/or physical science at the junior and senior high school levels. By working closely with an advisor, the student with special interests can take advantage of opportunities to take several other courses from one or more departments outside physics, or double major in physics and another area. For a description of suggested curricula, visit our website at: https://pa.as.uky.edu/.

Astronomy Concentration

For students with an interest in astronomy, the Department offers the B.S. degree in physics with a concentration in astronomy. Among the Major Requirements, AST 591 - ASTROPHYSICS I - STARS /PHY 591 - ASTROPHYSICS I - STARS and AST 592 - ASTROPHYSICS II - GALAXIES AND INTERSTELLAR MATERIAL /PHY 592 - ASTROPHYSICS II - GALAXIES AND INTERSTELLAR MATERIAL are strongly recommended as courses within the area of concentration. AST 395 - INDEPENDENT WORK IN ASTRONOMY , may be substituted for one of the laboratory courses of Requirement Three, subject to the work being done in astronomy and astrophysics. Students are encouraged, though not required, to enroll in AST 191 - THE SOLAR SYSTEM , and AST 192 - STARS, GALAXIES AND THE UNIVERSE .