Students may choose to specialize in astrophysics which requires the courses shown below and a trip to Suffolk’s Madrid campus. In particular, the student must plan to spend Summer Session II following their junior year and the fall semester of the senior year in Madrid to take upper level courses in astrophysics. These courses will include trips to the Canary Islands to take data at one of the world’s major astronomical observatories: the Tenerife Observatory. The data taken there will form the basis of the senior project.

Bachelor of Science in Physics - Astrophysics Track

Suggested Course Sequence

Freshman Year (32 credits)

English I, II
Seminar for Freshmen
Calculus I, II
University Physics I, II, and Lab
Computer Science Option

Sophomore Year (28 credits)

General Chemistry I, II, and Labs
Multivariable Calculus
Literature Requirement
Linear Systems and Lab
Statistics for Eng and Sci and Lab
Introduction to Astrophysics

Junior Year (28 credits)

Classical Mechanics I, II
Math Methods of Physics
Modern Physics
Quantum Mechanics I, II
Social Science Requirement

Summer II - Madrid (10 credits)

Planetary Systems
Stellar Astrophysics
Observational Astronomy (2 credits)

Senior Year - Fall Semester in Madrid (16 credits)

Galactic Astrophysics
Computational Astrophysics
Ethics/Philosophy Requirement
Humanities/History Requirement*

Senior Year - Spring Semester in Boston (12 credits)

Humanities/History Requirement*
Astrophysics Senior Project
Scientific Communication

*The University Cultural Diversity requirement consists of eight credits to be selected from an approved course list. Some of these may be counted toward the Humanities/History and/or Social Science requirement. Consultation with the academic advisor is important.