This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.
Major Requirements
A student interested in astronomy or astrophysics should enroll in this program. A student interested in planetary astronomy should also consider the program.
Required Math Courses
All of the following:
Required Astronomy-Physics Courses
All of the following:
- PHYS 125 - How Physics Sees the World
- PHYS 201 - Mathematical Methods for Physics
- PHYS 205 - Mathematical Methods of Physics
- PHYS 232 - Introduction to Mechanics
- PHYS 233 - Intro Electricity & Magnetism
- PHYS 334 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
- ASTR 210 - Intermediate Astronomy and Astrophysics
- ASTR 312 - Astronomical Techniques
Astronomy Courses
One of the following:
- ASTR 414 - Astrophysics
- ASTR 416 - Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
- ASTR 313 - Planetary Science
Additional Astronomy/Physics Electives
- Two additional astronomy or physics courses at the 300- or 400-level (excluding PHYS 334, PHYS 336, PHYS 392, PHYS 492, ASTR 312, ASTR 392, and ASTR 492)
Senior Research Experience
Minimum Grade and GPA requirement
To be eligible to graduate with a major in any of the programs of this department, a student is expected to achieve a grade of C– or better in each of the courses offered in the department that are required for the major. There are no exceptions to this policy. Additionally, a student's cumulative GPA for all courses counted toward the major must be at least 2.00.
Honors and High Honors
To qualify for graduation with honors, physics and astronomy-physics students must be invited by the department chair, in consultation with department faculty, to do an honors thesis. Normally, this invitation is extended only after exceptional performance in the capstone course
The following are also required:
The completion (with a grade of C- or better) of at least two additional 300- or 400-level physics or astronomy courses beyond the minimum needed for the major. , , , , , , and do not count towards this requirement. With the permission of the chair, a 300- or 400-level course in another NASC department may substitute for one of these courses.
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in all 300- and 400-level classes taken to satisfy the upper-level course requirements for the major and for honors.
The completion, defense, and public presentation of an honors thesis. This thesis, to be evaluated by department faculty and an external reviewer, is normally a significant extension of the work completed in . Students normally enroll in or during the spring semester of their senior year to complete the work.
The department faculty will subsequently determine whether to award honors or high honors. Neither is guaranteed. High honors will be given only for truly extraordinary work.
Physics and Astronomy department
For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the catalog page.