Bachelor of Science in Space Physics
- OVERVIEW
- ADVANTAGES
- REQUIREMENTS
- FACULTY
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is designed to produce graduates who want to pursue careers in space-related professions, or who want to pursue advanced studies in diverse areas of science and engineering. This program supports the University's purpose "to provide a comprehensive education to prepare graduates for productive careers and responsible citizenship, with special emphasis on the needs of aviation, aerospace engineering and related fields."
As defined by NASA, "Space Physics is the scientific study of magnetic and electric phenomena which occur in outer space, in the upper atmosphere of planets and on the Sun. Space physicists use ground-based instruments, balloons, rockets, satellites and deep space probes to study these phenomena where they occur." Examples of such studies include space shuttle aurora observations, ground-based solar studies, ground-based ionospheric studies, balloon flights to the edge of the atmosphere and sounding rocket flights into near space.
Admission Requirements
To enter this program, students must have completed four years of high school science and mathematics, demonstrating a high level of competency. Successful candidates for this program will be prepared to enter Calculus I and Chemistry for Engineers.
Advantages
The Space Physics program focuses on Space Science with emphasis on solar system physics, planetary science and astrophysics.
The program shares its facilities and course work with the highly successful Engineering Physics program, the largest of its kind in the United States.
Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is an applied physics program designed to prepare graduates to work in space-and-aerospace-related industries. Students will explore the fundamental forces of nature through experimental investigation of atomic, nuclear and elementary particle systems. They will study the "micro" and "macro" universe through the use of high-precision detectors.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program requires 120 credit hours. The program can be completed in eight semesters. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below. Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or co-requisites.
Check the course descriptions in catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing. A grade of C or better is required in MA 241, MA 242, MA 243, PS 208, PS 215 and PS 219.
| Course | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| EP 101 | Current Topics in Space Sciences | 1 |
| Communication Theory and Skills* | 6 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities* | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Sciences* | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus & Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus & Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 140 | Chemistry for Engineers | 4 |
| PS 141 | Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 215 | Physics I | 3 |
| PS 216 | Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Course | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Theory & Skills* | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities* | 3 | |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus & Analytic Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 208 | Physics II | 3 |
| PS 219 | Physics III | 3 |
| PS 220 | Physics Laboratory III | 1 |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Course | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| EP 393 | Spaceflight Dynamics | 2 |
| EP 400 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mech | 3 |
| MA 441 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics I | 3 |
| MA 442 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics II | 3 |
| Upper-Level Social Sciences* | 3 | |
| PS 303 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PS 305 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 320 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PS 401 | Astrophysics | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Course | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
* Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Technical Electives may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified in the Space Physics vertical outline. | ||
| Technical Electives | 6 | |
| EP 410 | Space Physics | 3 |
| EP 420 | Planetary Science | 3 |
| EP 440 | Engineering Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| EP 455 | Quantum Physics | 3 |
| PS 400 | Senior Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| PS 405 | Atomic/Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| PS 408 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 120 | |
Department of Physical Sciences
Our programs prepare students to make positive scientific and technological contributions to our increasingly complex society.
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