The B.S. in Space Physics engages students in the scientific side of space exploration through studies of the Earth-sun environment, atmospheric sciences, aurorae, planetary sciences, space weather, laboratory plasma physics, stellar and high-energy astrophysics, gravitational physics, exoplanets and exotic propulsion.
Space Physics students have access to campus-specific research areas such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) at the Prescott Campus and the Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope at the Daytona Beach Campus. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in applied research careers as contributors in the growing field of space exploration.
At the Daytona Beach Campus, the B.S. in Space Physics emphasizes the physics of the solar-terrestrial and distant-space environments. Students learn to study magnetic and astrophysical phenomena that occur in outer space, in the upper atmospheres of planets and on the sun.
The university houses one of the largest university-based research telescopes in the southeastern United States: a 1-meter Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope. Adjacent to the telescope is a helioscope used to observe solar activity, providing students with hands-on experience using ground-based instruments to study space phenomena.
At the Prescott Campus, the B.S. in Space Physics allows students to explore fundamental forces in nature through the study of astrophysics, relativity and gravitation, as well as atomic, nuclear and elementary particle systems. Students are immersed in designing experiments and building equipment for physics research. Students have access to laboratories for studying optics, exotic propulsion and cosmic rays, including the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and the Prescott Observatory Complex.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
Communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences by writing reports/papers and making oral presentations.
Use appropriate research methods to conduct experiments.
Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
Apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve problems in modern space physics and related scientific areas.
Acquire information about new scientific problems and techniques for their solution, using appropriate learning strategies.
Identify, formulate, and solve scientific problems through the construction of physical models.
Daytona Beach Program Requirements
General Education Requirements
39
Core Requirements
51
Area of Concentration
15
Electives
15
Total Credits
120
Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program requires 120 credit hours. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is needed for all required ENGP and PHYS courses, including technical electives. The program may be completed in eight semesters, or four years, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment.
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course descriptions in this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing. A grade of C or higher is required in PHYS 226, PHYS 227, PHYS 228 and MATH 241, MATH 242, MATH 243 to be in good standing in the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics program requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. The program may be completed in eight semesters, or four years, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Students pursuing this undergraduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 for all work completed at the University. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all ASTR and PHYS courses is required. The program includes a two-course senior research thesis sequence as part of the degree requirements. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.
Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. To support success in advanced coursework, students are strongly encouraged to earn a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses. Students may not pursue both the Bachelor of Science in Space Physics and the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy; however, the first three semesters of both programs share a common curriculum, allowing students to transfer between programs during that period without loss of credit.
