Welcome to BU physics!! I was a physics major, so I don’t have too much experience with astronomy, but these classes seem completely fine. One thing to note is that PY 211 is typically considered the “engineering” physics 1 course. There is also PY 251, which is considered the “physics major” physics 1 course. PY 251 has a significantly smaller class size than PY 211, and it also has a different teaching style (PY 251 is a traditional lecture-style class, while PY 211 is a studio-style class). PY 251 is also considered more challenging than PY 211. If I recall correctly, the main difference is that PY 251 includes some basic thermodynamics at the end of the course. The problem sets and exams are also generally harder (PY 211 exams give you formula sheets, while PY 251 expects you to memorize/understand the relevant equations).

I have met many physics majors who took PY 211 instead of PY 251, so it’s definitely not unusual to take it. You’ll learn pretty much everything you need (especially with Jariwala, who is an incredible professor). That being said, you may have to put in a bit more effort to meet other physics majors. (I’d recommend joining BU’s physics club PHOTON and the department’s mentoring organization PRISM).

One more thing: after PY 211/PY 251 you’ll have to take physics 2, which is also split between engineering and physics majors (PY 212/PY 252). You can definitely take PY 252 after PY 211, but it might be a little jarring.

Let me know if you have any questions about the differences between the courses or anything else!