The Undergraduate Concentration
Course List
 

Courses Relevant to the Astronomy Concentration at Harvard University C*=intended for concentrators, N*=intended for non-concentrators, G*=graduate students (or qualified undergrads), Pre/Con=can be taken concurrently. Not all courses are offered every year. Check Courses of Instruction for the current year.

Department No. Title Comments
Astronomy 2 Celestial Navigation N* Primarily practical lab activities (learn to use a sextant and compass, etc.)
Astronomy 16 Stars and Gas in the Milky Way C* Intro to fundamental astronomical principles underlying behavior of stars and interstellar gas. Pre/Con: Intro to mechanics satisfied by Physics 11a or Physics 15a or Physics 16.
Astronomy 17 Galactic and Extra Galactic Astronomy C* Intro to physical principles describing galaxies and composition and evolution of the Universe. Pre/Con: Intro course in mechanics, satisfied by Physics lla, or Physics 15a, or Physics 16.
Astronomy 91r Supervised Reading & Research C* Supervised reading and research in subjects not normally included in the regular course offerings of the dept. Often in lieu of thesis. Pre: Ast 16 or Ast 17.
Astronomy 98 Junior Tutorial C* weekly research talks plus demi-thesis. Pre: Ast 16 or Ast 17.
Astronomy 99 Senior Tutorial C* for Honors Concentrators. Pre: Ast 98.
Astronomy 100 Methods of Observational Astronomy C*/G* Basic tools of modern astonomical research, including telescopes, detectors, imaging, spectroscopy and common software. Pre/Con: Ast 16 or Ast 17.
Astronomy 110 [Exoplanets] C*/G* Survey of rapidly-evolving flied of detection and characterization of planets orbiting other stars. Pre: Ast 16.
Astronomy 120 [Stellar Physics] C*/G* Topics include structure of self-gravitating objects; energy transport in stars; stellar atmospheres; asteroseismology; nuclear fusion in stars; nucleosynthesis of elements; degenerate remnants of stars; black holes. Pre: Ast 16. Phy 15c stongly recommended.
Astronomy 130 Cosmology C*/G* Physical model describing the initial conditions, evolution, and ultimate fate of the Universe. Pre: Ast 17 or Phy 15c.
Astronomy 150 Radiative Processes in Astrophysics C*/G* Applications to radio, infrared, optical, x-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy. Pre: Phys 15c.
Astronomy 151 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics C*/G* Fluid & gas dynamics with applications drawn from astrophysical phenomena.
Astronomy 191 Astrophysics Laboratory C*/G* Very popular, satisfies Physics Lab. requirement. Pre: Ast 16 or 17, or Phys 15c/equiv.
Astronomy 192 Tools and Techniques of Astronomical Measurements C*/G* Observational techniques course, including measurement of radiation from astronomical sources at all wavelengths and frequencies. Telescopes and basic instrumentation and methods for many techniques. Pre: Phys 15a,b,c and Appl.Math 105/equivs.
Astronomy 193 [Noise and Data Analysis in Astrophysics] C*/G* How to design experiments to get the most information. Noise processes. Image processing & restoration techniques. Pre: Math 21b/equiv.
Astronomy 200. [Seminar in Modern Astrophysics and Cosmology] G* Topical areas in modern astrophysics & astronomy. Different topic each semester. Two semesters req. for credit.
Astronomy 201a. [Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics] G* Stars studied as (1) elementary (baryonic) building blocks of Universe, (2) and main source of the evolution of matter (nucleosynthesis). Pre/Con: Ast 150.
Astronomy 201b. [Interstellar Medium and Star Formation] G* Nature of the Interstellar Medium. Processes leading to formation of stars & planets, impact of star formation on ISM. Exchange between galactic maertial and the intergalactic medium.
Astronomy 202a. Galaxies and Dynamics G* Observational & theoretical overview of extragalactic astronomy with emphasis on dynamics.
Astronomy 202b Cosmology G* Cosmological principle: isotrophy & homogeneity, cosmological world models, thermal history of Big Bang, microwave background, growth of density fluctuations, large scale structure and other topics at the frontiers ofcosmology.
Astronomy 218 Radio Astronomy G* Theory, and radio observations of the sun, planets, pulsars, masers, hydrogen and molecular clouds, quasars, cosmic background and more! Pre: Ast. 150 or Phys. 153 recommended.
Astronomy 219 [High Energy Astrophysics] G* Relativistic and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.
Astronomy 224 [Solar System Dynamics] G* Intro to modern solar system dynamics, applied to ur solar system as well as extra solar planetary systems. Pre: Intro to Physics.
Astronomy 225 [Formation of Stars and Planets] G* Multidisciplinary overview of many topics related to star and planet formation.
Astronomy 251 [Quantum Mechanics for Astrophysics] G* Quantum mechanics with application to atomic & molecular processes important in astronomical environments.Pre: Physics 143a/equiv or perm. of instr.
Astronomy 287 Atomic and Molecular Astrophysics G* Survey of wide range of atomic, molecular and optical processes that occur in plasmas and their role in determining the physics, chemistry and dynamics of astrophysical environments.
Astronomy 300 Topics in Modern Astrophysics G* Graduate seminar, reading, or research course may be arranged with a faculty member.
Astronomy 301hf Research Forum G* Training in clear presentation of scientific ideas.
Astronomy 302 Scientists Teaching Science G* Learn to lecture, lead discussions, create tests. Focus on educational research & case studies. Pre: Experience as instructor of science or as teaching fellow.
Science A-35 The EnergeticUniverse N* The nature and history of matter revealed by astronomical observation and experimental physics.
Science A-36 Measuring the Universe with Stars N* The nature of the sun and the stars with emphasis on direct observations.
Physics 11a Mechanics C* Motion of particles and rigid bodies, waves, kinetics. Pre/Con: Math 21a or 22a
Physics 11b Electricity, Magnetism, & Waves C* Electricity, magnetism, circuits, waves, optics, etc. Pre: Phys 11a, Math 21a or 23a.
Physics 15a Introductory Mechanics and Relativity C* Newtonian mechanics and special relativity. Pre: Math 1b/equiv. Encouraged to take Math 21a concurrently.
Physics 15b Introductory Electromagnetism C* Maxwell's equations in differential form, electric and magnetic fields in materials. Lab work at home. Pre: Phys 15a, 16/equiv., Pre/Con: Math 21a.
Physics 15c Wave Phenomena C* Forced oscillation and resonance, Fourier series, polarization, etc. Pre: Phys 15b, Pre/Con: Math 21b.
Physics 16 Mechanics and Special Relativity C* Advanced version of 15a. Pre: score of 4 or 5 on mechanics section of Physics C AP exam/equiv. Pre/Con: Math 21a/equiv.
Physics 123 Laboratory Electronics C*/G* Lab-intensive intro to electronic circuit design. Develop circuit intuition & debugging skills. Treatment moves from passive circuits through design with discrete transitors. Digital half of course ephasizes use of programmable logic devices, microprocessors & microcontrollers; issues that arise in interfacing analog & digital devices to a computer.
Physics 125 Widely Applied Physics C*/G* Very popular course applies elementary physics to real things and practical situations. Pre: Phys 15a,b,c, Pre/Con: Math 21a/equiv. Recommended: Phys 143a, 181
Physics 143a Quantum Mechanics I C*/G* Intro to nonrelativistic quantum: uncertainty relations, Schrodinger equation, tunneling, spin, etc. Pre: Phys 15c or per of Director of Undergraduate Stufies.
Physics 143b Quantum Mechanics II C*/G* Further techniques and applications of QM. Pre: Phys 143a
Physics 145 Elementary Particle Physics C*/G* Emphasis on concepts and phenomenology, taught partly in seminar mode. Pre: Phys 143a. Recommended: Phys 143b/equiv.
Physics 151 Mechanics C*/G* Lagrangian, Hamilton's eqns., etc. Pre: Phys 15a,b or permission of Director of Undergraduate Studies, Math 21a,b/equiv. Recommended: Phys 143a
Physics 153 Electrodynamics C*/G* Aimed at advanced undergrads. Properties and sources of field vectors and wave aspect of EM fields, applications. Pre: Phys 15 a,b,and c, or perm of Director of Undergraduate Studies; Math 21a,b/equiv.
Physics 181 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics C*/G* Intro to thermal physics. Some students take ES-181 instead. Pre: Phys 143a/equiv.
Physics 191r Advanced Laboratory C*/G* Experimental projects. equiv. to Astro. 191 or Applied Phys 191. Pre: Phys 15 Recommended: Phys 143
Physics 210 General Theory of Relativity G* Introduction to general relativity. Pre: Phys 151, 153, Math 21/equiv.
Physics 211 General Relativity, Cosmology and Other Topics G* Equivalent to Astro 211 Pre: Phys 210/equiv. Recommended: Phys 253a.
Physics 251a Advanced Quantum Mechanics I G* Basic course in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. Pre: Phy 143a, b/equiv.
Physics 251b Advanced Quantum Mechanics II G* Time-dependent perturbations; quantized radiation field; absorption & emission of radiation; identical particles & second quantization; symmetry groups. Pre: Phy. 251a.
Physics 253a Quantum Field Theory I G* Intro to relativistic quantum mechanics & quantum field theory. Canonical quantization, scalar & spinor fields, scattering theory, Feyman digrams, renormalization. Pre: Phy 251a, b/equiv.
Physics 253b Quantum Field Theory II G* Continuation of Phy 253a. Vector fields, guage invariance, funtional integration, quantum electrodynamics, spontaneous symmetry breakdown, & intro to the standard model. Pre: Phy 253a.
Mathematics 1a Introduction to Calculus C* Introduction to integration, differential calculus. Pre: Solid background in precalculus.
Mathematics 1b Calculus, Series, and Differential Equations C* Integration and diff. eqs. w/applications. Approximations by polynomial series. Pre: Math 1a, or Xa and Xb, equiv.
Mathematics 21a Multivariable Calculus C* Partial derivs., Green's Theorem, etc. Pre: Math 1b/equiv.
Mathematics 21b Linear Algebra and Differential Equations C* Determinants, eigenvalues/vectors, ordinary diff. eqs. and solutions, applications. Pre: Math 21a/equiv.
Mathematics 23a Theoretical Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculuc I C* A rigorous treatment of linear algebra & the calculus of functions of n real variables. Pre: Math 1b or grade of 4 or 5 on the Calculus BC Adv. Plcmt Exam.
Mathematics 23b Theoretical Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus II C* Continuation of the subject matter of Math 23a
Mathematics 25a Honors Multivariable Calculus & Linear Algebra C* Rigorous treatment of linear algebra, point-set & metric topology, & the calculus of functions in n variables. Pre: A 5 on Adv. Plcmt BC-Calculus Examination or equiv.
Mathematics 25b Honors Multivariable Calculus & Linear Algebra C* Continuation of Math 25a. More adv. topics. Pre: Math 25a or permission of instructor.
Mathematics 112 Real Analysis C*/G* Proof-based course relevant to calculus. Pre: Math 21 a,b or 23a,b Pre/Con: Math 101/equiv.
Mathematics 115 Methods of Analysis and Applications C*/G* Especially for physics students. Transforms, mappings, and differential eqns. Pre: Math 21a,b, 23a,b, or 25a,b, and permission of instructor.
Mathematics 132 Topology II: Smooth Manifolds C*/G* Differential manifolds, smooth maps & transversality. Pre: Math 23a,b, 25a,b, 55a,b or 112.
Applied Math 105a Complex and Fourier Analysis C*/G*Fourier & Laplace transforms, complex variables, etc. Pre: App.Math 21a,b or Math 21a and b.
Applied Math 105b Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations C*/G*Differential equations, expansions, asymptotics, etc. Pre: App. Math 21a, b or Math 21a, b.
Applied Math 111 Introduction to Scientific Computing C*/G*Elementary numerical methods & their computer implementation: linear & nonlinear equations; interpolation, differentiation & quadrature; ordinary differential equation intial & boundary value problems. Pre:App. Math 21a and 21b, or Math 21a & 21B. Ability to program in some hi-level computer language
Applied Math 201 Physical Mathematics I G*Intro to m ethods for developing solutions for problems in physical sciences that can't be solved exactly. Pre: App.Math 105a,b/ or equiv.
Applied Math 202 Physical Mathematics II G* Theory & techniques for finding exact approximate analytical solutions of partial differential & integral equations, & related topics: eigenfunction expansions, Green functions, variational calculus, transform techniques, perturbation methods, characteristics. Pre: App.Math 105a, 105b or equiv.
Applied Math 205 [Practical Scientific Computing] G* Computational methods at sophisticated analytic level. Practical exercises emphasized. Wide range of topics from linear algebra to Fournier analaysis. Pre: App.Math at level of l05B, & ability to program in Fortran or C useful.

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