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Harvard University Department of Astronomy
The Undergraduate Concentration
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Concentrating in
Astronomy & Astrophysics
at Harvard
WHAT IS ASTRONOMY?
Astronomy is the study of the universe and the various objects in it using
the laws of Physics, for example:
- Birth, evolution and death of stars - red giants, white dwarfs, neutron
stars, black holes
- Properties of galaxies - Milky Way Galaxy - quasars
- Origin and evolution of the universe - the Big Bang
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER CONCENTRATING IN ASTRONOMY?
- It is a wonderful subject
- If you enjoy Physics & Mathematics, it can be very interesting to
apply these subjects in the study of Astronomy
- Favorable faculty to student ratio-- there are about 40 faculty/lecturers
and 30 undergraduates -- lots of faculty contact
- Emphasis on student research during the Junior and Senior years
- The Astronomy Department is part of the Harvard-Smithsonian
Center for Astrophysics, which houses almost 300 research scientists
THREE OPTIONS IN THE ASTRONOMY CONCENTRATION
- Basic Concentration
Relatively less demanding course requirements - meant for students who
want to get a flavor of Astronomy, but do not plan to make a career in it.
-
Honors Concentration
For more serious students, and especially those planning
to go to graduate school.
- Joint
Honors Concentration
The most frequent combination is with
Physics
but other combinations are also possible.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR THE ASTRONOMY CONCENTRATION?
- Get started on
Mathematics
Courses: Mathematics 1a, 1b, 21a, and 21b are required, and should preferably
be completed by the end of the second year. Honors concentration also requires
more advanced Mathematics courses which are usually taken in the second
or third year.
- Get started on Physics
Courses : Physics 15a (or 16), 15b and 15c are required and should preferably
be completed by the end of the second year. Honors concentration also requires
Physics 143a, which is often taken in the third year.
- An introductory class for potential concentrators, Astronomy 16, is
offered in the First Year. This course is not required for concentrators,
but is strongly encouraged. The Introductory Tutorial, Astronomy 97hf,
is offered in the second year. Students with Advanced Placement in
Physics may take the Introductory Tutorial in their freshman year if
they wish. If you are not sure if you would like Astronomy and want to
find out what the subject is like, you can try Astronomy 16 (for those
with a physics background), or Astronomy 1, Science A35 or Science A36
(for those with a general background) during the first year.
- A list of courses frequently taken by Astronomy Concentrators
can be found
here.
-
Pending--Information on Secondary Fields in Astronomy and Astrophysics
For further information, please refer to the
Astronomy
listing in Fields of Concentration. Because the Astronomy Department
is housed at the
Center for Astrophysics
(CfA), which is made up of the Harvard
College Observatory (HCO) and the Smithsonian
Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), we have access to excellent facilities
and research opportunities. These include unusually complete observational
capabilities (radio through gamma ray) and computer systems, including a
dedicated student computer system.
The CfA
is adjacent to the Radcliffe Athletic Complex on Garden Street and is a
short (ten minute) walk from the yard.
Astronomy Department Office:
60 Garden Street
Room C-26
617 495-3752
department@cfa.harvard.edu
Director of Undergraduate Studies:
Professor David Charbonneau
60 Garden Street
Room P-343
617 496-6515
dcharbonneau@cfa.harvard.edu
Click here for a description of
Concentration Requirements.
Please feel free to call one of these offices if you think you might be
interested in the Astronomy concentration (or a joint concentration) and
if you have any questions. There is a Department brochure as well as detailed
information regarding the Astronomy tutorial classes and departmental honors
requirements available in the Department Office.
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