Director of Undergraduate Studies: Prof. Frederik Paerels, 1022 Pupin; 854-0181; frits@astro.columbia.edu

Departmental Office: 1328 Pupin; 854-3278

• http://www.astro.columbia.edu/

Astronomy is, at once, the oldest science and one of the most vibrant fields of modern research. Its goal is to construct testable, quantitative, coherent models of the universe (the UNIty of the diVERSE) and its contents—galaxies, stars, and planets. The department offers two majors, both of which require a solid grounding in the mathematics and physics necessary for the pursuit of the discipline.

The astrophysics major is designed as preparation for graduate study and consists of a significant fraction of a standard physics major sequence; a year-long introduction to astrophysics (typically taken in the sophomore year, but open to first-year students with an adequate preparation in calculus and physics); and three courses covering advanced topics in astronomy. Research, in the form of summer internships and/or term-time independent projects, which leads to a senior thesis, is strongly encouraged. Students wishing to pursue independent, supervised study or research are encouraged to enroll in C3997 or C3998. Astrophysics majors are encouraged to write a senior thesis based on an original piece of research. They are encouraged to enroll in a parallel, two-semester sequence C3997-C3998, in the Fall and Spring semesters of their senior year. In this sequence, you are required to attend the department colloquia in the Fall semester, as well as a special seminar designed to help you understand the colloquium topic. You also formulate a Senior Thesis project. In the Spring semester, you do the research project and write the Thesis.

The astronomy major, while also providing a basis for further study in the field, is designed as a science major for liberal arts students who may well pursue other careers and for students wishing to combine astonomy with related sciences other than physics, such as chemistry or geology. It requires only three physics courses beyond the introductory sequence and can be completed easily if begun in the sophomore year.

The Department offers two introductory sequences: ASTR C1403 Earth, moon, and planets - ASTR C1404 Beyond the solar system is recommended for students not majoring in the sciences; ASTR C2001-ASTR C2002 Introduction to astrophysics I and II is recommended for intending astronomy majors and concentrators and is required for astrophysics majors. Each semester, typically three 3000 level courses are taught. ASTR C3601 General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology, ASTR C3602 Physical Cosmology, and ASTR C3646 Observational Astronomy are given in alternate years. Several other 3000 level courses on topics in astronomy and astrophysics are taught, but not strictly repeating every other year. The 3000 level courses need not be taken in any particular order.