Graduate Courses
Students select seven courses from a list of ten core courses and two elective courses. Attendance at the Seminar for First-Year Astronomy Graduate Students is required during the first Fall Semester. We offer a number of advanced courses, as well as five seminar series, which allow faculty, research staff, students and visiting scientists to present their current research.
Throughout their graduate career, students carry out research projects designed to introduce them to the frontiers of modern astronomy. At the end of their second year, students defend their research to date. Students have the option of taking a master’s degree at this time, and then continuing with the doctoral program or going directly into the doctoral program without applying for a master’s degree. We have lists of current graduate students and their research projects, as well as the research interests of our faculty and research scientists.
Course List
The Graduate Program includes courses which will introduce students to the basic ideas of modern astronomy and astrophysics, as well as more advanced material including:
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| AST 380E | Radiative Processes and Radiative Transfer |
| AST 381 | Theoretical Astrophysics |
| AST 381C | Gravitational Dynamics |
| AST 382C | Astrophysical Gas Dynamics |
| AST 383 | Stellar Astronomy |
| AST 383C | Stellar Atmospheres |
| AST 383D | Stellar Structure and Evolution |
| AST 386 | Extragalactic Astronomy |
| AST 386C | Properties of Galaxies |
| AST 389 | Dynamical Astronomy |
| AST 392D | Mathematical Techniques in Astronomy |
| AST 392E | Optical Techniques in Astronomy |
| AST 392G | Observing Techniques in Astronomy |
| AST 392J | Astronomical Instrumentation |
| AST 393F | Survey of the Interstellar Medium |
| AST 396C | Elements of Cosmology |
| AST 398T | Supervised Teaching in Astronomy |
Additional course information is available in the Graduate Catalog.