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The science of astronomy and astrophysics involves the study of matter and radiation in the universe as understood through the laws of physics. Modern astronomical instruments reveal a great variety of objects scarcely imagined a few decades ago, including X-ray binary stars, pulsars, and quasars. Astronomical phenomena exhibit an extreme range of physical conditions, from superfluid neutrons in neutron stars, high-temperature nuclear reactions in supernovae, and strong gravitational fields near black holes, to the unique state of the universe during its earliest phases. Theoretical attempts to describe these and more familiar phenomena (such as stars and galaxies) have achieved a useful understanding in many cases. However, our overall knowledge of the universe is still woefully incomplete, and our contemporary physical knowledge is often stretched to its limits in attempting to understand physical conditions which cannot be reproduced in terrestrial laboratories.

The concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics introduces students to a broad range of phenomena through a program of both observational and theoretical courses. This program builds from a foundation of modern physics to a general account of the known contents of the universe. The introductory and junior tutorials place students in close contact with the wide range of research activities at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to pursue research projects (conducted under the supervision of members of the faculty), which culminate in their junior papers and senior theses. Since the emphasis of astronomy and astrophysics is on the explanation of phenomena in the universe in terms of physical theory, the initial stages of a concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics closely resemble those of the Physics concentration, and the courses offered by the Department of Astronomy are readily accessible to any student with a good physics background. Our concentration offers avenues similar to Physics for future employment and research opportunities.

The concentration in Astronomy and Astrophysics offers three options: the basic concentration, the honors-eligible concentration, and the joint concentration. The basic concentration is intended for those students who have a strong interest in astronomy and astrophysics, but who do not wish to explore the subject to the same depth of physical theory as honors candidates. The specific course requirements for each track are described in the next section. Our gateway course, Astronomy 16, is encouraged for freshmen who would like to get a feel for what the concentration involves. The introductory tutorial (Astronomy 97) is optional but strongly encouraged of all concentrators. Both basic and honors candidates must enroll in the junior tutorial (Astronomy 98). The senior thesis (Astronomy 99) is required of honors candidates, but not of basic concentrators. Some flexibility in requirements is possible for late entrants to the concentration who have a suitable background in physics and mathematics.

Astronomy and Astrophysics offers joint concentrations with other departments. In general, such concentrations involve meeting requirements for honors candidates in both fields, although the Astronomy junior tutorial and senior thesis are not required of joint concentrators if they have not listed Astronomy and Astrophysics as their primary concentration. Joint concentrations combining Astronomy and Astrophysics with either Physics or with Earth and Planetary Sciences are particularly encouraged, although various other combinations are certainly possible. Students interested in joint concentrations are encouraged to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies at 617-496-6515 or dcharbonneau@cfa.harvard.edu.

Students interested in completing a Master’s degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics during their fourth year can find more detailed information in our section of the Advanced Standing at Harvard College booklet, and should contact the Astronomy Department early in their degree program.