Astronomy

C319 Physics-Astronomy Building

Modern research in astronomy and astrophysics encompasses a large number of disciplines and specialties. Research areas include planetary systems and astrobiology, stellar structure and evolution, interstellar matter, binaries adn compact objects, galactic structure and dynamics, galaxies and quasars, and large-scale structure and cosmology.

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Astronomy offers the following undergraduate programs:

• The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in astronomy

Bachelor of Science

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

1. ASTR 321, ASTR 322, ASTR 323
2. 9 credits of astronomy 400-level courses (with at least 3 credits in ASTR 480 or ASTR 499)
3. PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; PHYS 224, PHYS 225, PHYS 227, PHYS 228; PHYS 321, PHYS 322, PHYS 334
4. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; MATH 308, MATH 324
5. 12 additional credits in courses at the 300 level or above in physics (chosen from PHYS 315, PHYS 323, PHYS 324, PHYS 328, PHYS 331, PHYS 335, PHYS 421, PHYS 422, PHYS 423, PHYS 424, PHYS 425, PHYS 426, PHYS 431, PHYS 432, PHYS 433, PHYS 434) or engineering as approved by adviser. Data analysis (ASTR 480) and senior-year research (ASTR 499) are highly recommended, especially for students planning graduate work.
6. No grade lower than 2.0 is acceptable in courses fulfilling the above requirements.
7. Undergraduates interested in advanced work in astronomy are advised to take a double major in astronomy and physics. Undergraduates interested in immediate employment at an observatory or other scientific institution should include computing and electronics courses as part of their program.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: With this degree, students obtain a knowledge of the components of the universe, an understanding of the physics of its structure, and the technical skills to obtain and analyze data from telescopes. Graduates go on to graduate school or work at observatories or in industrial applications (lasers, x-ray, optical imaging) or in teaching applications.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: The department operates a 30-inch telescope with modern instrumentation at the Manastash Ridge Observatory near Ellensburg, primarily for students. The department is also part of a consortium of universities that operate a 3.5-meter optical/infrared telescope located on Sacramento Peak, New Mexico, and that are partners in the innovative Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the future Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Students also have access to a variety of national facilities, such as the Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo observatories and the Very Large Array. A variety of research is conducted with satellite instruments such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Data analysis and theoretical research are conducted on the department's cluster of computers, and on a variety of UW and national supercomputer facilities. Undergraduate majors often assist faculty members in acquisition, reduction, and interpretation of data.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors. With Distinction (Departmental Honors): 3.70 GPA in all ASTR courses and 6 credits of ASTR 499.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Space Grant
• Department Scholarships: Baer Prize. See adviser for details.
• Student Organizations/Associations: The Society of Physics Students. Undergraduate Astronomy Institute/Palen Radio Astronomy Group. League of Astronomers. See adviser for details.

Of Special Note: The first required astronomy course, ASTR 321, must be preceded by at least one year of college physics and mathematics. Any lower-division astronomy courses count as electives and not as part of the major. To finish in four years, the student must have completed PHYS 123 before autumn quarter of the junior year. Students are encouraged to take the capstone sequence: Spring: ASTR 480; Summer: ASTR 481 or ASTR 499 or an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program; Autumn: ASTR 482.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
C306 Physics-Astronomy, Box 351580
206-685-2392
grad@astro.washington.edu

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Most, though not all, entering students have a bachelor's degree in physics. Entering students are not required to have a background in astronomy, although some knowledge of general astronomy is expected of those to whom a teaching assistantship is offered. Undergraduates interested in a graduate program in astronomy are urged to concentrate on preparation in physics and mathematics before entering.

• Online application for Graduate Admission (AGA) form of the UW Graduate School
• Application fee
• A copy of the AGA to the Astronomy Department
• Resume
• "Statement of Goals and Achievements." This one-page, typed essay must address the reasons why the applicant wishes to pursue a graduate program in astronomy.
• Transcripts from all previous colleges and academic programs
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, both general and in the physics subject test, sent from the testing service
• Three letters of recommendation submitted online before the application deadline by the recommender.
• For international applicants:
  • A second set of transcripts from all previous colleges and academic programs
  • A paper copy of the AGA mailed to the Graduate School;
  • TOEFL score report
  • UW Statement of Financial Ability
  • Test of Spoken English (TSE) scores, sent by the testing service
  • Applicable visa documents (see Graduate School requirements)

Degree Requirements

Typically Ph.D. students take formal courses during their first two years at the UW while at the same time sampling research projects with various faculty. The department offers a full set of graduate astronomy courses covering every major research area in astrophysics. Areas covered include planetary astronomy, stellar interiors and atmospheres, interstellar medium, galaxies, dynamics, cosmology, physical processes, observational astronomy, and a variety of special topics. Even in their first year, students are encouraged to embark on faculty-supervised research programs so they can make informed decisions about a thesis topic and a professional research career.

Core Curriculum: Each quarter of their first two years, students usually take at least two graduate-level core courses in astronomy, along with a third course emphasizing additional physical or mathematical science study or astronomical research. Typical core courses include ASTR 507, ASTR 519, ASTR 521, ASTR 557, ASTR 531, ASTR 561 in one year, and ASTR 508, ASTR 541, ASTR 509, ASTR 511, ASTR 512, ASTR 513 in the alternate year, along with ASTR 500 and ASTR 581 (latter two often offered annually).

Students must pass two examinations, the Qualifying Examination and the General Examination, before being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. The Qualifying Examination, a written examination covering general knowledge, must be passed by the end of the third year of matriculation. The General Examination is an oral examination on a topic related to a student's proposed Ph.D. research topic. Students embark on their Ph.D. research program after passing the General Examination, typically in their third or fourth year at UW. Most students complete their Ph.D. thesis and defense two to three years later.

A Master of Science degree is offered but the department is not currently accepting students for a master’s only program. Students typically earn the master’s degree as part of the Ph.D. program. The departmental requirements for a master's degree are either (1) adequate performance on the Qualifying Exam or (2) an approved and supervised master's thesis.

Assistantships

Normally all students making satisfactory academic progress receive financial support. More than three-quarters of the department's graduate students hold fellowships or research assistantships. A number of teaching assistantships are available, primarily in the elementary astronomy courses.