The Astrophysics major will be elected by students who plan graduate study in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field, and also can be elected by those interested in a wide variety of careers. This major emphasizes the description of the universe and its constituents in terms of physical processes. Potential Astrophysics majors should consult early with members of the Astronomy and Physics departments to determine their most appropriate route to and through the major. An essential ingredient in such students' undergraduate training is experience in physics and mathematics. Therefore, the major normally will begin in the first year a student is at Williams with Physics 131 or 141 or 151 and Math 104 in the fall continuing with Physics 142 and Math 105/106 in the spring. Students with very good backgrounds placing them out of Physics 142 may elect Physics 201 instead. Astronomy 111 could therefore be taken in the sophomore year, however exceptionally motivated students can consider taking it their first semester at Williams along with physics and math. Faculty are always glad to advise students as they plan their courses.
In addition to the major courses described below, other courses in geosciences, mathematics, and computer science may also be appropriate.
The total number of courses required for the Astrophysics major, an interdisciplinary major, is eleven. Students entering with Advanced Placement in physics and/or math may obtain credit toward the major for the equivalent of Physics 142 and/or Math 105 taken elsewhere, but at least 8 courses in astronomy, physics, and math must be taken at Williams. There are some aspects of astrophysics that are closely related to chemistry or geology. In recognition of this relation, certain advanced courses in those departments can be accepted for credit toward the Astrophysics major on a two-for-one basis.
The honors degree in Astrophysics will be awarded on the basis of a senior thesis presenting the results of an original observational, experimental, or theoretical investigation carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member in Astronomy or Physics. There are no specific grade requirements (other than College-wide requirements for remaining in good academic standing) for entry into the thesis research program; however, a student wishing to do a thesis should have demonstrated both ability and motivation for independent work in previous courses and in any earlier research involvement. Students doing theses will normally choose a topic and an adviser early in the second semester of their junior year. During the senior year, those students whose proposals have been approved will elect two courses and a Winter Study Project in addition to the minimum requirements for the major. At the end of the Winter Study Period, the departments will decide, in consultation with each student, whether to admit that student to honors candidacy. Both a written thesis and an oral presentation to faculty and fellow students are required. The degree with honors will be awarded to those who meet these requirements with distinction. The degree with highest honors will be awarded to those who fulfill the requirements with unusually high distinction.
The departments will be flexible with regard to the number and timing of courses devoted to thesis research within the general guidelines of two courses and a Winter Study Project over and above the minimum major requirements and the written and oral presentations, especially in cases of students with advanced standing and/or summer research experience. Students considering unusual requests are urged to consult with potential advisers or the department chairs as early as possible.
The Astronomy major is designed for students with an interest in learning about many aspects of modern astronomy, but who might not have planned to undertake the more physics-intensive Astrophysics major. The Astronomy major is particularly suitable for students who seek a coherent course of study in astronomy, but who do not intend to pursue it in graduate school. It is also appropriate as a second major for students majoring in another field. The Astronomy major emphasizes understanding the observed properties of the physical systems that comprise the known universe, from the Sun and solar system, to the evolution of stars and star clusters, to the Milky Way Galaxy, to external galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Because some knowledge of physics and calculus is necessary to understand many astronomical phenomena, the Astronomy major requires the first two semesters each of physics and calculus also required of Physics majors and Astrophysics majors.
There are several possible routes through the Astronomy major, depending on preparation and interest. Students considering a major in Astronomy should consult with members of the department early and often. A first-year student, unsure about choosing between Astronomy and Astrophysics, may wish to take not only Astronomy 111 but also Physics 131 or 141 and Math 104 (if necessary) in the fall. Students who might place out of physics courses should read the section on placement under Physics .
To complete the astronomy major one must complete the following course sequence:
The total number of courses required for the Astronomy major is nine. Students entering with Advanced Placement in physics and/or math may obtain credit toward the major for the equivalent of Physics 142 and/or Math 105 taken elsewhere. There are some aspects of astronomy that are closely related to chemistry or geosciences. In recognition of this, certain advanced courses in those departments can be accepted for credit toward the Astronomy major.
The honors degree in Astronomy will be awarded on the basis of a senior thesis presenting the results of an original observational, experimental, or theoretical investigation carried out by the student under the direction of a faculty member in Astronomy. There are no specific grade requirements (other than College-wide requirements for remaining in good academic standing) for entry into the thesis research program; however, a student wishing to do a thesis should have demonstrated both ability and motivation for independent work in previous courses and in any earlier research involvement. Students doing theses will normally choose a topic and an adviser early in the second semester of their junior year. During the senior year, those students whose proposals have been approved will elect two courses and a Winter Study Project in addition to the minimum requirements for the major. At the end of the Winter Study Period, the department will decide, in consultation with each student, whether to admit that student to honors candidacy. Both a written thesis and an oral presentation to faculty and fellow students are required. The degree with honors will be awarded to those who meet these requirements with distinction. The degree with highest honors will be awarded to those who fulfill the requirements with unusually high distinction.
The department will be flexible with regard to the number and timing of courses devoted to thesis research within the general guidelines of two courses and a Winter Study Project over and above the minimum major requirements and the written and oral presentations, especially in cases of students with advanced standing and/or summer research experience. Students considering unusual requests are urged to consult with potential advisers or the department chair as early as possible.
