Astronomy
J.W. Gibbs Laboratories, 432.3000
www.astro.yale.edu/
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair
Jeffrey Kenney
Director of Graduate Studies
Priyamvada Natarajan (436.4833, priyamvada.natarajan@yale.edu)
Professors
Charles Bailyn, Charles Baltay (Physics), Sarbani Basu, Paolo Coppi, Pierre Demarque (Emeritus), Jeffrey Kenney, Richard Larson, Peter Parker (Physics), Sabatino Sofia, C. Megan Urry (Physics), William van Altena (Emeritus), Pieter van Dokkum, Robert Zinn
Associate Professor
Priyamvada Natarajan
Assistant Professors
Hector Arce, Richard Easther (Physics), Steven Furlanetto (Physics), Marla Geha
Lecturers
Michael Faison, Gordon Drukier
Fields of Study
Fields include observational and theoretical galactic astronomy, solar and stellar astrophysics, astrometry, extragalactic astronomy, radio astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, and cosmology.
Special Admissions Requirements
Applicants should have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics and mathematics. Although some formal training in astronomy is useful, it is by no means required for admission. Applicants should take the GRE Subject Test in Physics.
Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
A typical program of study includes twelve courses during the first four terms, and must include the core courses listed below:
Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics (ASTR 520), Observational Techniques (ASTR 555), Interstellar Matter and Star Formation (ASTR 560), either Stellar Populations (ASTR 510) or Stellar Astrophysics (ASTR 550), and either Galaxies (ASTR 530) or The Early Universe (ASTR 565).
Students require the permission of the instructor and the DGS to drop a core class if they think that they have sufficient knowledge of the field. Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of the field before they are allowed to drop any core class.
Two of the twelve courses must be research credits, each earned by working in close collaboration with a faculty member. Of the two research credits, one must be earned doing a theoretical project and one doing an observational research project. The students need to present the results of the project as a written report and will be given a written evaluation of their performance.
The choice of the five remaining courses depends on the candidate’s interest and background and must be decided in consultation with the DGS and/or the prospective thesis adviser. The students must consult with the DGS and prospective advisers before selecting the other classes; the prospective advisers may require the students to attend specific classes and obtain a specified minimum grade in order for a student to work with them for their thesis. Students must take any additional course that their supervisors require even after their fourth term. In addition, all students, regardless of their term of study, have to attend Professional Seminar (ASTR 710) every term. ASTR 710 may not be used to fulfill the twelve-course requirement.
Students are encouraged to take graduate courses in physics or related subjects. On an irregular basis, special topic courses and seminars are offered, which provide the opportunity to study some fields in greater depth than is possible in the standard courses. To achieve both breadth and depth in their education, students are encouraged to take a few courses beyond their second year of study.
There is no foreign language requirement. A written comprehensive examination, normally taken at the end of the fourth term of graduate work, tests the student’s familiarity with the entire field of astronomy and related branches of physics and mathematics. Particular attention will be paid to the student’s performance in the field in which the student plans to do research. An oral examination, held a few weeks after the written examination, is based on the student’s chosen field of research. Satisfactory performance in these examinations, an acceptable record in course and research work, and an approved dissertation prospectus are required for admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation should present the results of an original and thorough investigation, worthy of publication. Most importantly, it should reflect the candidate’s capacity for independent research. An oral dissertation defense is required.
Teaching experience is an integral part of graduate education in astronomy. All students will serve as teaching fellows and complete a total of 9 TF units. Both the level of teaching assignments and the scheduling of teaching are flexible and determined by the needs of the department. By the end of the third term, however, most students will have completed 6 TF units. The additional 3 TF units will normally be carried out after the fourth term of study.
Honors Requirement
Students must meet the Graduate School’s Honors requirement by the end of the fourth term of full-time study.
Master’s Degrees
M.Phil. See Degree Requirements.
M.S. (en route to the Ph.D.). Upon application, the department will recommend for the award of the M.S. degree any student who has satisfactorily completed the first year of the program leading to the Ph.D. degree. Satisfactory is defined as having taken at least four courses (not including ASTR 710), and one research project. The student should have a grade average of HP in the courses taken and a grade of HP or above in the research project.
Program materials are available upon request to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Astronomy, Yale University, PO Box 208101, New Haven CT 06520-8101.
Courses
[ASTR 510u, Stellar Populations.]
ASTR 518b, Stellar Dynamics. Marla Geha.
The dynamics and evolution of star clusters; structure and dynamics of our galaxy; theories of spiral structure; dynamical evolution of galaxies.
ASTR 520b, Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics. Paolo Coppi.
The analytic and numerical/computational tools necessary for effective research in astronomy, geophysics, and related disciplines. Topics include numerical solutions to differential equations, spectral methods, and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications are made to common astrophysical and geophysical problems including fluids and N-body simulations. Also G&G 538b.
[ASTR 530 au,Galaxies.]
ASTR 540 au,Radiative Processes in Astrophysics and Geophysics. Sarbani Basu.
MW 9–10.15
Theory of radiation fields and their propagation through media. Applications to stellar and planetary atmospheres and the interstellar medium including planetary energy balance and climate, terrestrial optical phenomena, high-energy phenomena, and remote sensing. Also G&G 501au.
[ASTR 550 au,Stellar Astrophysics.]
ASTR 555bu,Observational Techniques. Robert Zinn.
The design and use of optical telescopes, cameras, spectrographs, and detectors to make astronomical observations. The reduction and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations.
[ASTR 560, Interstellar Matter and Star Formation.]
ASTR 565a, The Early Universe. Pieter van Dokkum.
The emergence of structure in the universe: stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. Theories of galaxy formation, and the properties of distant galaxies. Emphasis on the interplay of theory and observations in this rapidly evolving field.
ASTR 570a, High-Energy Astrophysics. Paolo Coppi.
A survey of current topics in high-energy astrophysics, including accreting black hole and neutron star systems in our galaxy, pulsars, active galactic nuclei and relativistic jets, gamma-ray bursts, and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The basic physical processes underlying the observed high-energy phenomena are also covered.
ASTR 580a or b, Research.
By arrangement with faculty.
[ASTR 585, Radio Astronomy.]
[ASTR 590, Solar Physics.]
ASTR 600bu,Cosmology. Priyamvada Natarajan.
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to cosmology at the graduate level. The standard paradigm for the formation, growth, and evolution of structure in the Universe is covered in detail. The course does not assume prior knowledge of general relativity.
ASTR 666a, Statistical Thermodynamics for Astrophysics and Geophysics. John Wettlaufer.
TTh 2.30–3.45
Classical thermodynamics is derived from statistical thermodynamics. We then develop kinetics, transport theory, and reciprocity from the linear thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Emphasis is placed on phase transitions, including novel states of matter, nucleation theory, and the thermodynamics of atmospheres. We explore phenomena that are of direct relevance to problems in astrophysical settings, atmospheres, oceans, and the Earth’s interior. No quantum mechanics is necessary as a prerequisite. Also G&G 666a.
[ASTR 705, Research Seminar in Stellar Population.]
ASTR 710a and b, Professional Seminar. Faculty.
A seminar covering science and professional issues in astronomy.
[ASTR 715a, Research Seminar in High-Energy Astrophysics.]
[ASTR 720b, Research Seminar in Solar Physics.]
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