Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Bulletin of Yale University
 
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General Information
   

Astronomy

J.W. Gibbs Laboratories, 432.3000
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Chair
Charles Bailyn

Director of Graduate Studies
Sabatino Sofia (256 JWG, 432.3011, sabatino.sofia@yale.edu)

Professors
Charles Bailyn, Charles Baltay (Physics), Paolo Coppi, Pierre Demarque (Emeritus), Jeffrey Kenney, Richard Larson, Peter Parker (Physics), Sabatino Sofia, Megan Urry (Physics), William van Altena, Robert Zinn

Associate Professor
Sarbani Basu

Assistant Professors
Richard Easther (Physics), Priyamvada Natarajan, Pieter van Dokkum

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. At least two courses (and no more than four) 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 choice of the remaining courses depends on the candidate's interest and background. 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. An oral and 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. Satisfactory performance in this examination, 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 levels of teaching assignments and the scheduling of teaching are flexible. 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.

Core courses: The following have been designated as core courses that students must take: Stellar Populations (ASTR 510), Galaxies (ASTR 530), Stellar Astrophysics (ASTR 550), Interstellar Matter and Star Formation (ASTR 560), and either The Early Universe (ASTR 565) or Cosmology (ASTR 600). In addition two courses, Radiative Processes in Astrophysics (ASTR 540) and Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics (ASTR 520), have been designated as prerequisites. Students must have the permission of the director of graduate studies if they do not want to take any course that is designated as either a core course or a prerequisite.

Honors Requirement
Students must meet the Graduate School's Honors requirement by the end of the fourth term of full-time study (see page 412).

Master's Degrees
M.Phil. See Graduate School 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. The department requires, in addition, that at least one of the courses taken during the year be a research course.

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 510bu, Stellar Populations.  Robert Zinn.
The stellar populations of our galaxy and the galaxies of the local group. The properties of stars and star clusters, stellar evolution, and the structure and evolution of our galaxy.

[ASTR 518a, Stellar Dynamics.]

ASTR 520a, Computational Methods in Astrophysics and Geophysics.  Gordon Drukier, Jun Korenaga.
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 538a.

ASTR 530au, Galaxies.  Jeffrey Kenney.
The structure, contents, dynamics, and evolution of galaxies. The properties and evolution of active galactic nuclei.

[ASTR 540, Radiative Processes in Astrophysics.]

ASTR 550bu, Stellar Astrophysics.  Sarbani Basu.
MW 10.30–11.20, 1 HTBA
An introduction to the physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors. The basic equations of stellar structure, nuclear processes, stellar evolution, white dwarfs, and neutron stars.

ASTR 555au, Observational Techniques.  William van Altena.
MW 1–2.15
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 565, The Early Universe.]

[ASTR 570u, High Energy Astrophysics.]

[ASTR 575b, Topics in Astrometry.]

ASTR 580a or b, Research.
By arrangement with faculty.

ASTR 585b, Radio Astronomy.  Michael Faison.
Introduction to radio astronomy, theory and techniques.

[ASTR 590b, Solar Physics.]

[ASTR 600b, Cosmology.]

ASTR 666b, 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 666b.

[ASTR 705, Research Seminar in Stellar Population.]

ASTR 710a or b, Professional Seminar.  Faculty.
A seminar covering science and professional issues in astronomy.

ASTR 715a, Research Seminar in High Energy Astrophysics.  Charles Bailyn.
Observations and models of accretion flows and their instabilities, particularly in the context of high energy sources such as x-ray binaries and quasars.

Next: Atmospheric Science