Along with Greek, Latin, and Mathematics, Astronomy counts as one of the oldest continuously taught subjects in the Brown curriculum. It is the study of the properties of stars, galaxies, and the Universe, and as such combines elements from the disciplines of both Physics and Planetary Geology. Students pursuing this concentration complete introductory coursework in classical mechanics, relativity, and astrophysics, along with mathematics and elecromagnetism. They go on to complete courses in stellar and extragalactic astrophysics as well as cosmology. Facilities available to concentrators include the historic Ladd Observatory.
Standard concentration for the A.B. degree
Eleven or twelve courses are required (depending on the satisfaction of prerequisites).
| Prerequisites | ||
| PHYS 0070 | Analytical Mechanics | 1 |
| PHYS 0160 | Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics 1 | 1 |
| PHYS 0270 | Astronomy and Astrophysics | 1 |
| Select one of the following Series: | 1-2 | |
| Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated) and Multivariable Calculus | ||
| Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering) and Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering) | ||
| Multivariable Calculus With Theory (or equivalent) | ||
| PHYS 0470 | Electricity and Magnetism | 1 |
| Program | ||
| Select one of the following mathematics courses: | 1 | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Algebra With Theory | ||
| Methods of Mathematical Physics | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics II | ||
| Select two of the following astrophysics courses: | 2 | |
| General Relativity | ||
| Stellar Structure and the Interstellar Medium | ||
| Extragalactic Astronomy and High-Energy Astrophysics | ||
| Introduction to Cosmology | ||
| Three additional 1000- or 2000-level courses in physics or a related field, suggestions: | 3 | |
| Statistical Analysis of Time Series | ||
| Planetary Geology | ||
| Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary Surfaces | ||
| Physics of Planetary Evolution | ||
| Advanced Fluid Mechanics | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Advanced Classical Mechanics | ||
| Experiments in Modern Physics | ||
| Quantum Mechanics A | ||
| Advanced Electromagnetic Theory | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Modern Physics Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 11-12 | |