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Astronomy

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 0070Analytical Mechanics1
PHYS 0160Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics 11
PHYS 0270Astronomy and Astrophysics1
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 0470Electricity and Magnetism1
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 Credits11-12
1

PHYS 0050 and PHYS 0060 can be taken in lieu of PHYS 0160