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Go to: Faculty
Astronomy
and Astrophysics
Academic Executive Officer: Angela V. Olinto, AAC 146, 702-8206
Graduate Student Adviser: Kyle M. Cudworth, AAC 115, 702-5837
Departmental Secretary: AAC 118, 702-8203
Astrophysics deals with some of the most majestic themes known to science.
They include the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present
day; the origin and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the elements
themselves; the unity of basic physical law; and the connection between
the subatomic properties of nature and the observed macroscopic universe.
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, in conjunction with the Department
of Physics, recommends three sequences of courses that present the study
of these topics in different scope and depth. These are (1) a sequence that
satisfies the Common Core requirements, (2) a sequence that is recommended
for students who seek more detailed study of certain topics but who do not
intend to pursue graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics, and (3) a
program that is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate research
in astronomy and astrophysics. Sequence 2 is suitable for students who are
planning to teach high school science, to work in a science museum or planetarium,
or to pursue a career in any professional field after taking advantage of
the unique opportunity the University of Chicago provides to obtain a broad
undergraduate experience.
Physical Sciences 118-119-120/122 is a three-quarter sequence that satisfies
the Common Core requirements in the physical sciences. It covers the solar
system, the formation and evolution of stars, the galaxy, and the extragalactic
universe. Natural Sciences 101-102-103-104-105-106 is a six-quarter sequence
that satisfies the Common Core requirements in physical sciences and biological
sciences. Natural Sciences 101 deals with the evolution of the universe.
For those seeking a more in-depth examination of some of the topics covered
in Physical Sciences 118-119-120/122, Astronomy 181-182-183-184 are offered,
usually to be taken in the sophomore or junior year. Astronomy 214-215 can
then be taken in the senior year.
Students who intend to do graduate work in astronomy and astrophysics are
encouraged to plan a program of undergraduate study that will lead to the
Bachelor of Arts degree in physics and that will include electives in astronomy
and astrophysics. Recommended electives are Astronomy 214-215 in the junior
year, and Astronomy 280 and Physics 291-292-293 in the senior year.
Tutorial and research courses are available in addition to more informal
opportunities for work and study in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Participation in a weekly seminar on current topics in astrophysical research
is also recommended.
Faculty
JOHN E. CARLSTROM, Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and the College
JAMES W. CRONIN, University Professor Emeritus, Departments of Physics,
Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
KYLE M. CUDWORTH, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
DOUGLAS DUNCAN, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics;
Director of Astronomy, Adler Planetarium
JOSHUA A. FRIEMAN, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics;
Head, Theoretical Astrophysics Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
DOYAL A. HARPER, JR., Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics,
Yerkes Observatory, and the College
LEWIS M. HOBBS, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and
the College
STEPHEN M. KENT, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and the College
EDWARD KIBBLEWHITE, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Enrico Fermi Institute
EDWARD W. KOLB, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico
Fermi Institute, and the College
ARIEH KöNIGL, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Enrico Fermi Institute
RICHARD G. KRON, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and
the College; Director, Yerkes Observatory
DON Q. LAMB, JR., Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics,
Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
STEPHAN MEYER, Associate Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
RICHARD H. MILLER, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and the College
TAKESHI OKA, Robert A. Millikan Distinguished Service Professor, Departments
of Chemistry and Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and
the College
ANGELA OLINTO, Senior Lecturer, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Enrico Fermi Institute
PATRICK E. PALMER, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and the College
ROBERT ROSNER, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Enrico
Fermi Institute, and the College; Chairman, Department of Astronomy &
Astrophysics
DAVID N. SCHRAMM, Louis Block Professor in the Physical Sciences; Professor,
Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute,
Committee on the Conceptual Foundations of Science, and the College
NOEL M. SWERDLOW, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and History, Committee on the Conceptual Foundations of Science, and the
College
JAMES W. TRURAN, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and
Enrico Fermi Institute
MICHAEL S. TURNER, Professor, Departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and Physics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
PETER O. VANDERVOORT, Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
and the College; Master, Physical Sciences Collegiate Division; Associate
Dean, Division of the Physical Sciences and the College
DONALD G. YORK, Horace B. Horton Professor, Department of Astronomy &
Astrophysics, Enrico Fermi Institute, and the College
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