Major Code BS1955*

Honors Tutorial College
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college

David Drabold, Director of Studies/contact person
drabold@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Honors Tutorial Bachelor of Science program in astrophysics (offered by the Physics and Astronomy Department) provides unique opportunities for exceptional students. The astrophysics program is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate work in astronomy, or planning careers related to space science. The curriculum includes the same requirements as the HTC physics major; a solid foundation in classical and modern physics leading to deeper study in more specialized areas including quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, and condensed matter physics. Astrophysics courses make up a significant part of the sophomore, junior and senior years. The senior thesis is expected to be on an astrophysical topic. At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected materials under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor. At individual  weekly meetings the student and tutor discuss the weekly reading, solutions to problems, and other assignments. Tutorials continue through all four years of the program, with the senior year devoted to research for a thesis. Students typically spend one-semester to one-third of their total time (and academic credit) in tutorials, the rest being in laboratories or in other required or elective classes. Because the Honors Tutorial College has no specific general education (or “distribution”) requirements, students are free to create unique courses of study in subjects outside their major fields according to personal taste. Astrophysics students frequently take courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science, but interest in areas further afield, such as music, language, or history, is also very much encouraged.

*This program was previously BS1931 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS1955 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Research

Astrophysics students are strongly encouraged to gain experience as research assistants, either in the Physics and Astronomy Department’s laboratories or through temporary internships at other universities, research centers, or national labs or observatories. Research work usually begins in the third or fourth year, though opportunities can sometimes arise earlier, and often become the basis of the student’s senior thesis. Research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics include studying the structure and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters, the power sources of quasars, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Applicants are selected by the Honors Tutorial College and the Physics and Astronomy Tutorial Board on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated study and research. Applicants typically are required to submit additional essays, and an interview with the director of studies is required for admission. More information, including materials and deadlines, is available at www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-programs/apply .

First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the tutorial programs offered by Physics and Astronomy Department and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering HTC freshmen. 

External Transfer Admission

First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the tutorial programs offered by the Physics and Astronomy Department and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering HTC freshmen. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Recipients of the B.S. degree in astrophysics possess high-level problem-solving skills that can lead to opportunities for employment in research institutions, government, industry, or teaching. This degree also prepares students for graduate study in astrophysics and related fields.

Requirements