OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2021-22
[Archived Catalog]
Astrophysics Major (B.S. in Astrophysics) [offered through Honors Tutorial College] |
Major Code BS1931
Honors Tutorial College
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
Fax: 740.593.9521
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors
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.
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
University English Composition Requirement
Complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510) and one Advanced Writing course (FAW).
HTC Seminar
First-year students must complete the following course:
- HC 2500 - Honors Seminar Credit Hours: 3
Physics Tutorials
Complete the following tutorials:
- PHYS 2970T - Physics Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
- PHYS 2980T - Physics Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
- PHYS 3970T - Physics Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
- PHYS 3980T - Physics Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
- PHYS 4970T - Physics Tutorial Credit Hours: 1 - 15
Senior Honors Tutorial Thesis or Professional Project
Complete the following tutorial focused on the development and completion of a thesis or professional project:
- PHYS 4980T - HTC Thesis Research Credit Hours: 1 - 15
HTC Thesis Requirement
Approval of a completed thesis or professional project by the advisor, director of studies, and Dean of the College.
Physics Seminar and Labs
Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 1901 - Physics Seminar Credit Hours: 1
- PHYS 2701 - Electronics Laboratory Credit Hours: 2
- PHYS 3701 - Intermediate Laboratory - Electrons & Photons Credit Hours: 2
- PHYS 3702 - Intermediate Laboratory - Photons & Nucleons Credit Hours: 2
Advanced Physics Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 3011 - Thermal Physics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4021 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4031 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4032 - Electricity and Magnetism 2 Credit Hours: 3
Physics Common Mathematics Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- MATH 2301 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4
- MATH 2302 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4
- MATH 3200 - Applied Linear Algebra Credit Hours: 3
- MATH 3300 - Calculus III Credit Hours: 4
- MATH 3400 - Elementary Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3
- MATH 4410 - Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3
Astronomy Requirements
Complete the following courses:
- ASTR 3251 - Fundamentals of Astrophysics Credit Hours: 3
- ASTR 4201 - Stellar Astrophysics and Radiation Credit Hours: 3
- ASTR 4202 - Interstellar Medium and Galaxies Credit Hours: 3
- ASTR 4271 - Observational Astrophysics Credit Hours: 3