Courses offered by the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics are listed as both Physical Science (PHSC) and Astronomy/Astrophysics (ASTR). Courses numbered 10000 are general education and introductory courses; courses numbered 20000 are intermediate, advanced, or upper-level courses; and courses numbered 30000 and above are graduate-level courses that are available to undergraduates by consent of the instructor.
General Education and Introductory Courses
There are many options for choosing two- or three-quarter course sequences drawn from a range of foundational topics in astronomy and astrophysics that will satisfy the general education requirement in the Physical Sciences. PHSC/ASTR courses numbered in the 12000s are structured as lectures with separate lab sections featuring classical experiments (many of them done at Chicago), opportunities for telescope observing, and data analysis. A three-quarter sequence is also offered each Spring through the Paris Astronomy Program.
For more in-depth examination of selected astrophysical topics, smaller, seminar courses without labs are offered numbered in the 18000s. Several of these courses are cross-disciplinary and are led by faculty in two or more departments. Courses numbered in the 18000s generally require completion of the general education requirement in the Physical Sciences as the pre-requisite; please consult the pre-requisite information listed with individual courses for more information. PHSC/ASTR courses numbered in the 12000s and 18000s may be taken towards completion of the Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Intermediate, Advanced, and Upper-level Courses
Courses numbered in the 20000s are aimed at students in the Major in Astrophysics program and students who have completed the introductory sequences for science majors to satisfy their general education requirement. The format of these courses are smaller interactive lectures and seminars with hands-on or lab activities integrated into the course. Please consult the pre-requisite information listed with individual courses for more information.
Graduate-level Courses
Advanced undergraduates majoring in one of the Physical Sciences may enroll in graduate-level courses in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Graduate-level courses are numbered in the 30000s and require instructor consent. Please consult the pre-requisite information listed with individual courses for more information.