HMC Astronomy Program

A set of core courses is required of all physics majors; in addition, a variety of elective courses enables students to select a program to suit their interests and their educational and employment objectives. Laboratory courses in both introductory and advanced physics include experience with electronics, classical and modern optics, solid state physics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Special courses and reading courses provide the opportunity for study in advanced areas normally offered only in graduate programs.  The Astronomoy option requires the following six elective courses.

Courses

Introduction to Astrophysics
Astronomy 62 - Introduction to astrophysics with emphasis on topics of interest to students with a strong background in introductory physics.  Topics include astronomical coordinate systems, celestial mechanics, solar physics, stellar structure, stellar evolution, and cosmology.  Offered jointly with HMC, Pomona, and the Joint Sciences.  Second Semester.

Observational Astronomy
Astronomy 101 - Visual, photographic, and electronic observations of astronomical objects.  Discussion of infrared and radio astronomy, as well as space-based UV and X-ray astronomy.  Includes preparation for and data reductions of observations.  Also includes original astronomical observations using both the Brackett Observatory and the 1-m telescope at Table Mountain. Offered jointly with HMC, Pomona College, and Joint Sciences.  First semester.

Star Formation and the Interstellar Medium
Astronomy 120 - A survey of the formation of stars and planets in the universe, the galactic interstellar medium, and the theoretical and observational aspects of understanding the conditions and evolution of matter in the galaxy.  Topics include formation and detection of extrasolar planets and protostars, radio and infrared diagnostics of star-forming regions and interstellar clouds, optical emission and absorption-line studies of the interstellar medium and star formation.  Half-course.  Offered jointly with HMC, Pomona College, and Joint Sciences.  Offered alternate years.

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Astronomy 121 - Examines the large-scale structure of the universe, and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present epoch.  Topics include alternate cosmologies, dark matter, cosmic background radiation, and formation and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.  Half-course.  Offered jontly with HMC, Pomona College, and Joint Sciences.  Offered alternate years.

High-Energy Astrophysics
Astronomy 122 - Analysis of the results of new ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray observations, and the astrophysical processes that produce high-energy photons.  Topics include active galactic nuclei, black holes, neutron stars, supernova remnants, and cosmic rays.  Half-course.  Offered jontly with HMC, Pomona College, and Joint Sciences.  Offered alternate years.

Stellar Structure and Evolution
Astronomy 123 - A rigorous treatment of stellar atmospheres and radiative transfer.  Topics include spectral line formation, stellar energy generation, evolution on and away from the main sequence, and the internal structures of stars and other self-gravitating objects.  Half-course.  Offered jontly with HMC, Pomona College, and Joint Sciences.  Offered alternate years.

 
Click here to see a sample course schedule that a typical Harvey Mudd Astronomy Major would take.  If you are looking for information about the exact requirements for a degree in physics, or if you are looking for a description of a particular class, you should check out the physics section of the Course Catalog.