About the Program
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Department of Astronomy offers an undergraduate major and minor in Astrophysics. This major program prepares students for astrophysics graduate work or other advanced degrees in related fields, teaching, working in the field of computer applications, scientific and technical writing, a career as a field engineer, and other technical fields.
Declaring the Major
Information, including lists of required courses and forms to complete before declaring, is available here .
Honors Program
For honors in Astrophysics a student must fulfill the following additional requirements:
- Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses in astronomy and related fields, and an overall grade point average of at least 3.3 in the University.
- Carry out an individual research or study project, involving at least 3 units of ASTRON H195.
The student's project is chosen in consultation with a departmental adviser, and the written report is judged by the student's research supervisor and by a departmental adviser.
Minor Program
Students may petition for the minor in Astrophysics only after they have completed all required courses for the minor in Astrophysics. Graduating seniors must petition no later than two weeks after the end of the term. To petition students must fill out a "Completion of L&S Minor" form available from the College of Letters & Science Advising Office in 206 Evans Hall or from the L&S Advising website .
Turn in to the undergraduate adviser:
- The completed petition for the minor.
- A copy of transcripts (unofficial transcripts are OK) showing your completed astrophysics courses.
Major Requirements
In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.
General Guidelines
- All courses taken to fulfill the major requirements below must be taken for graded credit, other than courses listed which are offered on a Pass/No Pass basis only. Other exceptions to this requirement are noted as applicable.
- No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs, with the exception of minors offered outside of the College of Letters & Science.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in both upper and lower division courses used to fulfill the major requirements.
For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.
Lower Division Major Requirements
MATH 1A | Calculus | 4 |
MATH 1B | Calculus | 4 |
MATH 53 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
MATH 54 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 4 |
PHYSICS 7A | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
PHYSICS 7B | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
PHYSICS 7C | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
Upper Division Major Requirements
Optional: | ||
These courses are not required but strongly recommended for anyone considering the Astrophysics major. Please consult with the Undergraduate Adviser. | ||
Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
Python/IDL DeCal | Course Not Available | |
Required (choose one of the following): | ||
Optical and Infrared Astronomy Laboratory | ||
Radio Astronomy Laboratory | ||
Required (choose two of the following): | ||
Stellar Physics | ||
Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology | ||
Planetary Astrophysics | ||
Required (as needed): | ||
Upper division electives so that the total is 30 units for a single major and 24 units for a double major. | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Instrumental Methods in Analytical Chemistry | ||
Inorganic Synthesis and Reactions | ||
Organic Chemistry | ||
Organic Chemistry | ||
Physical Chemistry | ||
Physical Chemistry | ||
Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | ||
Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
CHEM 142 | Course Not Available | |
Geodynamics | ||
EPS 121 | Course Not Available | |
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors | ||
EL ENG 150 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 160 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 164 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 169 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 184 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 186 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 188 | Course Not Available | |
GEOG 146 | Course Not Available | |
Introduction to Analysis | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences | ||
Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
History of Mathematics | ||
Introduction to Complex Analysis | ||
Analytic Mechanics | ||
Electromagnetism and Optics | ||
Electromagnetism and Optics | ||
PHYSICS 111 | Course Not Available | |
Introduction to Statistical and Thermal Physics | ||
PHYSICS 124 | Course Not Available | |
PHYSICS 129A | Course Not Available | |
PHYSICS 129B | Course Not Available | |
Quantum Mechanics | ||
Quantum Mechanics | ||
Introduction to Plasma Physics | ||
PHYSICS 150 | Course Not Available | |
STAT 101 | Course Not Available | |
STAT 102 | Course Not Available | |
Concepts of Statistics | ||
Introduction to Time Series |
Minor Requirements
Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. These programs have set requirements and are noted officially on the transcript in the memoranda section, but are not noted on diplomas.
General Guidelines
- All courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements below must be taken for graded credit.
- A minimum of three of the upper division courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.
- Courses used to fulfill the minor requirements may be applied toward the Seven-Course Breadth requirement, for Letters & Science students.
- No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs.
- All minor requirements must be completed prior to the last day of finals during the semester in which you plan to graduate. If you cannot finish all courses required for the minor by that time, please see a College of Letters & Science adviser.
- All minor requirements must be completed within the unit ceiling. (For further information regarding the unit ceiling, please see the College Requirements tab.
Lower Division Major Requirements
MATH 1A | Calculus | 4 |
MATH 1B | Calculus | 4 |
MATH 53 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
MATH 54 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 4 |
PHYSICS 7A | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
PHYSICS 7B | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
PHYSICS 7C | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
Upper Division Major Requirements
Optional: | ||
The following are recommended for the minor, but are not required. | ||
Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
Required (choose two of the following): | ||
Optical and Infrared Astronomy Laboratory | ||
Radio Astronomy Laboratory | ||
Stellar Physics | ||
Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology | ||
Planetary Astrophysics | ||
Required (choose three of the following electives): | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Instrumental Methods in Analytical Chemistry | ||
Inorganic Synthesis and Reactions | ||
Organic Chemistry | ||
Organic Chemistry | ||
Physical Chemistry | ||
Physical Chemistry | ||
Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy | ||
Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
CHEM 142 | Course Not Available | |
Geodynamics | ||
EPS 121 | Course Not Available | |
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors | ||
EL ENG 150 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 160 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 164 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 169 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 184 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 186 | Course Not Available | |
EL ENG 188 | Course Not Available | |
GEOG 146 | Course Not Available | |
Introduction to Analysis | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences | ||
Mathematical Tools for the Physical Sciences | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
History of Mathematics | ||
Introduction to Complex Analysis | ||
Analytic Mechanics | ||
Electromagnetism and Optics | ||
Electromagnetism and Optics | ||
PHYSICS 111 | Course Not Available | |
Introduction to Statistical and Thermal Physics | ||
PHYSICS 124 | Course Not Available | |
PHYSICS 129A | Course Not Available | |
PHYSICS 129B | Course Not Available | |
Quantum Mechanics | ||
Quantum Mechanics | ||
Introduction to Plasma Physics | ||
PHYSICS 150 | Course Not Available | |
STAT 101 | Course Not Available | |
STAT 102 | Course Not Available | |
Concepts of Statistics | ||
Introduction to Time Series |
College Requirements
Undergraduate students in the College of Letters & Science must fulfill the following requirements in addition to those required by their major program.
For detailed lists of courses that fulfill college requirements, please see the College of Letters & Sciences page in this Guide.
Entry Level Writing
All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing requirement. Fulfillment of this requirement is also a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses at UC Berkeley.
American History and American Institutions
The American History and Institutions requirements are based on the principle that a US resident graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.
American Cultures
American Cultures is the one requirement that all undergraduate students at Cal need to take and pass in order to graduate. The requirement offers an exciting intellectual environment centered on the study of race, ethnicity and culture of the United States. AC courses offer students opportunities to be part of research-led, highly accomplished teaching environments, grappling with the complexity of American Culture.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning requirement is designed to ensure that students graduate with basic understanding and competency in math, statistics, or computer science. The requirement may be satisfied by exam or by taking an approved course.
Foreign Language
The Foreign Language requirement may be satisfied by demonstrating proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and conversation in a foreign language equivalent to the second semester college level, either by passing an exam or by completing approved course work.
Reading and Composition
In order to provide a solid foundation in reading, writing and critical thinking the College requires two semesters of lower division work in composition. Students must complete a first-level reading and composition course by the end of their second semester and a second-level course by the end of their fourth semester.
Breadth Requirements
The undergraduate breadth requirements provide Berkeley students with a rich and varied educational experience outside of their major program. As the foundation of a liberal arts education, breadth courses give students a view into the intellectual life of the University while introducing them to a multitude of perspectives and approaches to research and scholarship. Engaging students in new disciplines and with peers from other majors, the breadth experience strengthens interdisciplinary connections and context that prepares Berkeley graduates to understand and solve the complex issues of their day.
Unit Requirements
-
120 total units, including at least 60 L&S units
-
Of the 120 units, 36 must be upper division units
- Of the 36 upper division units, 6 must be taken in courses offered outside your major department
Residence Requirements
For units to be considered in "residence," you must be registered in courses on the Berkeley campus as a student in the College of Letters & Science. Most students automatically fulfill the residence requirement by attending classes here for four years. In general, there is no need to be concerned about this requirement, unless you go abroad for a semester or year or want to take courses at another institution or through University Extension during your senior year. In these cases, you should make an appointment to see an adviser to determine how you can meet the Senior Residence Requirement.
Note: Courses taken through UC Extension do not count toward residence.
Senior Residence Requirement
After you become a senior (with 90 semester units earned toward your BA degree), you must complete at least 24 of the remaining 30 units in residence in at least two semesters. To count as residence, a semester must consist of at least 6 passed units. Intercampus Visitor, EAP, and UC Berkeley-Washington Program (UCDC) units are excluded.
You may use a Berkeley summer session to satisfy one semester of the Senior Residence requirement, provided that you successfully complete 6 units of course work in the Summer Session and that you have been enrolled previously in the college.
Modified Senior Residence Requirement
Participants in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) or the UC Berkeley Washington Program (UCDC) may meet a Modified Senior Residence requirement by completing 24 (excluding EAP) of their final 60 semester units in residence. At least 12 of these 24 units must be completed after you have completed 90 units.
Upper Division Residence Requirement
You must complete in residence a minimum of 18 units of upper division courses (excluding EAP units), 12 of which must satisfy the requirements for your major.
Advising
Undergraduate and Graduate Advising
Dexter Stewart, the Department of Astronomy's undergraduate and graduate adviser, is available to answer your questions relating to the Astrophysics major and minor, graduate degrees, and other related student matters.
Email: dexters@berkeley.edu
Phone: 510-642-8520
Fax: 510-642-3411
Hours:
- Drop-in advising is available from 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
- Appointments are available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Undergraduate Faculty Adviser
Mariska Kriek is the Department of Astronomy's undergraduate faculty adviser. She is available to assist with issues that arise during your time as an undergraduate student in the Astrophysics program; she is a great resource for explanations pertaining to the content of courses. Please email her to set up an appointment (mkriek@berkeley.edu).
Graduate Faculty Adviser
Eugene Chiang is the Department of Astronomy's graduate faculty adviser. He is available to assist with a number of course and research matters that may arise during your graduate career; please email him to set up an appointment (echiang@astro.berkeley.edu).
Courses
Astrophysics
ASTRON 3 Introduction to Modern Cosmology 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Description of research and results in modern extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. We read the stories of discoveries of the principles of our Universe. Simple algebra is used.
ASTRON 7A Introduction to Astrophysics 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This is the first part of an overview of astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. This course deals with the solar system and stars, while 7B covers galaxies and cosmology. Solar system topics include orbital mechanics, geology of terrestrial planets, planetary atmospheres, and the formation of the solar system. The study of stars will treat determination of observations, properties and stellar structure, and evolution. The physics in this course includes mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields.
ASTRON 7B Introduction to Astrophysics 4 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This is the second part of an overview of astrophysics, which begins with 7A. This course covers the Milky Way galaxy, star formation and the interstellar medium, galaxies, black holes, quasars, dark matter, the expansion of the universe and its large-scale structure, and cosmology and the Big Bang. The physics in this course includes that used in 7A (mechanics and gravitation; kinetic theory of gases; properties of radiation and radiative energy transport; quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons; and magnetic fields) and adds the special and general theories of relativity.
ASTRON 9 Selected Topics in Astronomy 3 Units
Terms offered: Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session
This seminar will explore one of a variety of subjects in greater depth than in introductory courses. Possible topics include stars, galaxies, the solar system, the interstellar medium, relativity and cosmology, history of astronomy, observational astronomy, and life in the universe.
ASTRON 10 Introduction to General Astronomy 4 Units
Terms offered: Summer 2017 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2017
A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor's synopses available from the department.
ASTRON C10 Introduction to General Astronomy 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor's synopses available from the department.
ASTRON N10 Introduction to General Astronomy 3 Units
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
The nature and evolution of the universe: history of astronomical knowledge; overall structure of the universe; galaxies, radio galaxies, peculiar galaxies, and quasars; structure and evolution of stars; exploding stars, pulsars, and black holes; exploration of the solar system; the search for extraterrestrial life.
ASTRON C12 The Planets 3 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Summer 2015 First 6 Week Session, Fall 2014
A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will introduce basic physics, chemistry, and math to understand planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres, and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe.
ASTRON W12 The Planets 3 Units
Terms offered: Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 8 Week Session, Summer 2015 8 Week Session
A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will introduce basic physics, chemistry, and math to understand planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres, and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe. This course is web-based.
ASTRON C13 Origins: from the Big Bang to the Emergence of Humans 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This course will cover our modern scientific understanding of origins, from the Big Bang to the formation of planets like Earth, evolution by natural selection, the genetic basis of evolution, and the emergence of humans. These ideas are of great intrinsic scientific importance and also have far reaching implications for other aspects of people's lives (e.g., philosophical, religious, and political). A major theme will be the scientific method and how we know what we know.
ASTRON 24 Freshman Seminars 1 Unit
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.
Terms offered: Spring 2011, Spring 2008, Spring 2007
A small-size undergraduate seminar exploring one astronomical topic in depth. Students are responsible for much of the presentation.
ASTRON 84 Sophomore Seminar 1 or 2 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores.
ASTRON 98 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Topics will vary with instructor.
ASTRON 99 Directed Study in Astronomy 1 - 3 Units
Terms offered: Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2017, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session
Supervised observational studies or directed reading for lower division students.
ASTRON 120 Optical and Infrared Astronomy Laboratory 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course requires four to six experiments such as the following: accurate position and brightness measurements of stars; laboratory exploration of the characteristics of two-dimensional charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and infrared detectors; measurement of the distance, reddening, and age of a star cluster; measurement of the Stokes parameters and linear polarization of diffuse synchrotron and reflection nebulae; measurement of the period and pulse shape of the Crab pulsar using Fourier techniques. Professional telescopes will be used such as those at Leuschner Observatory and Lick Observatory. There is a emphasis on error analysis, software development in the IDL language, and high-quality written reports.
ASTRON 121 Radio Astronomy Laboratory 4 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Several basic laboratory experiments that concentrate on microwave electronics and techniques; construction of receiving, observing, and data analysis systems for two radioastronomical telescopes, a single-dish 21-cm line system and a 12-GHz interferometer; use of these telescopes for astronomical observing projects including structure of the Milky Way galaxy, precise position measurement of several radio sources, and measurement of the radio brightness distributions of the sun and moon with high angular resolution. There is a heavy emphasis on digital data acquisition, software development in the IDL language, and high-quality written reports.
ASTRON 160 Stellar Physics 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Topics covered include some, but not necessarily all, of the following. Observational constraints on the properties and evolution of stars. Theory of stellar structure and evolution. Stellar atmospheres and stellar spectroscopy. Stellar nucleosynthesis. Supernovae. Degeneracy of matter and structure of collapsed stars. Elements of gas dynamics, accretion onto compact objects, and x-ray sources. Dynamics and evolution of close binary systems. Stellar pulsation.
ASTRON C161 Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 4 Units
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Elements of general relativity. Physics of pulsars, cosmic rays, black holes. The cosmological distance scale, elementary cosmological models, properties of galaxies and quasars. The mass density and age of the universe. Evidence for dark matter and dark energy and concepts of the early universe and of galaxy formation. Reflections on astrophysics as a probe of the extrema of physics.
ASTRON C162 Planetary Astrophysics 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Physics of planetary systems, both solar and extra-solar. Star and planet formation, radioactive dating, small-body dynamics and interaction of radiation with matter, tides, planetary interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres. High-quality oral presentations may be required in addition to problem sets and a final exam.
ASTRON H195 Special Study for Honors Candidates 2 - 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Individual project of research or study.
ASTRON 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Topics will vary with instructor.
ASTRON 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2017 First 6 Week Session
Faculty and Instructors
Faculty
Gibor Basri, Professor. Astronomy, low mass stars, brown dwarfs, star formation, T Tauri stars, stellar magnetic activity, starspots.
Research Profile
Steven Beckwith, Professor.
Leo Blitz, Professor. Astronomy, formation of galaxies, evolution of galaxies, conversion of interstellar gases, milky way, dark matter, dwarf galaxies, interstellar medium, high velocity clouds, hydrogen atom.
Research Profile
Joshua Bloom, Professor. Machine learning, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, time-domain astronomy, data-driven discovery.
Research Profile
Eugene Chiang, Professor. Planetary science, theoretical astrophysics, dynamics, planet formation, circumstellar disks.
Research Profile
Imke De Pater, Professor. Radio, planetary science, infrared, observations.
Research Profile
Alexei V. Filippenko, Professor.
Reinhard Genzel, Professor. Physics, existence and formation of black holes in galactic nuclei, the nature of the power source, the evolution of (ultra)luminous infrared galaxies, gas dynamics, the fueling of active galactic nuclei, the properties evolution of starburst galaxies.
Research Profile
Alfred E. Glassgold, Adjunct Professor. Theoretical astrophysics and underlying physical processes, interstellar and circumstellar matter, star and planet fromation, protoplanetary disks.
Research Profile
James R. Graham, Professor. Adaptive optics, infrared instrumentation, large telescopes.
Research Profile
Raymond Jeanloz, Professor. Planetary geophysics, high-pressure physics, national and international security, science-based policy.
Research Profile
Paul Kalas, Adjunct Professor. Planets, astronomy, Telescopes, Science Ethics.
Research Profile
Daniel Kasen, Associate Professor.
Richard I. Klein, Adjunct Professor. Astronomy, star formation, interstellar medium, coupled radiation-gas dynamical flows, supernova shockwaves, hydrodynamic collisions, high-energy astrophysics, photon bubble oscillations, hydro dynamics.
Research Profile
Mariska Kriek, Associate Professor.
Chung-Pei Ma, Professor. Astrophysics, dark matter, cosmology, formation and evolution of galaxies, cosmic microwave background radiation.
Research Profile
Geoffrey W. Marcy, Professor. Astrophysics, planets, optical astrophysics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics.
Research Profile
Burkhard Militzer, Associate Professor. Saturn, structure and evolution of Jupiter, and extrasolar giant planets.
Research Profile
Peter Nugent, Adjunct Professor. Supernovae, wide-field optical surveys, time-domain astrophysics, radiation transport, cosmology, computational astrophysics.
Research Profile
Aaron Parsons, Assistant Professor.
Eliot Quataert, Professor. Compact objects, theoretical astrophysics, theoretical physics, black holes, accretion theory, plasma physics, high energy astrophysics, galaxies, stars.
Research Profile
Uros Seljak, Professor.
Daniel R. Weisz, Assistant Professor.
Martin White, Professor. Cosmology, formation of structure in the universe, dark energy, expansion of the universe, cosmic microwave background, quasars, redshift surveys.
Research Profile
Emeritus Faculty
Jonathan Arons, Professor Emeritus. Astrophysics, compact astrophysical objects, Neutron Stars, ionized plasmas, cosmic rays, magnetized accretion disks, black holes pulsars, magnetic fields, planets.
Research Profile
C. Stuart Bowyer, Professor Emeritus.
Carl E. Heiles, Professor Emeritus. Astronomy, interstellar medium, itsmorphology, supernovas, interstellar magnetic fields, Eridanus superbubble, interstellar gases.
Research Profile
Ivan R. King, Professor Emeritus.
Leonard V. Kuhi, Professor Emeritus.
Frank H. Shu, Professor Emeritus.
Joseph Silk, Professor Emeritus.
Hyron Spinrad, Professor Emeritus. Galactic evolution, physical constitution of comets, evolution of radio galaxies, normal galaxies, reduction of two-dimensional CCD spectra, cometary constitution.
Research Profile
Harold F. Weaver, Professor Emeritus.
Wm. J. (Jack) Welch, Professor Emeritus. Formation of stars, dark dust clouds, Michelson interferometer array, and Allen telescope array.
Research Profile
Contact Information
Department of Astronomy
501 Campbell Hall
Phone: (510) 642-5275
Fax: (510) 642-3411
Undergraduate Affairs Officer
Dexter Stewart
501E Campbell Hall
Phone: 510-642-8520