The Major in Astrophysics: The department of astronomy requires that before declaring the major, you must demonstrate a thorough understanding of physics, math, and introductory astrophysics. As a consequence, the undergraduate academic life for an astronomy student at Cal primarily revolves around the physics regiment, as many of the upper division physics courses are required (so be sure to see the SWPS guide to LeConte as well!: (Secrets of LeConte Hall). The last two years, leading to the A.B. degree in astrophysics, are spent in more intensive work, primarily in the fields of astronomy, physics, and mathematics.  The big astro-specific academic hurdle is the 120 lab series (see below). See the course catalog for specific requirements:

Astro Courses.

Many students pursue a double major in astrophysics and physics.  Even though the double major is known to be extremely difficult, students will often tell you that the amount of work they put in is well worth it.  Having a degree in both physics and astrophysics allows for more flexibility and is impressive when applying for graduate schools.   For more details, see "Double-Majoring in Physics and Astrophysics" below.

Socially, the Campbell community is alive and strong. It can be a tightly knit and cozy group as it is smaller in size than the physics department. In particular, the space which houses the upper division lab courses and the undergraduate computer cluster, 705 Campbell, has also become a popular space for undergrads to chat, work, interact, and hang out.

Astro 120, 121, 122: These courses are "serious" lab courses (no spoon feeding here!) and are the heart of the astro major. Only one is required for astro majors but many choose to take more. In addition to learning a lot about astronomy and physics, one learns invaluable laboratory skills and gains insight into the 'real world' of experimental science.

Astro 121 is a lot more gear-oriented lab and should probably be taken after a little upper-division work. Almost all of the labs will revolve around building and using microwave receiving systems, with the coding coming in later in the semester as the coursework moves into interferometry. See the class web page (www.ugastro.berkeley.edu) for more info.

Astro 122 focuses on one basic lab experiment: the performance of solid-state infrared photon detectors. You'll get to use an infrared detector array on the telescopes at Leuschner Observatory to study young, star forming regions; interstellar extinction and the colors of stars; and using the infrared Tully-Fisher method to estimate distances to galaxies.

Double Majoring in Physics and Astrophysics: Students with a major in physics should note that a double major in physics and astrophysics can be achieved by adding three astronomy courses and seven additional courses (in astronomy or a related field) to the minimum requirements for a physics major (ten additional courses altogether). Two physics courses can be counted toward both the physics and astrophysics major. Double majoring with physics is encouraged because of the central role of advanced physics in astrophysics. Even though recent graduates deemed the double-major more difficult than what was imagined, most describe the experience as "well-worth the time put into it." A double-major does provide more flexibility in future career options and obviously strengthens the resume. With the exception of the labs, getting an astronomy degree is perhaps easier than getting a physics degree. The upper division classes are not as demanding as the average upper division physics class, and the overall unit load is less. The labs, though, are more challenging, and are more rewarding than what physics offers. For specific class requirements, see the "Astronomy Department Undergraduate Handbook."  Free copies are located on the desk outside of 611 Campbell Hall.

What do people do with a degree in astronomy?

Someone serious about a career as a professional astronomer should be prepared to do a Ph.D. and 2-3 postdocs. Otherwise, there are other interesting career opportunities. The AB in Astrophysics can be an excellent preparation to be a pre-college level teacher of physical science. Graduates have also found employment in government agencies (such as NASA, aerospace companies or in general quantitatively oriented careers.) Computer programming and electronics development are often involved. Recent graduates from this past Spring are going on to graduate school in astrophysics and others have found computer/technical jobs.  Before heading off to graduate school, many students take a year off to do something else. For example, many new graduates venture into other fields, such as working in consulting firms or making music.

HELPFUL GROUPS TO JOIN:

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:

Astronomy Colloquia: Thursdays from 4:10-5:30 PM in 1 L.C.. Undergraduates are welcome. On Thursdays, there is a special colloquia tea at 3:30 PM in the 6th floor lounge.

705 Campbell: Has couches, computers, and lots of students to ask questions of. Everybody's there and it's nice! It's the center of undergrad astronomy life. 705 is not as formal as the physics reading room in LeConte.  Instead, it's more laid back and everyone knows each other. 

Undergraduate Liaison: There is a grad student assigned to this post which changes from year to year. There is an official function once per semester that introduces the undergrads to the grads. See Dexter Stewart in the Fall to find out who the new current Undergrad Liaison will be.

Sierra Conference: Camping trip once a year in August before classes begin. It's how the first year grad students are introduced to the department, but everyone is welcome (yes, including undergrads.) Typically it's a bunch of grad students, about two professors, and a few postdocs. The low number of undergrads is because this is not well known. But... hopefully after reading this, you'll check it out. It's usually 3-4 nights in places such as Yosemite, Sequoia, etc. This is usually planned by a graduate student in the late spring. See Dexter Stewart in 611 Campbell Hall for information about how you can join the group.

INTERESTING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

Astro 99 or 199: Up to 4 units of credit for research work. You can get credit for working with a professor or on a senior thesis, etc. See Dexter Stewart or Sam Maxie, the Admin Asst/Undergrad Advisor in 601 Campbell. 

Astro 290 A&B: Class intended for first year grad students, but it is fine for a junior or a senior. One professor per week presents a talk on their research. No need to register, but you can receive 1 unit of credit for just sitting there 1 hr a week. It's the perfect way to learn of who's doing what and to see what interests you. If you're looking to work for a professor, you can begin here. You can contact the Academic Assistant Dexter Stewart (see below for information on this very helpful person!) for scheduling.

UC Affiliated Telescopes: Many astro students spend a considerable amount of time at observatories doing research or lab work.  The best way to get observing times and telescope access is through a professor either by taking his/her class, or participating is the professor's research.  

LICK Observatory (UC System): On Mt. Hamilton near San Jose. Tourist visits are welcome. Has a 1m and a 3m optical telescope. Used by Campbell faculty and students. If you are interested, you can find someone at Campbell who works there and talk to them about it.

KECK Observatory (Hawaii, UC, Caltech, and NASA): At Hawaii. Has the largest optical telescope in the world (10.5 m). Used by Campbell faculty and students as well as other researchers from the institutions listed above.

CARMA: Combined Array for Millimeter Astronomy array operates a millimeter-wave radio interferometer (a type of telescope which signals from two or more small telescopes that combine to produce an image with the resolution of a much larger telescope). For info on visiting the site, see: http://www.mmarray.org

Leuschner Observatory (UCB) is the student observatory run by the Astro dept. The Observatory has 0.76m and 0.5m reflecting telescopes. The laboratory was originally located on the Berkeley campus but in 1965, the 20" telescope was moved to the Russell Tree Reservation in Lafayette to accompany the new 30" telescope. This Observatory is used for Astro 120 and Astro 122. See the Leuschner Observatory website for more info: www.ugastro.berkeley.edu/leuschner

The Lawrence Hall of Science here in Berkeley has an excellent planetarium. You can also visit the LHS website at:

http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/Exhibitsknexploration.html

For more info on the planetarium, see http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/Planetarium.html. The astro dept. here at Berkeley holds its own star parties periodically. They are supposed to be for students taking a specific course (like Astro 10) but many students find out about them through friends and attend just to get a glimpse of special stars that appear only several times a year.

OTHER GOOD INFORMATION:

Astronomy Department Address: 601 Campbell Hall

Astronomy Department Web Page: http://astro.berkeley.edu

Department Chair: Gibor Basri (basri@astro/642-8198).

Academic Assistant: Dexter Stewart (dexters@astro). Besides being one of the friendliest people in the astro department, she is a most valuable resource to all students.  She can answer almost every question and takes care of all administrative problems that you may have with scheduling, classes, etc.  She is your helper and advocate in all matters! Be sure to meet her soon. You can find her in 611 Campbell and she's always greeting people with a warm hello. 

Astro department bulletin boards: They are located right in front of the elevators on the sixth floor in Campbell Hall. The board is divided into three sections for Department info, Graduates, and Undergraduates. They are useful in providing general info, announcements, conferences, symposia, and educational opportunities.

UGastro UNIX accounts: They are available to students in any astronomy class or doing research for a professor. When the course is over, the account is deactivated. You obtain the form to get the account in 705 Campbell. This is an excellent resource! It's probably not a bad idea for an astro major to get an account on these machines and become familiar with them before taking a course.