Expert: Jane Tang - 7/12/2006

Question
please advice regarding the the cources available in astronomy in the US FOR graduation .especially harward smithsoninan centre for astrophysics

Answer
Hi, there!
   I am glad that you are interested on Astronomy. Though I am a student in UK system, I can still give you some advice about the courses on US system. I am not sure that which kind of advice you need. From my own experience, it depends on the subject you are interested. To be an observer, one need courses about telescopes, spectrum and data analysis. To be a theorist, one need courses of applies math and physics. But both of them need courses of basic astrophysics. Since I am working on cosmology theory, I might share some experiences of how to become a theory student. I would like to take most of physics courses and math courses in my first year. Besides, I will choose Topics in Astrophysics to get a broad view of astrophysics. Since I find cosmology is my favourite, I will take most of cosmology courses and some others related.

By the way, one need to be familiar with least one computer language (fortran 90, c++, matlab,......) and one software that you can generate plots (idl, matlab, pgplot, ......). If you want to be an observer, it will be good if you know how to use Iraf or Midas(if I spell correctly).

I hope it will help. If it doesnt, the best way is to ask for the phd students in the centre.

Cheers,
Jane