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• Problem-solving skills: like , astronomy ASTRONOMY AND emphasizes the understanding the physical world in terms of physical laws, an endeavor that is ASTROPHYSICS validated by applying these mathematical laws to a variety of astrophysical phenomena and then Department Website: solving the resulting mathematical problem in https://www.haverford.edu/astronomy order to verify the subsequent predictions with Astronomy and astrophysics apply physical principles observations. to understand the properties of objects in space. The • Constructing models: the construction of models range of scales of phenomena to be investigated to describe natural phenomena and astronomy is vast—from neutron the size of cities, to represents the most creative aspect of any containing billions of stars, or even the science. entire as a single system. The Haverford • Developing physical intuition: the ability to look at astronomy and astrophysics curricula are based on a complicated system and know what’s important. the study of these systems and of their evolution. • Computer programming: a cornerstone of modern Any study of astronomy and astrophysics is enriched astronomy, from data analysis to modeling. by a firm understanding of the physics underlying • Observing skills in using a variety of astronomical these phenomena, and as such astronomy and instruments and techniques. astrophysics majors share many similarities with physics. Our curriculum is shaped to provide a solid • Research experience, which involves: foundation in the basic principles of both astronomy • confronting the unknown and tolerating its and physics, an understanding of the most recent ambiguity. developments in astronomy and , and the • generating new science with which to inspiration to pursue further learning in the sciences. understand new observations. • analyzing data. Entry to either the astronomy or astrophysics major • the art of scientific collaboration. comprises foundational courses in physics and mathematics during the first two years as well • oral and written communication of new results. as ASTR 204 (typically taken in the sophomore • designing new experiments/observations, and year), which surveys all major areas of modern networking with other to possibly astrophysics. We also offer a number of more generate new collaborative efforts. focused, upper level courses on specific topics Haverford’s Institutional Learning Goals are in astronomy and astrophysics, including one on available on the President’s website, at http://hav.to/ modern observational techniques. These courses learninggoals. usually reflect the research interests of our faculty. Student research is a vital part of both majors. Curriculum Our faculty work at the cutting edge of modern Introductory Courses astronomy and cosmology, creating exceptional The department regularly offers courses that require research opportunities for majors. Some of no prerequisites or prior experience in astronomy. those opportunities are based on campus, These are intended primarily for non-science within the College’s William J. Strawbridge students. , equipped with and powerful computational facilities. Other opportunities lie off- Major Programs campus, and we also encourage students to apply for Students can choose to major in either astronomy summer research experience in other departments or astrophysics. Both majors provide substantial (as well as our own). training in quantitative reasoning and independent Learning Goals thinking through work in and out of the classroom. The courses offered in the astronomy and The department also offers a minor in astronomy. astrophysics program address a variety of learning • The astrophysics major is the same as a physics goals: major, but with an astronomical emphasis. This • Knowledge of the contents of the extraterrestrial major is appropriate for students who wish to universe, including planets, stars, galaxies, and pursue the study of astronomy with attention to the large-scale structure of the universe itself, and the physical principles that underlie the observed understanding the formation and evolution of all phenomena. The depth of the physics training of these. required for a degree in astrophysics will prepare students who wish to pursue graduate study in 2 Astronomy and Astrophysics

astronomy or astrophysics, or to make use of their • The Senior Seminar, PHYS H399F and PHYS H399I, physics training for a wide range of other careers. including a talk and senior thesis on research • The astronomy major is appropriate for students conducted by the student. This research can who desire an in-depth education in astronomy be undertaken in a 400-level research course that can be applied to a wide-range of career with any member of the Physics and Astronomy trajectories, but who do not necessarily intend to Department or by doing extracurricular research pursue graduate study in astronomy. at Haverford or elsewhere, e.g., an approved summer research internship at another institution. Although a variety of pathways can lead to a major in The thesis is to be written under the supervision of the department, we advise prospective astronomy or both the research advisor and a Haverford advisor astrophysics majors to: if the research advisor is not a Haverford faculty member. • study physics (PHYS H105 or PHYS H115 and PHYS H106, or PHYS H101 and PHYS H102, or Bryn Bryn Mawr equivalents may be substituted for the Mawr equivalents). beginning in their first year. non-astronomy courses. • enroll in ASTR204 and PHYS H213/PHYS H214 in their sophomore year. Astronomy Major Requirements • PHYS H105 (or PHYS H101 or PHYS H115), For students with little or no prior computer PHYS H106 (or PHYS H102), PHYS H213, programming experience, and who do not intend to PHYS H214. take CMSC105, we advise (but do not require) taking • Two mathematics courses; MATH H121 and all ASTR 104 / PHYS 104 in the first or second year. 200-level or higher mathematics courses can be (Students who do well in this course can, if desired, used to satisfy this requirement. go on to take CMSC107.) • ASTR H204, four 300-level astronomy courses, Students may major in astronomy or astrophysics, one of which may be replaced by an upper-level but not both. Astrophysics majors may not double physics course. Majors can substitute 100-level major in either physics or astronomy, nor can they Swarthmore astronomy seminars for 300-level minor in either physics or astronomy. Astronomy astronomy courses. majors may pursue a double major or a minor • PHYS H399F and PHYS H399I, which may be in physics, however we encourage students replaced by approved independent research considering that option to look more closely at being either at Haverford or elsewhere. an astrophysics major. • The Senior Seminar, PHYS H399F and PHYS H399I, For either major, students may count courses taken including a talk and senior thesis on research outside the Quaker Consortium toward the major conducted by the student. This research can with advanced permission; typically two to three be undertaken in a 400-level research course courses may be granted credit in this way. Students with any member of the Physics and Astronomy interested in this option should discuss this point Department or by doing extracurricular research with their major/pre-major advisor in advance. at Haverford or elsewhere, e.g., an approved summer research internship at another institution. Major Requirements The thesis is to be written under the supervision of both the research advisor and a Haverford advisor Astrophysics Major Requirements if the research advisor is not a Haverford faculty • PHYS H105 (or PHYS H115 or PHYS H101), member. PHYS H106 (or PHYS H102), PHYS H213, PHYS H214, PHYS H211 (usually taken Bryn Mawr equivalents may be substituted for the concurrently with PHYS H213). non-astronomy courses. • Two mathematics courses; MATH H121 and all 200-level or higher mathematics courses can be Senior Project used to satisfy this requirement. The senior project and requirements are the same • ASTR H204 and any two 300-level astronomy for the Astronomy major and the Astrophysics major: courses. Majors can substitute 100-level Coursework prior to the senior year provides Swarthmore astronomy seminars for 300-level students’ primary preparation for their thesis work. astronomy courses. As outlined in our program’s educational goals, • Three of the four core theoretical this coursework emphasizes: knowledge of the courses: PHYS H302, PHYS H303, PHYS H308, and extraterrestrial universe, problem solving skills, PHYS H309 (or their Bryn Mawr equivalents). constructing models, developing physical intuition, computer programming, observing skills, and Astronomy and Astrophysics 3 research-like inquiry. Students also gain experience imbues a realistic sense of professional scientific with oral and written communication of complex research in students and increases their grit. scientific topics in their introductory physics labs and in upper level coursework, including ASTR H341 Senior Project Assessment (). During research Each senior’s thesis culminates in both a written and meetings, students provide weekly oral reports to an oral component. The written thesis is carefully each other on their thesis progress and receive read and evaluated by two faculty readers. ongoing support and instruction from faculty. The thesis research itself is evaluated for (i) a To pull together the many elements that make up demonstrated understanding of the context and the senior year, students are required to participate content of the research (including a review of in a year-long seminar course, PHYS H399. At the the relevant scientific literature), (ii) independent approximately biweekly meetings, students and problem solving and synthesis, and (iii) success in some departmental faculty gather around a table understanding the forward looking implications of the to discuss topics running the gamut from scientific research. ethics to how to give a scientific talk or write a The written and oral presentations of the research scientific research paper. Further details on this are evaluated for (i) a clear and appropriate writing course are contained in the description of senior year style and (ii) well-curated and well-presented visual work in physics. displays of the research results. The most important part of the senior seminar remains the senior paper and the senior Requirements for Honors presentations. We assess students by their All astronomy and astrophysics majors are regarded performance on a short talk and the draft of the as candidates for honors. For both majors, the section of their thesis during the award of honors will be made in part on the basis fall semester, a comprehensive talk or poster of superior work in the departmental courses and presentation in the spring semester and a senior in certain related courses. The award of honors will thesis written in the form of a scientific paper. additionally be based on the senior thesis and talk. High honors carries the additional requirement of Senior Project Learning Goals demonstrated originality in senior research. The senior thesis project extends through at least an entire academic year, with many students starting Minor Requirements their thesis research during the summer before their • PHYS H105 (or PHYS H115 or PHYS H101); senior year. The thesis thus requires students to PHYS H106 (or PHYS H102). engage in focused work, towards a single goal, for • ASTR H204; one 300-level astronomy course. a substantial time period. We aim for students to Minors may substitute a 100-level Swarthmore develop deep topical expertise in a single subfield of astronomy seminar for the 300-level astronomy astronomy or astrophysics, and to develop technical course. expertise in one of the analysis techniques common to that field (often computational data analysis). Concentrations and Interdisciplinary Students learn to ask good questions of others and Minors themselves, in pursuit of a deeper understanding Astronomy and astrophysics majors can pursue of a previously unsolved question about the natural concentrations in scientific computing and education, world. while astrophysics majors with interdisciplinary interests in may also qualify for the Students are expected to place their senior research biophysics concentration. work in the context of the scientific literature in their field of study, and to present their results to an Each of these concentrations is described in its audience of professionals (for their thesis) and their relevant section of the Catalog. peers (for the talk or poster). They are given training in searching and reading the scientific literature Special Programs by each research supervisor, as well as specific Haverford is part of the KNAC eight-college materials through the senior seminar course. consortium (https://astro.swarthmore.edu/knac) More than is the case in any other undergraduate that provides research assistantships for a summer curricular engagement, students must learn how student exchange program, grants for student travel to be independent and self-motivated to complete to outside , and a yearly symposium at their thesis work. This style of scientific inquiry also which students present their research. 4 Astronomy and Astrophysics

Study Abroad Fundamental concepts and observations of modern astronomy, such as the properties of planets, the Astronomy and astrophysics majors can and do birth and death of stars, and the properties and pursue studies abroad. There are a number of evolution of the Universe. Not intended for students programs, mostly in English-speaking countries, that majoring in the physical sciences. allow astronomy and astrophysics majors to continue (Offered: Spring 2022; typically offered: Every and broaden their studies in the field while abroad. Year) Majors may count courses taken abroad toward the major with advanced permission; typically two to ASTR H104 TOPICS IN INTRO PROGRAMMING: three courses may be granted credit in this way. PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY (1.0 Credit) Students interested in studying abroad should Andrea Lommen, Staff discuss this point with their major/pre-major advisor Division: ; Quantitative in advance. Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Topics in Introductory Programming is designed Facilities to give a general introduction to programming See the departmental web page for a description of as related to data analysis across many fields. laboratories, equipment and other special facilities Students will be introduced to standard introductory for this program. programming imperative and object oriented techniques as well as data structures necessary Faculty to create efficient and understandable algorithmic Suzanne Amador Kane solutions to problems. This course satisfies the Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Coordinator of prerequisite for CMSC 107. Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry and Biophysics Students who have taken a semester of college- level computer science (e.g.,CMSC105) or placed Ted Brzinski into CMSC107 are ineligible to take this course. It is Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy intended for students with little or no background in computer programming. This course is equivalent to Daniel Grin CMSC 104. Enrollment by permission only. Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy (Offered: Spring 2022; typically offered: Wynn Ho Occasionally) Research Associate ASTR H204 INTRODUCTION TO Andrea Lommen ASTROPHYSICS (1.0 Credit) Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy Karen Masters Division: Natural Science Karen Masters Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Director of General introduction to astronomy including: the Marian E. Koshland Integrated Natural Sciences structure and evolution of stars; the properties and Center evolution of the including planetary Bruce Partridge surfaces and ; ; and Professor Emeritus of Astronomy observational projects using the Strawbridge Observatory telescopes. Prerequisite(s): MATH H118 Walter Smith or equivalent; PHYS H105 or PHYS B121; Co- The Paul and Sally Bolgiano Professor of Physics; requisite(s): PHYS H106 or B201 Professor of Physics and Astronomy (Offered: Fall 2021; typically offered: Every Fall) Paul Thorman ASTR H304 (1.0 Physics Laboratory Instructor and Observatory Credit) Coordinator Daniel Grin Affiliated Faculty Division: Natural Science Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes David Wonnacott An introduction to the methods and problems of Professor and Chair of Computer Science computational physics, including matrix methods, ordinary differential equations, integration, Courses eigensystems, Monte Carlo techniques, Fourier ASTR H101 ASTRONOMICAL IDEAS (1.0 Credit) analysis, and iterative methods. Course will include a Division: Natural Science; Quantitative substantial independent project. Crosslisted: Physics, Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Astronomy and Astrophysics 5

Astronomy, Computer Science Prerequisite(s): PHYS wave detector, and the planned space-based 213 or BMC PHYS 306 or instructor consent detector LISA. We will discuss how these different (Offered: Spring 2022; typically offered: Every detectors will work together to explore the relatively other Year) unexplored universe. You will learn some of the basics of . ASTR H341 ADVANCED TOPICS: Crosslisted: PHYS. Pre-requisite(s): PHY213 and OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY (1.0 Credit) PHY214 or permission of the instructor. Karen Masters (Offered: Fall 2021; typically offered: Every other Division: Natural Science Fall) Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Observing projects that involve using a CCD camera ASTR H352 TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS: on a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain . Projects EXTRAGALACTIC DATA SCIENCE (0.5 Credit) include spectroscopy; variable ; H- Karen Masters alpha imaging; imaging and photometry of galaxies Division: Natural Science and star clusters; instruction in the use of image Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes processing software and CCD camera operation. A 0.5 credit upper level astronomy/astrophysics Students work in groups of two with minimal elective, which can be taken in series with the other faculty supervision. Formal reports are required. 0.5 credit upper level Astro elective offered the Prerequisite(s): ASTR H204 same semester, or as a stand-alone course. This (Typically offered: Every other Fall) class will cover the basics of modern extragalactic science (a review of our knowledge of the Milky Way ASTR H344 ADVANCED TOPICS IN and external galaxies) alongside hands on projects ASTROPHYSICS: MULTI- involving data science/statistical techniques used to ASTRONOMY (1.0 Credit) investigate them. Assessment will be highly project Division: Natural Science based, with regular coding assignments (in python) Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes done during class time, and guided reading of both This course will focus on the multiwavelength current, and classic astrophysical literature. Students emission of celestial sources and bring the students will leave with an understanding of extragalactic in touch with the technical capabilities of currently astrophysics as a modern data focused science. available telescopes. The students will study a set Crosslisted: PHYS. Pre-requisite(s): ASTR204 of different sources, one source at a time, that are (Offered: Fall 2021; typically offered: Every other known to show multiwavelength emission. They Fall) will study each source at all of the , compare properties at ASTR H353 TOPICS IN PHYSICS: SOFT different wavelengths and try to assign (0.5 Credit) models to their observations. The students will Ted Brzinski actively discuss the observed discrepancies Division: Natural Science in class and draw conclusions about what is Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes needed to answer open questions regarding the This is a 1/2-credit, upper-level physics elective physics of a source. This class will also have active course which serves as an introduction to the physics observations with the 16'' at of soft condensed matter (squishy stuff!), and will Haverford College as well as radio observations comprise a mixture of seminar-style discussions carried out with the 20-meter and chalk talk-like student presentations. Seminar at the Green Bank Observatory to study the discussions will center around peer-reviewed multiwavelength characteristics of celestial sources. literature and conference lecture recordings. Prerequisite: ASTR 204 Students will finish the course having developed (Typically offered: Occasionally) general literacy with the core concepts in and an understanding of the major challenges facing ASTR H351 TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS: professional Soft Matter scientists. Crosslisted: ASTR. GRAVITATIONAL WAVES (0.5 Credit) Pre-requisite(s): Math H121, at least two 200-level Andrea Lommen courses in physics and/or another natural science Division: Natural Science Lottery Preference: Physics majors, astrophysics Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes majors, astro majors and physics/astro minors, This course explores the new field of Gravitational seniors, juniors. Wave Astrophysics from the low frequencies (in the (Offered: Spring 2022; typically offered: Every polarization of the cosmic background) Year) to the high frequencies that LIGO has discovered. In between, there is timing as a gravitational 6 Astronomy and Astrophysics

ASTR H354 TOPICS IN PHYSICS/ASTRONOMY: THROUGH COMPUTATION (0.5 Credit) Daniel Grin Division: Natural Science; Quantitative Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes This class will introduce cosmological expansion, of the homogeneous and perturbed universe, and stochastic processes in the universe. Students will build computational problem- solving skills related to these concepts, coming to an understanding of how modern precision measurements of the cosmic microwave background and field unveil the energy budget of the universe, which includes mysterious and dark-energy components. Crosslisted: ASTR. Pre- requisite(s): Physics 213 Lottery Preference: Juniors and seniors in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy majors. (Offered: Spring 2022; typically offered: Occasionally)

ASTR H404 RESEARCH IN ASTROPHYSICS (1.0 Credit) Andrea Lommen, Karen Masters Division: Natural Science Intended for those students who choose to complete an independent research project in astrophysics under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent (Offered: Fall 2021; typically offered: Every Semester)

ASTR H480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0 Credit) Andrea Lommen Division: Natural Science Intended for students who want to pursue some topic of study that is not currently offered in the curriculum. In order to enroll, a student must have a faculty sponsor. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent (Typically offered: Occasionally)