Majors and Minors:

Majors and minors are possible in astronomy, physics, as well as in several interdisciplinary subjects. Special majors in interdisciplinary subjects are arranged in conjunction with the relevant second department at Barnard. A student interested in such possibilities should talk to a faculty member early on in the semester. Some possible majors and minors are listed below.

Requirements for the Astronomy Major:

The courses required for the major in astronomy are: Students may substitute a Columbia College 3-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence with the lab, as in the physics major. Calculus through IIIS/IVA is required, with additiional work in mathematics recommended. Also: Students who have taken AST V 1753-4 (Introduction to Astronomy I, II) or C 1403-4 may substitute an additiional 3000-level course for AST C 2001-2. Finally, students are required to take four 3000-level AST or PHY courses, including at least one of AST 3102 or PHY 3003 Mechanics, and selected so that at least six total points of 3000-level lecture classes are AST courses. Some of the AST courses offered in recent years include:

Requirements for the Physics Major:

The courses required for the major in physics are: In lieu of the above, any 3-semester Columbia introductory sequence acceptable for the physics major in Columbia College will do (e.g. PHY C 1601-2, 2601, taken with PHY 1691-3). The accelerated 2-semester Columbia College sequence PHY C 2801-2 is also acceptable. Calculus through IIIS/IVA is required, with additional work in mathematics recommended; e.g. Math E 1210x, y: Ordinary Differential Equations, APMA E 3102y: Applied Mathematics II. The calculus sequence should be completed by the sophomore year. At the upper level the following courses are required: Also required are 4.5 points total of advanced lab work via PHY BC 3082/W 3081. Finally, the student must take computer Science W 1003 (Programming in C), W 1005 (Fortran Programming), or PHY W 3083 (Electronics Laboratory).