There are two options for undergraduates to include astrophysics in their studies at Georgia Tech:
- Astrophysics Concentration: for Physics majors with a particular interest in astrophysics
- Certificate in Astrophysics: for non-Physics majors with a particular interest in astrophysics
All CRA faculty include undergraduate students as part of their research programs. Students interested in astrophysics research should contact individual faculty to determine availability. Conference Travel Grants for College of Sciences’ Undergraduate Students Website
Undergraduate Courses in Astrophysics
PHYS 2021 – The Solar System
This course covers Ancient and Renaissance astronomy, gravity, sky phenomena, telescopes, and the solar system.
PHYS 2022 – Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
This course covers optics, telescopes, stellar characteristics and evolution, galaxies, the universe, and the big bang. Physics topics include mechanics, optics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and relativity.
PHYS 3021 – Nuclear Astrophysics and Stellar Evolution
Develops a working knowledge of stellar and extra-stellar galactic astronomy. Includes stellar structure, nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, and degenerate objects.
PHYS 4147 – Relativity
The course provides an introduction to the special and general theories of relativity that govern gravitational physics including experimental tests, astrophysical applications, black holes and gravitational waves.
PHYS 4247 – Cosmology
Modern cosmology of the universe, with the emphasis on the origin and evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, inflation, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter and dark energy.
PHYS 4263 – Nuclei, Particles & Fields
An introduction to nuclear and subnuclear systems. Topics include nuclear models, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, quarks, accelerators, reactors, and stellar nucleosynthesis.
PHYS 4347 – Fundamentals of Astrophysics
Theoretical investigation of astrophysical objects and processes, with an emphasis on the interstellar medium, extragalactic astrophysics, gas dynamics, and radiative transfer, and radiation processes.
PHYS 4803 – Data Analysis
The course is designed for advanced (3rd/4th year) physics majors and PhD students. For physics majors: this course can count as a technical elective. A minimal knowledge (variables and data types, flow control) of python is expected. Learning and grading will be project based. Knowledge of multi-variate calculus and linear algebra is assumed.
Schedule of Course Offerings (subject to change)
Fall 2023 – The Solar System, Stellar Astrophysics, Relativity, Cosmology, Data Analysis
Spring 2024 – Stars, Galaxies & the Universe; Fundamentals of Astrophysics
Fall 2024 – The Solar System, Stellar Astrophysics, Relativity, Cosmology, Data Analysis
Spring 2025 – Stars, Galaxies & The Universe; Nuclei, Particles & Fields; Fundamentals of Astrophysics
Don’t forget to check out the following societies and clubs at GT!
Society of Physics Students
Society of Women in Physics
Astronomy Club