Why should I apply to UCLA Astronomy?Graduate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) UCLA is internationally renowned for astronomical research. Faculty and students have private access to the world's largest ground based telescopes (the two Keck's) and to the telescopes at the Lick Observatory. We are also very competive in receiving telescope access to many of the public resources around the world including the new Gemini International Telescopes, Hubble Space Telescope, and Very Large Array (VLA).How do I finance my graduate education?
The department is also a rich environment for interaction with a significant number of researchers at all levels including undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and faculty.
All of our entering graduate students receive financial support either through fellowships, teaching assistantships or research assistantships. This support includes tuition and a stipend. During the first year, students are encouraged to seek out research activities with faculty members that will often evolve into a 2nd year research project and, in some cases, a thesis. Then during the later years, most students receive research assistantships that cover tuition and a stipend. The remaining students will normally have teaching assistantships.Should I apply to Astronomy or Physics?
As a joint department, it is possible for students in the Physics program to work with Astronomy faculty, and vice-versa. But, in most cases you should select which program you apply to on the basis of research interest. The Astronomy Division is careful to select students that are ready for the astronomy program and that have interests matched to the faculty. Also the course requirements are different for the two programs.What about astrobiology?
The astronomy department is part of a research center concentrating on Astrobiology. The Center at UCLA is focused on six main themes: (1) extrasolar planetary systems; (2) geobiology and geochemistry of early Earth and Mars; (3) evolution of Earth's early life; (4) genomic evolution and the tree of life; (5) celestial influences on the terrestrial environment; and (6) exploration for life in the Solar System. The astronomy professors directly involved in the center are Becklin, Ghez, Jura, McLean, Morris, and Zuckerman. For more information go to Astrobiology.What happens to UCLA graduates?
UCLA has a well respected Ph.D. program and most of its graduates do very well. The majority remain in academic positions and many are faculty at other research institutions. A significant number have also chosen to enter industry or governmental research. For a list of past graduates and their current positions go to the Graduate Alumni page. Many of these alumni have agreed to have their emails posted so you can contact them about their graduate experience.What is the "nominal" program?
UCLA Astronomy is currently undertaking a revision of its curriculum, as described below. We intend to have the new curriculum in place for the 2011-2012 academic year, but that is still contingent on the (pending) final approval by the University. The current curriculum is described here:Students are required to take 10 core courses (including 2 Physics courses), one 2-quarter research project during the 2nd year and at least 3 special topics courses. You must receive a grade of B or better in all courses. See the course description page for details. Some classes are offered in alternating years so there are two possible programs for incoming graduate students. *At least one Special Topic is required each year and a total of three is required overall. Additionally, there is a Journal Club which (along with Astro 279 Colloquium) should be attended every quarter.What are the required exams?
- Entering Fall Quarter Odd Years:
Year 1 Year 2 Quarter 1:
Astro 270 Fundamentals I (Fluids & Dynamics)
Astro 276 Instrumentation & Observational Tech.
Astro 279 Colloquium
Phys 210A E & M
Quarter 1:
Astro 277A Research Project
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
Quarter 2:
Astro 271 Fundamentals II (Radiation)
Astro 272 Stellar Structure and Evolution
Astro 279 Colloquium
Phys 210B E & M
Quarter 2:
Astro 274 Galaxies
Astro 277B Research Project
Astro 279 Colloquium
Quarter 3:
Astro 273 Stellar Photospheres
Astro 281 Quantum Mechanics
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
Quarter 3:
Astro 275 Cosmology
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
- Entering Fall Quarter Even Years:
Year 1 Year 2 Quarter 1:
Astro 270 Fundamentals I (Fluids & Dynamics)
Astro 279 Colloquium
Phys 210A E & M
Quarter 1:
Astro 276 Instrumentation & Observational Tech.
Astro 277A Research Project
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
Quarter 2:
Astro 271 Fundamentals II (Radiation)
Astro 274 Galaxies
Astro 279 Colloquium
Phys 210B E & M
Quarter 2:
Astro 272 Stellar Structure and Evolution
Astro 277B Research Project
Astro 279 Colloquium
Quarter 3:
Astro 275 Cosmology
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
Astro 281 Quantum Mechanics
Quarter 3:
Astro 273 Stellar Photospheres
Astro 278 Special Topic*
Astro 279 Colloquium
There are three oral exams required for the PhD program. The first is the comprehensive exam which is based on the 2nd year research project (and is dependent on its completion), relevant material pertaining to the research project, as well as course material. It should be completed by the beginning of the sixth quarter in residence at UCLA. The second exam is the oral qualifying exam (advancement to candidacy) where the proposed thesis project is presented for approval. It should be taken no later than the end of the tenth quarter. The last exam is the final oral exam or thesis defense.What about foreign students?
The Astronomy program always has had foreign students and we welcome such applications. Although the University requires additional financial information for foreign students, the Astronomy Division provides the same level of financial support that we do for domestic students to cover both fees and living expenses.What is the new proposed curriculum?
UCLA Astronomy is currently undertaking a revision of its curriculum. Final approval is still pending from the University, but we intend to have the changes in place for the 2011-2012 academic year. The most important change is that the new curriculum would replace Physics E && M (Jackson) and Astronomy-focused Radiation with two quarters of Astrophysical Radiative Processes; the curriculum changes also have fewer required courses and more elective graduate courses.
2011-2012 2012-2013 Fall Radiation I
Diffuse Matter in Space
OOMARadiation I
Astrophysical DynamicsWinter Stellar Astrophysics
High-energy Astrophysics
Numerical & Statistical MethodsExtragalactic I
OOMA
ExoplanetsSpring Radiation II
Instrumentation & ObservationsQuantum for Astrophysics
Extragalactic II