Ohio University

The Honors Tutorial Bachelor of Science program in astrophysics (offered by the Physics and Astronomy Department) provides unique opportunities for exceptional students. The astrophysics program is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate work in astronomy, or planning careers related to space science. The curriculum includes the same requirements as the HTC physics major; a solid foundation in classical and modern physics leading to deeper study in more specialized areas including quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, and condensed matter physics. Astrophysics courses make up a significant part of the sophomore, junior and senior years. The senior thesis is expected to be on an astrophysical topic. At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected materials under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor. At individual  weekly meetings the student and tutor discuss the weekly reading, solutions to problems, and other assignments. Tutorials continue through all four years of the program, with the senior year devoted to research for a thesis. Students typically spend one-semester to one-third of their total time (and academic credit) in tutorials, the rest being in laboratories or in other required or elective classes. Because the Honors Tutorial College has no specific general education (or "distribution") requirements, students are free to create unique courses of study in subjects outside their major fields according to personal taste. Astrophysics students frequently take courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science, but interest in areas further afield, such as music, language, or history, is also very much encouraged.