Academics & Coursework Schedule
The outline below illustrates the recommended schedule of coursework and departmental requirements towards completing a Ph.D. All students are required to take the five required core courses.
For more information about planetary astronomy at CU, visit the Planetary Program's website . For more detailed information on examination timelines, see the Important Information page.
Year 1: Fall
Coursework |
Support |
Requirements & Main Activities |
|
|
|
Year 1: Spring
Coursework |
Support |
Requirements & Main Activities |
|
|
|
Year 1: Summer
- Support: RA
Year 2: Fall
Coursework |
Support |
Requirements & Main Activities |
|
|
|
Year 2: Spring
Coursework |
Support |
Requirements & Main Activities |
|
|
Year 2: Summer
- Support: RA
- Requirements & Main Activities: Work on Comprehensive Exam ("Comps")
Year 3: Fall
- Requirements & Main Activities: Take Comprehensive Exam ("Comps")
Subsequent Years
- Coursework: Coursework is usually completed after 5 semesters in our department.
- Support: Support is usually through an RA, though many graduate students will occasionally TA in later years for additional experience or salary.
- Terminal Masters: A graduate student can choose to complete their Comps and then exit the program with a M.S. degree.
- Dissertation: Dissertation work usually begins immediately following the Comprehensive examination. It is encouraged to be on a different project with a different advisor. Median time to completion is 5.6 years.
- At least once a year, students, with their advisor, are expected to arrange a meeting with 3-4 of their thesis committee members.
The APS Faculty have established a standard syllabus for each of the 5 core required classes:
- Atomic and Molecular Processes
- Fluids
- Mathematical Methods
- Observations, Data Analysis, and Statistics
- Radiative and Dynamical Processes
Course Information
Our department offers a variety of courses, both elective and required. Please see the Course Information page for more details.