Astrophysics Assessment

Source: https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/placement-examination Parent: https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/undergraduate-program

Astrophysics Assessment

First year students will be given an oral assessment of their background undergraduate-level astronomy knowledge. The assessment (sometimes referred to as the “Shu exam” for historical reasons) is conducted around mid-October, is proctored by three faculty including the DGS, and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The assessment is centered around a list of 100 questions that the students will have access to well in advance of the exam.  A random subset of these questions forms the basis of the assessment, but follow-up questions and some back-and-forth should be expected.  The examiners are looking to see how deeply the student understands the material and how it connects to other concepts.  In short, rote memorization of answers to the 100 questions is not necessarily sufficient for a passing grade.

After the conclusion of the assessment the DGS will notify students of the outcome by email and may provide specific recommendations of courses to take as needed. If a student does not pass the assessment they will be required to retake the assessment the following year.  Since a strong understanding of undergraduate astrophysics knowledge is required for success in our graduate-level courses and research, students who do not pass the assessment the second time may be required to withdraw from the program by the end of G2.

It is highly recommended that students study for this assessment.  Informal group learning activities are strongly encouraged (for example, group study sessions, or practicing with a graduate student who has previously taken the assessment).  Example textbooks that students may wish to consult in preparing for the assessment include “The Essential Cosmic Perspective” (Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, Voit), “Astrophysics in a Nutshell” (Maoz), and “An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics” (Carroll & Ostlie).

Students who have not taken any undergraduate astronomy courses can request to delay their oral assessment by one year.