Applying to Astronomy Grad Schools: Is Coursework Necessary?

[creepypasta13]

So I already graduated with a BS in Physics, but am considering applying to Astronomy grad schools. I don't have any coursework or research projects in it, but plan to start research with an Astro prof soon. As far as coursework, how necessary is it to have some when applying to Astro grad schools?

The nearby school where I can take undergrad Astro classes as a non-degree student is starting their spring semester this week. I think its too late for me to enroll. But they don't plan to offer any Astro classes for Fall '11 but they do offer some grad-level Physics courses. I could also take some Astro undergrad classes in Winter '12, after I submit my applications, Would that suffice?

 

[twofish-quant]

So I already graduated with a BS in Physics, but am considering applying to Astronomy grad schools. I don't have any coursework or research projects in it, but plan to start research with an Astro prof soon. As far as coursework, how necessary is it to have some when applying to Astro grad schools?

I don't think it's essential to have anything beyond the standard physics curriculum. You can spend a week or two going through some intro astronomy texts. and it would help to go into the journals and read up on whatever your research interests are.

You'll take the standard graduate astro classes in the first two years, and beyond that, it will be reading journal articles.

 

[eri]

Some of the students studying astronomy in the physics grad program I attended had not taken any astronomy classes. They picked it up pretty fast. Have you considered trying to enroll in a school that combines the physics and astronomy programs into one department? That way you won't have to worry about your astro background, you can do a dissertation in astrophysics, and get a physics PhD (which is far more marketable than astronomy).

 

[creepypasta13]

I don't think it's essential to have anything beyond the standard physics curriculum. You can spend a week or two going through some intro astronomy texts. and it would help to go into the journals and read up on whatever your research interests are.

You'll take the standard graduate astro classes in the first two years, and beyond that, it will be reading journal articles.

Oh I see. So I guess I won't be at a disadvantage when taking the grad-level astro classes compared to the incoming students who already took undergrad astro courses

Some of the students studying astronomy in the physics grad program I attended had not taken any astronomy classes. They picked it up pretty fast. Have you considered trying to enroll in a school that combines the physics and astronomy programs into one department? That way you won't have to worry about your astro background, you can do a dissertation in astrophysics, and get a physics PhD (which is far more marketable than astronomy).

Most of the schools I'm looking at have separate programs. Since I'm mostly interested in Astro, I think its better to apply to the Astro programs instead of Physics anyways. One school I just got admitted to for Physics already told me they won't even provide me with a TAship if I do research in Astro
I also should've asked this earlier, so I'll ask it now. Since it seems that taking an undergrad astro class isn't that essential (I was thinking of taking an upper-div Star Formation course), would it be better if I took the upper-div Thermodynamics part B course instead? I already took Thermo A at my undergrad school, and got my worst physics grade in it, which was a B. So I'd imagine getting an A in part B would sort of offset that poor grade

 

[creepypasta13]

any other thoughts?