Department of Astronomy

Founded in 1960, the Department of Astronomy at Beijing Normal University was the very first astronomy department in North China. Currently, the Department is home to 18 active teaching staff, 7 professors (with 5 doctoral advisors), and 8 assistant professors and senior engineers. Among the teaching and research staff, 2 of them are supported by the " National Program for New Century Excellent Talents" ; 10 of them have a doctorate. The Department of Astronomy holds joint appointments with Guo-Xiang Ai (Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Astronomical Observatory of China), Ding-Qiang Su (Chairman of the Chinese Astronomical Society), and Shou-Guan Wang (Senior Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences). Many well-known astronomers in the National Astronomical Observatory of China are also joint-professors of the Department.

Modern astronomy is characterized by its application of high technology. The Department of Astronomy hosts a modern Astrophysics Lab, a Synthesized Education Lab, an Astronomy Detection Technology Lab, an Accurate Satellite Orbit Determination Lab, a Center for Multi-Wavelength Data, and a Center for Astronomical Observations. Other Departmental facilities include three telescopes with advanced detection instruments. Our Photoelectric Detection Research Lab, in association with the Department of Physics at Beijing Normal University and the Department of Optics at the Institute of Low Energy Nuclear Physics, has found one of the Key Laboratories in Beijing --- The Key Lab for Applied Optics. In order to meet the demand for superior talents, the Department has co-founded an Astronomy Research Base with the National Astronomical Observatory of China. We offer only one major in the undergraduate level.

The Graduate program offers a Master's degree in 3 areas: Astrophysics, Astrometry and Celestial Mechanics, and Optics. PhD degrees are available in Astrophysics. Our energetic, high-quality researching faculty, together with the outstanding educational environment, provides an ideal research environment for students. In the second or third year of the undergraduate program, excellent students could apply for the REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program, and collaborate with their advisors in doing research. After the third year, most undergraduates can and often go to various astronomical observatories in the country to gain experience in research and work.
Education and scientific research are the two cores of our program.

The Undergraduate Program - Program Goal: to gain a strong background in mathematics, physics and astronomy; to master the basic techniques in astronomical observation and data analysis; to have a sound background in computer skills; to be qualified to carry out scientific research, education, and participate in developing technology in astronomy and related areas.

Main Courses: 1. Physics: General Physics (Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Introductory Experimental Physics) Theoretical Physics (Theoretical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics) 2. Mathematics: Advanced College-level Mathematics Methods of Mathematical Physics 3. Astronomy: Introduction to Astronomy Introductory Astronomy Experimental Astronomy Observational Astrophysics Radio Astronomy Theoretical Astrophysics Stellar Structure and Evolution Solar Physics Galaxies Cosmology Spherical Astronomy Celestial Mechanics 4. Computation: Algorithmic Language Computational Method Astronomical Data Analysis Astronomical Software Multi-Media Technique

Before graduation: Students get trained in conducting scientific research in various astronomical observatories according to their specific interests, and complete their undergraduate thesis.

After graduation: ---about 25% of our undergraduates get admitted to Graduate Schools with exemption of entrance exams; ---more than 60% apply for Graduate Schools either at home or abroad; ---the remainders are working in research institutes, government departments of National Defense, astronomy outreach programs, high schools, etc. In addition, our Department has fostered many talented young people for IT industry, technology publication industry, new technology development, and science management.