Physical Sciences

The Astrophysics concentration and new Secondary Field in Astrophysics offer small class sizes, the highest faculty-­to­-student ratio of the physical science departments, and the opportunity to travel to remote astronomical observatories. Students often pursue a joint concentration with either Physics or Earth & Planetary Sciences.

The Harvard­-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, located at 60 Garden Street opposite the Radcliffe Quadrangle, is one of the world's great centers for research in astrophysics, with over 350 scientists and powerful astronomical observatories in Arizona, Chile, Hawaii, and in space. Undergraduate students interested in participating in either term-­time or summer research are encouraged to contact Prof. Edo Berger to discuss the numerous opportunities, which range from the hunt for planets orbiting nearby stars to the quest to understand the Big Bang and the accelerating Universe.

Chemistry is both a basic science, fundamental to an understanding of the world we live in, and a practical science with an enormous number and variety of important applications.  Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to an understanding of biology and biochemistry and of certain aspects of geology, astronomy, physics, and engineering.

Harvard offers outstanding opportunities for students who wish to pursue studies in Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS). Students may focus on geological science, environmental geoscience, solid earth geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology, atmospheric and ocean science, and planetary science.

The concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy (ESPP) is designed to provide a multi-disciplinary introduction to current problems of the environment. It is founded on the premise that the ability to form rational judgments concerning many of the complex challenges confronting society today involving the environment requires both an understanding of the underlying scientific and technical issues and an appreciation for the relevant economic, political, legal, historical and ethical dimensions.

Most information for Mathematics undergraduates can be found on the Mathematics undergraduate webpage. Check out our math events like math table talks and other events and find information on the Putnam exam. Look here for undergraduate research opportunities in math. For questions about concentration in Mathematics, contact the undergraduate student coordinator Cindy Jimenez. The director for Undergraduate studies is Cliff Taubes. Visit the Mathematics page