Paris: Astronomy

This sequence is designed for non-science majors (and thus assumes no mathematics beyond the College’s pre-calculus requirement). Students who have already completed their PHSC sequence may count the three courses toward the five required to satisfy the Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The program may also be of interest to science majors who want to supplement their work in physics and chemistry with a quarter devoted to the cosmos.

Each year a three-course sequence will be composed from the six PSHC courses that are offered on campus to present a range of foundational topics, from the grand principles governing the universe and understanding its beginning, to the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, and the search for habitable extrasolar planets. These courses, which are taught by Chicago faculty, capitalize on the Paris setting through museum and laboratory visits as well as guest lectures by French astrophysicists. In this regard Chicago's connection with the Laboratoire de Astroparticule et Cosmology (APC) at the Université Denis Diderot (Université de Paris-VII) is central. In addition to the astronomy sequence, program participants take a French language course, which runs at a normal pace through the quarter, a course designed to help students connect with French (and Parisian) culture.

As a supplement to classroom work, the Astronomy program features excursions to local sites of historical and cultural interest such as the observatories at Nançay and Meudon. It is assumed that, apart from these organized excursions, students will use their free time to explore Paris on their own and to gain for themselves knowledge of this remarkable city deeper than that of the breathless tourist.

Faculty who teach on this program rotate from year to year. The faculty roster is designated by the program faculty director.

The following courses will be taught in Spring 2025:

• ASTR 12700 – Stars: Alex Drlica-Wagner
• ASTR 12710 – Galaxies: Jeff McMahon
• ASTR 12720 – Exoplanets: Jacob Bean

All participants also take a French language course.

Headquarters for the College’s study abroad programs in Paris is the University of Chicago John W. Boyer Center in Paris, the University’s teaching and research hub in Europe. Since 2003, the Center has been home to a growing array of the College’s hallmark Study Abroad programs and has supported our community of students, faculty, alumni, and partners from around the world. Designed by Studio Gang, the new Center features state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, event and reception spaces, and gathering areas for students, among other features.

Students in the Paris Astronomy program are housed in a residence hall within the Cité Internationale Universitaire (Cité). The Cité, a park-like residential complex in the fourteenth arrondissement, is the international student campus in Paris, though French students also live there. Students reside in single rooms with a private bath and have access to Cité facilities, including a library, theater, laundry, and athletic facilities. Students will have access to common kitchens in the residence halls and can purchase inexpensive meals at the Cité’s restaurant universitaire.

It is important to recognize the cultural context of student housing in France and understand that the amenities of dormitory facilities may vary. Although some of these differences may take some getting used to, remember that cultural differences extend to all aspects of your experience abroad. Having realistic expectations for your term in Paris will help you approach the study abroad experience with a positive attitude.

Participants in the Paris Astronomy program remain registered as full-time students in the College. They take and receive credit for four courses: the three physical sciences courses and the French language class. The physical sciences sequence meets the College’s physical sciences requirement for non-science majors. Students who have already met this requirement may use these courses as electives. The three courses can also be used toward the five course requirement for completing a minor in Astronomy and Astrophyics. Their use, partial or total, in a program of study (major) must be approved by the undergraduate chair of the respective department. The language course will normally count as an elective. Course titles, units of credit, and grades are placed on the College transcript.

Study abroad students pay regular College tuition, a program fee, and a nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee. The tuition and program fee are paid in conformity with the home campus payment schedule, and a deposit toward the nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee is submitted when accepting a place in a program. Precise figures for the Paris program during the 2024-2025 year are listed below:

Spring tuition: as set by the Bursar’s Office

Study abroad administrative fee: $675

Paris Astronomy program fee: $5,960

Previous program participants report spending in the range of $200 to $250 per week on meals and incidentals while on the program, though frugal students may spend less, and others could spend much more. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Paris is relatively high and that, while it is possible to live frugally, it is also possible to run short of money if you are unwary. It is therefore essential that you budget your funds prudently, apportioning your resources so that they last for the duration of the program. If you are planning to travel before or after the program or on weekends, you should budget accordingly.

Study abroad students retain their financial aid eligibility. For more information about financial aid resources, please see our Tuition, Fees, and Funding section. 

The Paris Astronomy program is open to University of Chicago undergraduate students only. Applications from outside the University are not accepted.

The program is designed for undergraduates in good academic and disciplinary standing, including first-year students. While the program stipulates no minimum grade-point average, an applicant’s transcript should demonstrate that they are a serious student who will make the most of this opportunity. Because the physical sciences sequence is taught in English, there is no language prerequisite, although students are encouraged to take French on campus before the program begins.

Each application is examined on the basis of the student’s scholastic record and personal statement. If you are interested in applying for this program please fill out the online application.

To discuss the Paris Astronomy program and the possibility of participating, please contact Michaela Foreman.