Jane Huang

Exoplanet detection methods; how we know what we do (and don't) know about exoplanet properties including masses, radii, atmospheres, compositions, etc; planet formation (a lot of this since it is Professor Huang's area of research); and a very high level overview of astrobiology concepts (i.e., the course material is weighted way more on the exoplanet side than on the astrobiology side).

I feel like I learned a lot of interesting things about tools used in Astronomy, different areas of study within the field, and I enjoyed seeing the links to physics classes I'm taking.

Assignments are fine. They're not hard. But the professor's grading is extremely unreasonable. For example, for regrade requests, I emailed her with detailed reasons as to why the grader should not have taken my points off (she doesn't allow us to request regrades directly on Gradescope for some reason), and within a minute, she replied saying no and her decision is final. My email should've taken longer than that to read, implying that she did not read the email. Overall, like in OH, I feel that her tone is quite hostile most times.

Problem sets (30%), 2 midterms (each 15%), group presentation/project (this was super manageable/not that big) (10%), final exam (30%) (this ended up being optional given the circumstances of Spring 2024, and was only counted if it helped your grade)

I learned so much about how to think both qualitatively and quantitatively about topics related to exoplanets, protoplanetary disks, and astrobiology.

Properties of stars, electromagnetic radiation, atmospheres and interiors of stars, the interstellar medium, star formation and evolution (and related processes - black holes, supernovae, core collapse, etc.), and stellar populations.

I've loved astrophysics since I was around 14. So this was my first chance to take a structured, college course on it, in person, and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, Professor Huang has been very disappointing. I will break my reasoning down: 1. Professor Huang drones from the lecture slides, and adds no substance to the material. In addition, she does not speak clearly, and speaks too fast in general. 2. She does not like to answer questions, e.g. do we have to memorize this diagram in detail for the midterms, or will the general gist do? These are very valid concerns for students, and it seems she avoids any questions relating to testing, even if they're reasonable. But most importantly, this is the first time at Columbia when I've felt scared to ask a professor my questions about the class. When I go to OH, she does not seem like she is in the mood to help, and oftentimes I feel looked down upon when asking questions. This is quite shocking to me, because other professors are usually really happy that students want to get to know the material better. Overall, strongly recommend everyone avoids this class. Unfortunately, Introduction to Astrophysics I is a mandatory course for astrophysics majors, but I know I will not take any of her electives.

I took this class during Prof Huang's first-semester teaching at Columbia (Spring 2024). She did an absolutely fantastic job. It is self-evident that she is passionate (the class does cater to her area of expertise) and cares a LOT. Notably, despite the awkwardness of office hours, she was incredibly helpful. Often, I would come in with a question and be met with more questions from her as she wanted to make sure I actually understood all of the underlying concepts/material. Then, I would get the answer I was looking for. Admittedly, the grading of homework and exams was pedantic: if the answer was not accurately and precisely what she was looking for, then some points (or fractional points) were taken off. This was, unfortunately, particularly hard-hitting for the exams. Her lectures were also exacting in their precision and accuracy (i.e. surrounding terminology). While they could be dense, I found them interesting and helpful (where some other professors might just read off of slides---this was certainly not the case). I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and I would recommend it!

Planetary dynamics, exoplanet detection methods, exoplanet demographics, planet formation, origins of life, and probably something else that I'm forgetting

I personally find this material very interesting, so for others who are interested in this subject, I would definitely recommend this class.