Journal Club at the UCB Astronomy Department is open to everyone and consists of oral presentations that generally focus on the recent astronomical literature. Since the audience is composed of students, postdocs, researchers, faculty and visitors, the presenters are given a rare opportunity to interact with a broad spectrum of the department.

The aims of Journal Club are to: (1) Develop every speaker's ability to analyze an critique modern research efforts; (2) Enable exploration of topics outside one's immediate research interests; (3) Hone presentation skills, including the ability to field questions from the audience.

UCB Astronomy graduate students are expected to give at least one Journal Club presentation during each academic year, except the first year and the final year. Given that it takes an average of six years to obtain a doctoral degree at UCB, graduate students should expect to give at least four Journal Club presentations. Postdocs are also encouraged to give at least one Journal Club presentation.