Astrophysics

A course in Astrophysics can be pursued at an undergraduate, postgraduate or diploma level. The program introduces students to the basics of physics and teaches them how to apply physics in the field of astronomy. With various recent astronomical discoveries, astrophysics has become a widely popular course among aspirants these days.

During the program, students are given the knowledge about the various chemical and physical properties of different celestial bodies and are introduced to a wide range of physics subjects, math courses, quantum mechanics and university laboratory work. Students are taught in a combination of classroom teaching, practicals sessions, tutorials, that introduce them to new discoveries and technologies and develops their problem-solving abilities.

Candidates who plan to pursue their career in astrophysics must possess advance problem skills abilities and how to logically think during complex situations. Also, candidates must possess a high level of mathematical ability, computer knowledge and good communication skills for a bright future in the field.

Astrophysics Course Highlights

Some of the major highlights of Astrophysics course are given below:

Astrophysics Course Benefits

• The study of Astrophysics introduces us to celestial objects and helps us to know physics in a better way.
• After pursuing the bachelor’s degree course in Astrophysics, one can opt for M.Sc courses to expand their knowledge
• Those who want to engage in research work need to choose PhD courses
• There are numerous short-term Astrophysics courses that help to enhance the expertise in the stream
• Higher studies in Astrophysics can lead a candidate to land in the career of an astrophysicist.
• Even after pursuing the degree course, a candidate may get employed in some prestigious job positions like science instructors, teachers, cosmologists etc.

Who Can Enroll to Astrophysics Course?

• Those who have an interest in space science and want to gain an in-depth understanding in the same can pursue the Astrophysics course.
• If the involvement of physics and chemistry in planets, stars, and cosmic systems arouse interest in students’ minds, then they can go for a course in Astrophysics.
• If Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Physics, and Mathematics are someone’s interest areas then pursuing a course in astrophysics would be beneficial for them.

Astrophysics Skills Required

The potential of the candidates is assessed by the skills they possess. Candidates interested to pursue the Astrophysics course are expected to have the following skillsets:

• Excellent skills in handling the mathematical concepts
• Ability to use software for mathematical calculation
• Expertise in problem-solving
• Ability to perform critical analysis
• In-depth research ability
• Skills of data scanning and interpretation

In order to pursue the Astrophysics course, the candidates will have to fulfil the given below eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must have passed class 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.

• The candidate must have studied Mathematics and Physics as the main subjects in class 12th.

• The candidate must have acquired a minimum aggregate of 50%-60% in the qualifying examination.

Eligibility Criteria of B.Sc Astrophysics

• Candidates must be qualified for the class 12 exam from a recognized board
• Minimum 50%-60% score in aggregate need to be acquired for admission to the undergraduate level Astrophysics course
• Mathematics and Physics should be studied as the compulsory subject in class 12.

Eligibility Criteria of M.Sc Astrophysics

• Candidates must be a graduate of the science stream
• Having 50% in aggregate marks of the previous qualifying examination is essential
• In the entrance exam, candidates need to score high to secure their admission

Astrophysics Admission Process

The admission to Astrophysics course is done in two ways: -

Entrance-Based Admission Process

The entrance-based admission to the course is done on the basis of scores obtained by the candidate at a national level, state level or college level entrance exams. The admission is done through the counselling process. The following points must be considered for the entrance-based admission process:

• The college/university releases the application form for Astrophysics on their websites
• Often the dates of the entrance exams are announced along with the application form
• Candidates are asked to fill up the application form within the deadline
• The candidates whose applications are successfully received are allowed to seat on the entrance test
• After the declaration of the results, the college prepares a merit list, and candidates are selected based on their performance in the exam
• Apart from the entrance exam scores, the other eligibility criteria are also taken under consideration

Merit-Based Admission Process

• In this type of admission process, candidates’ marks in the previous qualifying examination are given utmost importance
• A merit list is also prepared here where the names of the selected candidates are displayed
• The colleges/institutes intake students according to the merit list and the admission rules
• For Astrophysics, chances of getting direct admission is not possible, as the entrance exam is mandatory.

Popular Subjects:

Astrophysics Course Options

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered in Astrophysics. Different course options are there at both levels. The Astrophysics course objective for the undergraduate level is to discover the composition of the universe and to invent new technologies for a better understanding of the solar system. On the other hand, the postgraduate level focuses on the study of the innate science of Astronomy.

Following are the course options available for the Astronomy Courses:

Astrophysics Certificate Courses

The keen on learning about modern physics often choose certification courses. Some of the popular online certifications of Astrophysics courses are listed below:

A number of students pursue further studies such as M.Sc, Ph.D. and research work in Astrophysics. Ph.D holders can start their own projects or may work under the projects headed by experienced physicists. Aspirants can find lucrative job opportunities in the following organizations:

• Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO
• Space Physics Laboratories
• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, VSSC
• Space Applications Centres
• Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers, ABBA

The entry-level salary of an astrophysicist is Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending upon the type of organization and relevant work experience. Some of the international employers of astrophysics graduates include The Naval Research Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, etc.

Listed below are some of the popular job roles for successful graduates are: -

• Astrophysicists
• Stellar Astronomers
• Observational Astronomers
• Solar Astronomers
• Technicians
• Research Assistants

Astrophysics Job Descriptions

Astrophysicist- An Astrophysicist’s aim is to develop theories and experiments on them to gain a better insight into the universe. He observes, analyses, and performs research on the celestial bodies for the same.

Steller Astronomers- The job responsibility of steller astronomers is to study the stellar phenomena like supernovas, blackholes etc. Besides that, they also study the life series of stars.

Observational Astronomers- Creating research propositions, analyzing crucial information and developing logical papers in order to bring forth new discoveries are the key job role of an Observational Astronomer.

Solar Astronomers- Solar astronomers study the system and characteristics of the Sun and its related aspects like a magnetic field, atmosphere etc.

Technicians- Technicians perform mechanical as well as analytical experiments. They possess the expertise to work in a complicated situation.

Research Assistant- A research assistant provides support to the project researcher by maintaining files and performing data management.

Astrophysics Top Recruiters

One can start a career in Astrophysics by working with some top organizations. Some of the names of top recruiters in the sphere of astrophysics are mentioned below:

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune

Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Uttarakhand

Astrophysics India Private Ltd. Pasay

Indian Space Research Organization, Bangalore

Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune

IISER, Pune

TIFR, Pune

Astrophysics Scopes in India and Aboard

The field of Astrophysics has experienced a significant development due to the increasing number of spacecraft missions. Consequently, employment opportunities are also increasing. A candidate with graduates in Astrophysics is often appointed to a research team to support the existing projects.

In India, opportunities are there to work with some big organizations like ISRO, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre etc. One can join any non-profit establishment like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers as well.

The job scopes of Astrophysics are not restricted to India only. There are opportunities of working with organizations based abroad also. Organizations like Naval Research Laboratory, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Space Telescope Science Institute offer great scopes to then talented professionals of this field.