Astrophysics - Course Overview

About 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 the 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 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 introduces 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 Eligiblity Criteria

• Minimum Qualification Required: 10+2 or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, and maths as mandatory subject
• Minimum Marks Required (Aggregate): 50 % to 60%, varies from college to college.
• Age Limit: The age bar for the program varies from institute to institute.

Astrophysics Admission Process:

• Admission to the Astrophysics courses is on the assessment of the class 12th score (merit-based admission)
• Few institiutes take out their own cut off list for admissions which is followed by personal interview as the final selection process.

Astrophysics Syllabus

Popular Subjects:

Physics	Properties of Matter	Astrophysics
Mathematics	Laboratory Work	Stars & Planets, Galaxies & Universe
Special Relativity	Oscillations and Waves	Practical Laboratory
Quantum Mechanics	Thermal Physics	Cosmology
Electromagnetism	Optics and Quantum Mechanics	High Energy Astrophysics

Popular Specializations of Astrophysics

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• Advertising & PR
• Advertising & PR
• Information & Data Management
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Fashion Photography
• Web Designing
• Interior Design
• Jewellery & Accessory Design
• Cyber Security
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• Airline and Airport Management
• Journalism
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• Banking laws
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• Dietician & Nutritionist
• Archaeology
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• Photography
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• CAD/CAM/CAE
• CAD/CAM/CAE
• CAD/CAM/CAE
• Cabin crew / Air-hostess training
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• Cabin crew / Air-hostess training
• Beautician
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• Animation & VFX
• Hardware & Networking
• Hardware & Networking
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• Pharmacy
• Fashion Styling and Grooming
• Fashion Styling and Grooming
• Fashion Styling and Grooming

Career Options and Job Prospects

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