B.Sc. in Astrophysics is an undergraduate involving the study of the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies and the natural phenomena that occur in the universe.
B.Sc. in Astrophysics is a 3- year long full- time course designed to train enrolled students in specializations such as Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Newtonian Dynamics, Waves, Optics, Modern Physics, and pursue an advanced exploration of Atomic, Nuclear and Quantum Physics, Solid State Physics, Relativity, Quantum Physics, Fluid Mechanics etc.
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Course Objectives
Listed here are some of the principle objectives of the course.
- To explore the composition of the universe better.
- To reveal the truths and dispel the myths related to the universe.
- To develop new techniques of observation for a better understanding of the solar system.
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Course Highlights
Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.
| Name of the course | B.Sc. In Astrophysics |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Graduation |
| Duration | 3 years, full- time/ Distance Learning |
| Stream | Astrophysics |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Math |
| Admission Process | Based on the candidate’s performance in the written tests conducted at the level of institutes, and the round of personal interview. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 5K to 5 Lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 25 Lacs |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Planetariums, Universities, Observatories, Laboratories, Defense and Space Research Organizations, Electrical Component Manufacturers, Electronic Equipment Manufacturers. |
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Admission Process
Most institutes offering the course follow a merit- based admission process. The process involves an assessment of the candidate on the basis of score at the 10+2 level, and in a relevant national, State, or institute- level entrance test.
Eligibility for B.Sc. in Astrophysics
The minimum eligibility required to be met for admission to the course is a 10+2 qualification from a recognized educational Board with Physics and Mathematics as two of the main subjects with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
A few institutes in India also conduct a Common Entrance Examination for admission to the course wherein admission is based on the candidate’s performance in both 10+2 examination and the entrance test.
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Academic Options
Upon successful completion of the course, successful postgraduates interested in higher studies in the discipline may go for pursuing M.Sc., PG Diploma, M.Phil./ PH.D. in the subject.
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Syllabus and Course Structure
A year- wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is given here.
Year I |
| Physics, special relativity, oscillations and waves, mechanics, fields, properties of matter and laboratory work |
| Mathematics |
| Astrophysics, including stars and planets, galaxies and the universe |
Year II |
| Quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, cosmology, thermal physics, electromagnetism, mathematical physics, and nuclear and particle physics |
| Practical laboratory, computing and science presentation skills |
Year III |
| Galaxies, high energy astrophysics, stellar structure, particle physics |
| Core physics: |
| Skills for science |
| One of: |
| Astrophysics research project |
| Dissertation |
| Physics Education unit in partnership with a school |
| Industrial Group Project. |
Top Institutes Offering B.Sc. in Astrophysics
The average tuition fee charged in India for the course ranges between INR 5,000 (government institutes) to 5 lacs (private institutes).
Listed below are some of the best institutes in India that offer B.Sc. in Astrophysics:
| SR.NO. | COLLEGE/INSTITUTE | STATE | TUITION FEES (PER YEAR) IN INR | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | ADMISSION PROCEDURE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Osmania University | Hyderabad | 2,245 | Candidate must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (Science with Math) | Admission is based on performance in a relevant conducted by the institute. |
| 2 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | 20,000 | Candidate must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (Science with Math) | Admission is based on performance in a relevant conducted by the institute. |
| 3 | ANDHRA UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | Visakhapatnam | 10,000 | Candidate must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (Science with Math) | Admission is based on performance in a relevant conducted by the institute. |
| 4 | PUNJABI UNIVERSITY | Punjab | 18,444 | Candidate must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (Science with Math) | Admission is based on performance in a relevant conducted by the institute. |
B.Sc. in Astrophysics: Career Prospects
With a significant increase in the execution of interplanetary spacecraft missions aimed at the mapping of celestial bodies like surfaces of the moon, Mars, and Venus and production of their close-up images, employment opportunities in this field have surged too. A beginner in the field of Astrophysics may be inducted as a researcher into an existing team which would be already working on a project.
Holders of Ph.D. in the subject begin their careers in post-doctoral research positions, in which they may work with experienced physicists. Orbiting observatories scrutinize star clusters, nebulae, the violent cores of galaxies and distant quasars. This work requires qualified and skilled astronomers.
About a third of the professional astronomers are directly employed by the federal government or by federally supported national observatories and laboratories.
A few industries, such as the aerospace field, hire astronomers for research- based positions. A number of consulting firms supply such professionals to the government for specific tasks.
Degree/ Diploma/ Doctorate holders in the subject can find lucrative career opportunities in major Indian establishments like the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space Applications Centers, etc. They also have the option of joining non-profit organizations such as the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA), involved in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astrophysics.
Various government bodies and Astrophysics Institutes in India also employ astronomers in different grades of scientists.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), The US. Naval Observatory, Niels Bohr Institute, Space Telescope Science Institute, Nicolaus Copernicus etc. are some of the major international employers of successful graduates of the course.
Such graduates are hired in capacities such as Researcher, Observational Astronomers, Theoretical Astrophysicists, Stellar Astronomers, Solar Astronomers, Technicians, Research Assistants, among others.
Some of the popular professional avenues open to such graduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.
| Job Title | Job Description | Average Annual Salary in INR | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astrophysicists | Astrophysicists utilize telescopes positioned ashore and in space to watch divine bodies and marvels. They additionally gauge radio, infrared and X-beam signals from extraterrestrial sources. In view of what they see, Astrophysicists compose hypotheses on points going from space and time to the inceptions of the universe. To test their speculations, Astrophysicists dissect and translate collected information. They introduce their discoveries at meetings or in papers for logical deductions. | 80,000 - 9,00,000 | |||
| Observational Astronomers | Observational Astronomers usually specialize in certain types of celestial bodies or events, such as black holes. Typical duties include developing and testing scientific theories, analyzing data and writing research proposals. They also spend time composing scientific papers and presenting their findings to others in the field. | 1,60,000 – 6,50,000 | |||
| Stellar Astronomers | Stellar Astronomers work in many specialized areas. For example, Stellar Astrophysics is simply the study of stars. Solar Astronomers study the Sun – the star nearest to the earth. Planetary Astronomers study planets and their compositions. Cosmologists study the structures and history of the universe as a whole, developing theories such as the Big Bang, Steady State and String theories. | 2,59,000 - 8,50,000 |
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