Career in astronomy
Photo: Parth Sanyal
COSMIC LOOK: A sound base maths and physics is key to the study of astronomy and planetary science. Photo: Parth Sanyal
I am in my final year Intermediate (MPC) and wish to pursue a career in astronomy.
Kaleefa Rahmatullah, Vijayawada
* While several premier institutions offer courses at the PG level, astronomy/astrophysics are offered as one of the subjects at graduation (B.Sc) level by a handful of universities like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, University of Lucknow and University of Chennai. The eligibility is class XII (science).
The study of cosmic sciences - astronomy, planetary science and astrophysics - requires a sound base in mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level. Institutes like Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, or Nehru Planetarium, Delhi, regularly invite students for workshops at their planetariums.
Astronomy and astrophysics are taught as special M.Sc programmes in Physics or Mathematics departments in a number of universities. Here are some of the better ones:
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003 Course: M.Sc Space Physics (3 yrs). Eligibility: B.Sc. Diploma in Space Science & Tech.
MP Birla Planetarium, 96 Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Kolkata- 700071. Course: PG Diploma in Astronomy & Planetary Sciences.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore- 560034. Course: PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post-doctoral Fellowships. (www.iiap.ernet.in) .
JNTU College of Engineering, Hyderabad. Course: M.Sc (Tech) (Space Physics).
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Pune and Bangalore Campus, (www.tifr.res.in/gsch) . Research programmes in Astrophysics & Astronomy (Radio Astronomy & Astrophysics, Theoretical Phys & Astrophysics):
Eligibility: M.Sc (Phy/ Astro/ Appl Math/ Physical Chemistry. B Sc/ BE/ B Tech graduates with exceptional academic record can also apply. Selection: Written test & interview.
Osmania University, Centre for Advanced Study in Astronomy, Hyderabad -500007. Course: MSc (Astronomy). Eligibility: BSc (45% in the relative subject).
Punjabi University, Patiala- 147002 (Punjab). Course: PG Diploma in Space Sciences. Eligibility: MSc (Phys)/ B Sc/ BE/ B Tech (50%).
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Ganeshkhind, Pune- 411007 (www.iucaa.ernet.in) . Course: M Tech in Astrophysics; PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology and Quantum Physics. PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Experimental and Theoretical Physics. Courses: PhD in Physics (including Theoretical and Observational Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics in Biology, Plasma Physics & Technology, Earth & Atmospheric Sc and Space Sc)/ Mathematics/ Theoretical Computer Sc. Selection: JEST, Introductory Summer School in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Vacation Students' Programme, Refresher Course in Astronomy & Astrophysics for College and University Teachers.
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (www.iisc.ernet.in) .
Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences (BITS), Pilani, offers a starry future for those who have completed their Master's in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology or Astrophysics. Course: M Phil in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences in collaboration with the BIAPS (Birla Institute of Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences), Kolkata. A PhD programme is also offered.
Possibly, the only course of its kind this is a one-and-a-half year programme (3 semester) costs Rs. 40,000/-. Only 5-6 students are enrolled. The course begins in September and notifications appear in May.
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