Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics?

J

Jono

New member
Hi, i' am currently thinking about what career to pick, and astronomy and/or astrophysics seems to be my most interested thing to do. I'm aware that pay etc isn't the best in this job but im not too fussed about that. But what i do want to know is, can i do both astronomy and astrophysics at a specific university (not gotten as far as picking on yet). Basically, I have researched this for a while and most just offer Astronomy, Astrophysics or Physics with an option of Astronomy in the last year or something. But is it possible to do both astronomy and astrophysics? I know that astronomy covers some astrophysics, but i presume its only the small amount and wouldn't be in as much concentration. I' am very fascinated in the formation of planets, stars, black holes etc whilst also interested in the mechanics of space ie. how long would it take to get from earth to mars traveling at set speed etc. So i don't think I'll get my optimum without doing both.
Any advice/help?
I have not yet decided where to go, but basing that on this fact if they can be done together at good concentrations of one another.
Thanks.
This is within the United Kingdom by the way (studying Physics, Chemsitry, Maths and Economics at A level)
 
There's really no point in getting degrees in both astronomy in astrophysics - frankly, you should just be majoring in physics. Classes in astronomy, math, and computer science are useful/necessary as well, but physics is essential to get into grad school in astronomy or astrophysics, and you need a PhD to really do anything in the field.

Astronomy majors contain a little physics (4+ courses typically), astrophysics would contain 7 or so, but you really need more than that to get into grad school. You need to take two semesters of intro physics, modern physics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, 2 semesters of math physics, thermo and statistical mechanics, and quantum at the least.
 
WOW! no kidding. i finally found someone who actually are interested in this field (i mean who are intended to turn himself into an astronomer..or whatever you want to call that) i have plenty of friends who are being intrigued by mystery of universe, doing research toward the stars,etc but,never consider to find a job in that area cause,it's nearly "unappealing" and "unprofitable" (especially not in my country)

I don't know what to tell you first of all, because it doesn't even sound "real" in my head Secondly,i always give a bad advice.. haha

Anyway,i just will let you know one thing : after you completing your degree,you better stay and search job in USA or UE (european union) cause both of them who actually are the ONLY countries possessing an advance space technology and (always) resulting a very great progress. Their governments have invested lot of dollars and euro to improve "space science" (sorry i really don't know the term. how dumb am i? haha)
 
But is it possible to do both astronomy and astrophysics?

Degree's aren't all cookie cutter the same between institutions, you should get in contact with a student recruiter and/or 1st year academic advisors at those places you plan on going and just quiz them about the course contents and what you are personally looking for.

One thing I would say though, it doesn't really matter that you do, say, astronomy, astronomy with astrophysics, or just astrophysics or even just plain old physics. Chances are that all of them have plenty of room to tailor the course to what you want to do. There's always the option to self-study the material that you want in conjunction with the formal parts of the course, and if the lecturers are worth their salaries, you should find them very helpful in giving you guidance on what to study - just ask them!
 
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