Astrophysics

What is Astrophysics

Astrophysics is a branch of science which deals with outer space. This subject involves the application of the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the birth of the universe, the birth, life and death and death of planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial objects. Astrophysics derives from or is similar to, two other branches of science which deal with space, cosmology and astronomy.

Astrophysicists study the universe and seek to understand how it functions and what role we play in it. NASA, the largest organization for space research, employs astrophysicists who discover the evolution and beginning of the universe, its workings, and the presence of life on other planets and stars. 

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Astrophysics

For a B.Sc. Astrophysics:

The minimum eligibility criteria that students must meet to apply for B.Sc. Astrophysics courses are-

• Candidates must possess a Higher Secondary qualification (class 12) from a recognized board.
• Candidates must have acquired a 50% minimum aggregate score.
• Candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physics as two of the main subjects in their class 12. 

For an M.Sc. Astrophysics:

At the postgraduate level, students must fulfil certain eligibility criteria to pursue a Master’s degree in Astrophysics, some of which include-

• Candidates must have completed a graduate course in a Science stream subject of study.
• Candidates must have acquired at least 50% as the aggregate score in the qualifying examination.
• Candidates must have scored well in the entrance exam as applicable to the university.

Entrance Exams for Studying Astrophysics

At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Astrophysics. 

The course entails the exploration of the composition of the universe, development of new techniques of observation, and dispelling the myths to uncover the truths with regards to the universe.
 

Admissions to these courses are conducted either based on merit, i.e. the candidate's performance in class 12, or via an entrance exam wherein candidates have to sit for a common test and are granted admission based on their performance. Some of the entrance exams conducted for a B.Sc. course in Astrophysics are: 

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER): The IISER Aptitude Test is conducted at the national level for admissions to its B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs at any of the seven institutes across India.

Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET): This is an entrance test conducted by the Banaras Hindu University for granting admissions to aspirants to its various undergraduate courses such as BA, B.Sc. and B.Ed. among others. Based on the scores of students in this university-level exam, they are granted admission.

Siksha O Anusandhan University Admissions Test (SAAT): The SAAT is a national-level admission test conducted by SOA (Siksha O Anusandhan) University for admissions into its various UG and PG programmes. Conducted both online and offline, the exam score grants admission to aspirants to the Odisha-located university.

At a postgraduate level, students may pursue a degree in M.Sc. Astrophysics. In this course, both the observational and theoretical aspects of Astrophysics are covered and students are provided with basic research skill training with various optional modules focusing on Gravitational Dynamics, Stars and Nebula, Accretion Physics, and other topics. 

Admissions to M.Sc. Astrophysics courses are usually conducted in two stages: an institutional test, followed by a personal interview round. Some of the top entrance exams conducted are:

Common Post Graduate Entrance Test (CPGET): An entrance exam conducted by Osmania University, the CPGET grants admissions to aspirants to the various PG programmes offered by the university. The exam is held in offline mode.

Andhra University Common Entrance Test (AUCET): Andhra University conducts this state-level entrance exam to grant admission to students in the university’s postgraduate programmes offered in Science, Commerce, Management, Humanities, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Teaching.

Required Skillset for Astrophysics

A largely research-based area of study, Astrophysics as a career requires aspirants to possess certain skills and qualities which ensure their success in the field. Some of these skills are: 

A solid grasp of Mathematics and Science concepts- A major part of an Astrophysicist’s work requires them to solve problems by the use of mathematics as well as scientific methods and rules.

Critical thinking- Astrophysicists should be able to use reasoning and logic to determine the weaknesses and strengths of alternative approaches, conclusions or solutions to a problem.

Decision-making and Judgement- These professionals must have strong skills in judgment and decision-making when it comes to determining the costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex problem solving- Complex problems arise now and then in the field of Astrophysics, requiring professionals in this field to have a knack for solving them. The process of arriving at a solution includes evaluating options, reviewing relevant or related information, and finally implementing solutions.

Financial resources management- When astrophysicists receive research grants for a project they are currently working on, they must have the ability to manage and fully utilize these grants by deciding how much to spend on getting work done, and keeping track of each expenditure.

Systems analysis and evaluation- These professionals should be able to determine how a system works and how a change in operations, environment, and conditions will reflect on the outcome. They should also know how to identify indicators or measures of system performance and determine the actions required to improve performance.