Can i still be an astrophysicist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of transitioning from a B.Sc in Geophysics to a Master's program in Astrophysics. Participants explore the necessary coursework and potential pathways for someone without formal education in astronomy, particularly in the context of limited educational resources in Nigeria.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a Master's in Astrophysics despite a background in Geophysics and seeks advice on necessary courses.
  • Another participant suggests that while some catch-up may be needed, transitioning to Astrophysics is feasible and recommends contacting graduate programs for guidance.
  • A request is made for a list of specific physics courses relevant to Astrophysics, excluding mathematics methods.
  • A participant shares that many students with physics degrees have successfully entered an MSc Astronomy program, indicating that prior astronomy knowledge is not always required.
  • Links to university resources are shared to help identify necessary coursework and preparation for Astrophysics studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that transitioning to Astrophysics is possible, though there is no consensus on the specific courses required or the best approach to take. Multiple views on the necessity of prior astronomy education exist.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of formal education in astronomy available in Nigeria, which may limit options for foundational learning before pursuing advanced studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in Astrophysics, particularly those with non-astronomy backgrounds, and those exploring educational pathways in STEM fields.

abbeynewton
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Hello,
I am in my final year, studying geophysics, but i have always loved astronomy and physics. Because of some circumstances(which is a very long story), i could not study astrophysics. Can i do masters in astrophysics even with my B.Sc in Geophysics, and if not what can i do to study it. My school does not offer any program on any space related subject, as a matter of fact no school in my country offers it(I am from Nigeria). So i don't have any basic or formal education on astronomy. So what can i do?
 
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While you may have to play catchup with a few courses, I don't think that switch would be impossible. What physics courses have you taken? You should have covered the basics, anyway.

The best way to figure out how doable it is is to contact a potential graduate program and ask. It can't hurt.
 
hello G01,
just to be on the safe side can you please list the physics courses that i should study to be an astrophysicist excluding maths methods and areas i should pay more attention, and a good university in US(and or UK) that is acknowledged with this field
 
Hi abbey,

I'm not an astrophysicist or a geophysicist, just a plain old boring physicist! So, I haven't been through an astrophysicist curriculum so I can only tell you what the important physics courses are. I have no insight into astronomy specific courses. The best bet is to check an astronomy departments web page as see what the undergrads need to take.

For instance:

http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/astronomy/undergrad/major.htm

My best guess is that you will have most of the physics requirements filled, but will be missing the astronomy specific courses. However, you can probably play catchup in grad school with the astronomy courses, as you'll still have all the fundamentals.
 
thanks GO1. the site was helpful
 
if i want to apply for an undergraduate program in astrophysics, how many years will it take to complete it in US
 
There were many people with 'just' physics degrees on the MSc Astronomy course I took at Sussex University in the UK. That was some years ago, but they are still saying "no previous astronomy needed". Prep. ideas here:

http://astronomy.sussex.ac.uk/~loveday/astroPrep.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks mal4mac, the link was very helpful...may consider studying at sussex university.
 

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