Fascinated by the space,stars,sky

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing a Master's degree in Astronomy or Astrophysics after completing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Participants explore the necessary preparations and considerations for transitioning into this field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that it is indeed possible to pursue a Master's in Astronomy after an engineering degree, highlighting the relevance of skills from mechanical engineering to the field.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of self-study or taking elective courses in astronomy to prepare for graduate-level coursework, noting the need for a solid foundation in astrophysical concepts.
  • Another participant points out that the core curriculum of an engineering degree aligns well with the mathematical requirements of astrophysics, suggesting that the mathematical background is beneficial.
  • Concerns are raised about the job market in astronomy, with suggestions to explore job ads and network with professionals in the field to understand employment opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that transitioning from engineering to astronomy is possible, but there are differing views on the level of preparation required and the challenges in securing a job in the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for familiarity with specific astrophysical concepts and the potential necessity of additional coursework, indicating that assumptions about prior knowledge may vary.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career shift to astronomy or astrophysics, particularly those with a background in engineering or related fields.

shankar93
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Hello!
This is shankar doing my Undergraduate Course in Engineering..
Since childhood i`ve been quite fascinated by the space,stars,sky etc...
I took up BE course under Mechanical Stream now after finishing upon by high school...
NOw.. what i would like to know is whether Doing a Master`s in Astronomy or Astrophysics possible.. i don't really know if doing it after doing a Bachelor course under mechanical engineering make any sense at all.. but then being crazy about space stars n sky.. i just thought i`d rather confirm my doubt before jumping upon a conclusion.. So yeah Is it possible to do a Post graduate course under Astronomy After Engineering?
 
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"Is it possible to do a Post graduate course under Astronomy After Engineering?"

Absolutely! After all, orbits are generally exercises in Newtonian mechanics, and someone has to spec & design the telescopes. You might want to talk to someone in your astronomy department about which elective courses you should pursue.

On the down side, the biggest trick is going to be getting an astronomy-related job when you finish school. You might want to start checking out job ads in, say, the classified section of Physics Today, and try to start corresponding with people at various institutions.
 


You will definitely need to study on your own (or take elective courses in astronomy) in order to make it feasible. Walking into a graduate class in astronomy requires not only an undergraduate preparation in physics, but also familiarity with all the basic astrophysical concepts. So if you don't know what the chandrasekhar mass is, the hertzprung russel diagram, FRW universe, main sequence stars, galactic rotation curves, etc., it will be difficult. Fortunately, almost all this is covered in some detail in 2-3 undergraduate astronomy courses.
 


The core curriculum for an engineering degree is entirely compatible with astrophysics - you need lots of pure math and applied mathematics courses.
 

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