How hard is it to study astrophysics?

[Broken Steel]

How hard is it to study astrophysics??

I am starting uni next year and I was thinking about astrophysics.. So can anyone tell me how hard is it (i know it's diferent from person to person but i was thinking you could take more objective approach to this matter) and do you have to be a "genius" for physics to finish that or can mere mortals like me finish this?? Thanx in advance.. :)

 

[hadsed]

Not all that hard at the undergraduate level.

 

[nlsherrill]

Not all that hard at the undergraduate level.

seriously?

 

[Choppy]

I'm not sure how one would evaluate this objectively.

What I would recommend is that you look through the course calanders at the universities you're interested in. Look at the courses that you would have to take for these programs. Most first year science programs start out with fundamental courses. Once you take first years physics, you'll have a better idea of what will be covered in second year physics and the degree of difficulty you'll be facing. Also take time during that first year to talk with senior students and look at the workload they have. It's not that difficult to switch programs at the end of your first year if you find your current program is not for you.

 

[hadsed]

seriously?

Yes, seriously.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

Firstly, you need to have the initial passion for something to be easy. Then this must be supplemented by hard work and determination, nothing is easy if you don't enjoy it and don't work hard.

 

[AndersonMD]

Generally a bit easier than pure physics, (not astronomy path). How hard is it compared to phys ed, or underwater basket weaving. Probably a bit harder.

 

[nlsherrill]

Yes, seriously.

Not that hard compared to what? Physics is easily one of the most difficult majors. If you mean 'not that hard' relative to graduate school, then maybe I could understand.

 

[hadsed]

Well the question was rather vague so I decided I'd be equally vague. Sure, in comparison to graduate school, it's not that hard. Personally I don't think physics is all that hard, but I'm biased because I like it.

Really, I just don't know what kind of response the OP's looking for, but I don't think astrophysics would be that difficult, no more than normal physics (which isn't THAT hard either, at the undergraduate level).