Learning Astrophysics: What to Know First?

  • Thread starter Thread starter natio
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astrophysics
AI Thread Summary
To effectively learn astrophysics, a solid foundation in basic physics is essential. Engaging with introductory physics concepts will facilitate a better understanding of astrophysics. It's beneficial to explore various astrophysics programs to familiarize oneself with the required topics and courses. For a comprehensive grasp, pursuing upper-division physics courses, including quantum mechanics, is recommended. However, for those seeking only a general overview, basic physics knowledge may suffice, though a deeper exploration is encouraged for a more thorough understanding.
natio
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey All,

I want to start looking into learning Astrophysics. However, before doing that I was wondering if anyone had any feedback on what one should learn first before stepping into Astrophysics. Would learning the basics of physics make it easier to understand Astrophysics?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is your background in math and physics?
 
Here is a link to the program requirements at the school I'm transferring to next year.

http://www.towson.edu/physics/physics/PHYS_ASTRO.asp

So, it all depends on how deeply you want to understand astrophysics. To understand it at the level of an undergrad degree, you see you'd need a lot of physics courses, including several upper division courses such as quantum mechanics.

If you want just a brief overview without having any kind of deep understanding, the basic physics will be useful, but you really should go a bit further in than just the basics.
 
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
Back
Top