No Astrophysics classes at my school

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by an undergraduate physics student at UIC who is interested in pursuing Astrophysics but finds limited course offerings in that area. Participants explore potential avenues for gaining relevant experience and improving graduate school applications despite these limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the lack of Astrophysics classes at their school and seeks advice on gaining experience in the field.
  • Another participant suggests pursuing a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in astrophysics as a potential opportunity.
  • A different participant notes that the original poster may not have time for an REU due to upcoming classes and mentions plans to take a year off to prepare for the GRE.
  • One participant clarifies that REUs are typically only available to undergraduates and suggests that alternative research positions may be challenging to secure outside the student's current institution.
  • Another participant recommends looking into courses in nuclear physics, atomic physics, and plasma physics as potentially beneficial for aspiring astrophysicists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of gaining experience in Astrophysics given the limited course offerings, but there are differing views on the feasibility of obtaining research positions and the relevance of other physics courses.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the limitations of the undergraduate curriculum at UIC and the specific challenges of transitioning into a specialized field like Astrophysics without direct coursework or research opportunities.

denjay
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I'm still an undergraduate in Physics and decided that Astrophysics is a very interesting possibility to focus on. The bad part is that my school (UIC) does not offer any classes close to Astronomy/Astrophysics other than a 100-level course with the description "Astronomy in the context of the scientific process, history and current events. Covers the Solar System, stars and galaxies and the origin and fate of the universe."

If I wanted to apply to a graduate school for Astrophysics, I would not have any experience in that field. Right now I'm working with a professor on some Interface research which would mostly be Condensed Matter. I'm pretty sure that this provides little to no experience with how Astro works. Is there any way for me to gain some experience with Astro and look better for graduate schools with this lack of options?

Edit: There is a 400-level Intro Geophysics course here. I'm not sure how much that applies but that is an option.
 
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You could do an REU in astrophysics, if you still have time.
 
I don't really have anymore time for an reu as my next summer will be filled with classes.

When I graduate I am planning on taking a year off to study fully for the gre. Would getting some kind of reu with a BS in physics be possible or is it mostly for undergrads?
 
You cannot do an REU if you already have your degree, it is only for undergrads. That doesn't mean you can't get a different research position, but I think it might be difficult outside of your own school.
 
courses in nuclear physics, atomic physics, plasma physics all can be useful to the aspiring astrophysicist, look around at your university.
 

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