What are the differences between studying astronomy and nanotechnology?

[denisonfire]

Hello!

I'm going to apply for a bachelor in a year. I haven't decided what I want to major in, but my top choices are astronomy (astrophysics) and nanotechnology (the course is called "Nanotechology, energy and materials"). I myself am more interested in the universe, space etc. I was almost certain that I was going to apply for astronomy. But recently I thought that nanotechnology might be a better choice since it seems to be more modern than all the other natural sciences and since the courses have a lot of subjects in common, then it might still be possible to take master's in astronomy if I take a couple of extra classes. Is it true that nanotech is developing rapidly and that it's "the future"? If so, then I suppose it would be easier to get a job in nanotech area than in astrophysics?

Also, since I don't know much about nanotech I was wondering what my job and studies would be like? I know that it varies a lot depending on my field etc. But in general, what do people who majored in nanotechnology do?

I should note that first ~1.5 years of both courses are quite similar at the university I'm going to apply to.
Here's what subjects both nanotechnology and astronomy courses have:

-Modelling and computations
-Calculus
-Linear algebra
-Mechanics
-Electromagnetism
-Quantum physics

These subjects are specific for nanotech if I specialise in physics (it is also possible to specialise in chemistry, but I like physics more):
-Materials, energy and nanotechnology
-Organic chemistry
-Inorganic chemistry
-Functional materials
-Semiconductor components
-Waves and oscillations
-Experimental physics
-Structure, microstructure and materials

And these are specific for astronomy:
-Programming with scientific applications
-Vector Calculus
-Introduction to astrophysics
-Thermodynamics and statistical physics
-Stars
-Radiation I
-Observational Astronomy

These are obligatory, but there is a lot of other classes I can take if I want. I know that it's a bit vague, but hopefully it gives general idea about the courses.

So what would the best choice? Which course is more difficult? In what field it is easier to get a job and what field (generally) pays more? Is nanotechnology really a big breakthrough and this is what future science is going for? And I guess, what is more fun?

 

[DaveC426913]

Hm. Well, are you near-sighted? Or are you far-sighted?

 

[denisonfire]

Hm. Well, are you near-sighted? Or are you far-sighted?

Yeah, I find it quite funny that I have to choose between studying the vast and distant, and something that is so small and close. :)

 

[hadsed]

Why not meet in the middle and do physics? That way you learn all the fundamentals and you can go into either astrophysics or nanotech. for graduate school. Once you know more you can perhaps make a more informed decision.

 

[denisonfire]

Why not meet in the middle and do physics? That way you learn all the fundamentals and you can go into either astrophysics or nanotech. for graduate school. Once you know more you can perhaps make a more informed decision.

I think I might consider that. Actually physics is pretty much the same course as astrophysics in that university, just some subjects change depending on specialisation. In case I pick physics, I won't have subjects about stars, radiation and observational astronomy. Instead it's classes like "Subatomic physics with applications in astrophysics", nuclear physics, quantum mechanics etc. Depending on what specialisation in physics I pick.

If I take physics, then I can specialise in (it's mostly subjects during the 3rd year that change):
-Cosmology, nuclear and particle physics
-Condensed matter physics
-Theoretical physics
-Computational physics
-Biophysics and medical physics
-Space plasma physics
-Electronics
-Mechanics

What would be the best choice here?
And these are not subjects. It's specialisations which have different subjects. So basically the whole course is called "Physics, astronomy and meteorology". First I choose main specialisation (physics, astronomy or meteorology) and then some specialisation inside those specialisations. Whereas "Nanotechnology, energy and materials" is a whole different course with specialisation in either physics or chemistry.

Sorry if I confused someone. English is not my native language :-)