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Astronomy or astrophysics is one of
the better careers options for higher studies at the postgraduate
degree level. To select this option you should pass the plus-two
examinations with top marks/grades and take physics as the main
subject for your B.Sc. degree. Those who pass a three-year regular
B.Sc. degree course with high marks can choose astrophysics or
astronomy for their master's degree/M.Sc. programme.
Astronomy is the science of the heavenly bodies. It is one of the oldest
sciences and now involves use of sophisticated methods of detecting
and interpreting information on planets, stars and galaxies and
their relative motions.
Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of
the universe, including the physical properties of astronomical
objects such as stars and galaxies. Modern astronomical research
involves a substantial amount of physics. Astrophysics focuses on
the creation of energy and its dissipation within the universe.
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After successful completion of the master's degree with good marks, one
should go for research leading to Ph.D. to become an astrophysicist,
scientist or research officer in the field of space research. During
the final year of M.Sc., meritorious students should qualify the
National Eligibility Test (NET) for Junior Research Fellowship
conducted by the UGC - CSIR, if one is interested in getting monthly
fellowship for research.
Some universities offering M.Sc. Astrophysics/Astronomy courses are:
Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
(M.Sc. Astrophysics and M.Sc.
Astronomy),
Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University
Gautami Nagar, Vishnupuri, Nanded - 431 606 (M.Sc. Astrophysics)
Integrated Ph.D.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore
http://www.iisc.ernet.in
( provides an integrated Ph.D. programme in Physical Sciences and
research facilities leading to Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
)
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
(Astronomy and Astrophysics);
Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad
(Astrophysics);
The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Pune
(Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics);
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics,
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune
(Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics);
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
(Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics)
Raman Research Institute, Bangalore
(Astronomy & Astrophysics).
Those who have obtained master's degree in the respective
disciplines with high marks can appear for the Joint Entrance
Screening Test (JEST) for admission to the above Ph.D. programmes.
Job opportunities
The Indian Space Research Organisation, the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Space Application
Centre, etc. are the major establishments providing job
opportunities to those holding higher degrees or doctorate degrees
in these disciplines.
Other options
Nuclear physics is another option for meritorious physics graduates
to choose for their master's programme. Nuclear physics is a
specialised branch of physics that deals with the study of the
internal structure of atomic nuclei.
Major job opportunities are at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
Mumbai; Defense Research and Development Organisation, etc.
To become a nuclear physicist, one should specialise in nuclear physics at
the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels. Those who pass Plus-Two/ equivalent
examination with high marks/ grades can go for B.Sc. Physics.
After the successful completion of a three-year B.Sc. Physics programme,
one can try to secure admissions for M.Sc. Nuclear Physics. Some of
the universities conducting M.Sc. Nuclear Physics
programme are: Andhra university, Waltair; Manonmaniam Sundaranar
University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu; Karnataka University, Pavate
Nagar, Dharward.
Detailed information can be obtained form the universities
concerned.
At IITs
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur,
Kharagpur, Madras, Guwahati and Roorkee offer M.Sc. programmes in
physics. IIT Bombay and Kanpur also conduct an M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual
degree programme in physics. Meritorious physics graduates are
eligible to get admission through the Joint Admission Test. The
School of Physical Sciences under the University of Madras offers
M.Phil. in Nuclear Physics to meritorious M.Sc. holders in the
relevant discipline.
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; the Institute of
Physics, Bhubaneswar, and Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi, provide
research facilities leading to Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics/relevant
field.
Those who obtain M.Sc. and doctoral degrees will get suitable jobs
in research and development organisations. For becoming a lecturer,
one should either qualify the UGC - CSIR lectureship examination
after M.Sc. or obtain a Ph.D.
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