It's a neutron dance

Science of the stars. Dr Amrita Dass writes on the various top institute choices in the field of astrophysics on offer in India

Black holes, stars, galaxies, the solar system … did you ever wonder how these came into being?

If you are interested in studying about neutron stars, white dwarfs, supernovas and neutron star creation, the fundamental physics of electromagnetic radiation, synchrotron radiation and particle acceleration, then astrophysics is probably the choice for you.

Astrophysics is the study of astronomical processes through the use of physics.

While astronomy traditionally is based on observing, astrophysics applies the principles of physics to ask ‘why?' and to make predictions.

Astrophysics deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties such as luminosity, density, temperature and chemical composition of stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium, as well as their interactions.

To become an astrophysicist, you should graduate with either physics or mathematics or astrophysics as a major, or have a postgraduate degree with specialisation in astrophysics or physics followed by doctoral studies in the field.

If you plan to do advanced applied research, you need training in electronics or electrical engineering. If you plan to do theoretical work, then a concentration in mathematics or computer science is helpful.

Profile of top campuses

Department of Physics and Astrophysics,
University of Delhi
Address: Delhi - 110 007
Website: www.du.ac.in

About the university: The University of Delhi is the premier university of the country and is known for its high standards in teaching and research and attracts eminent scholars to its faculty. The University of Delhi was established in 1922.

Only three colleges existed then in Delhi: St. Stephens College founded in 1881, Hindu College founded in 1899 and Ramjas College founded in 1917, which were affiliated to the University. The university began with three colleges and 750 students.

Courses: M.Sc and Ph.D
Eligibility for an M.Sc: Sixty per cent or above marks in aggregate with a B.Sc (Hons.) in physics - a three-year integrated course after 10+2 from Delhi University or equivalent - otherwise 60 per cent or above marks in the main subject.

Sixty per cent or above marks in the aggregate and 60 per cent or above marks in physics for any branch of science or engineering with physics and mathematics as two of the main subjects of study.

Entrance exam: There is an entrance exam, which is held in the first week of July.

Pattern of exam: There are questions on physics, mathematics and a few on current affairs. Most of the questions are objective and about 20 per cent are descriptive.

Department of Physics, University of Pune
Address: Pune - 411 007, Maharashtra
Website: www.physics.unipune.ernet.in

About the college: Located on the campus of the University of Pune, the department of physics started in 1952. It has today high quality postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

The research programmes of the department cover a number of areas like materials science, solid state physics, condensed matter physics, non-linear dynamics, scanning tunneling microscopy, cloud physics, particle accelerators and biophysics.

The department offers immense flexibility in structuring courses and conducting examinations. The teaching faculty in this department is considered to be among the best in India.

Courses: Masters programme in physics (M.Sc), M.Tech in atmospheric physics, Master of Philosophy in Physics (M.Phil), and Ph.D in physics.

The department of physics offers a two-year M.Sc in physics with elective courses such as materials science, physics of thin films, condensed matter theory, microwaves, biophysics, nuclear techniques, accelerator physics, laser physics, non-linear dynamics, astrophysics, chemical physics, physics of nanophase materials and quantum information.

The course comprises 16 compulsory basic physics courses, project worth two courses and two elective courses.

Eligibility: B.Sc/B.E./B.Tech with physics, electronic science, chemistry and mathematics.

Those in the final year of B.Sc, B.E., B.Tech may also apply. Minimum 50 per cent marks in the graduate level degree examination (B.Sc, B.E., B.Tech).

Entrance exam: All admissions are only through the entrance test, held in June. However, for the students from the University of Pune, 50 per cent weightage is given to the marks secured in B.Sc and 50 per cent to their score in the entrance test.

For all other students 100 per cent weightage will be given to the entrance test score. A few fellowships to the deserving students are available.

Pattern of exam: The admissions are through a national level entrance examination, which are advertised in both print and online media, in March or April.

The exam consists of objective questions for the B.Sc level in physics and mathematics.

List of other recommended courses:

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore is renowned in the field of astronomy. It runs a programme for postgraduate studies, which forms a vital component of research and training.

The institute is also a major partner in the Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP) organised by the Indian Institute of Science.

Other places to look at:

What next?

Careers in astrophysics can broadly be divided into theory or practical observation, though in order to make a significant contribution to the subject you have to be good in both.

A theoretical research career in astrophysics typically involves doing a masters in physics, joining a suitable institution or university for a doctoral programme in astrophysics, and following it up with one or two postdoctoral positions.

It finally leads to a permanent job at a leading university or research institute.

Most jobs in astrophysics require a masters or doctoral degree. A masters degree may lead you to a job in a planetarium, or as technical support at an observatory or planetary institute.

On the observational side, the scope is somewhat wider because even students with an engineering degree (or knowledge of computer systems and electronics) can apply for the graduate students programme in many research institutes.

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune is an autonomous institution set up by the University Grants Commi