Expert: Ed - 5/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am an astrophysics lover and i want to study astrophysics ..Physics has been my favorite subject and i am comfortable with doing math but there is no astrophysics study in my country..i want to go abroad to study this subject i want to know what compulsory steps i have to take before i enter this field of study.i also want to add that i have no alternative subject to study as from childhood have been interested in this..plz help me out

ANSWER: Ammar, I would say that you should learn as much computer science as you possibly can.  The field of astrophysics and astronomy is getting to be permeated by computer programs and algorithms, even faster than many other areas in science.  Please look at this article:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Future-of-Astronomy-Is-Automated-159190.shtml

You also need to study as much calculus as you can.  Vector calculus is a very useful topic for astrophysics.  You might find this book to be helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/Div-Grad-Curl-All-That/dp/0393925161/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie

Here are some websites to look at, concerning prerequisites to studying astrophysics in Canada:
http://www.canadian-universities.net/Universities/Programs/Astronomy_and_Astroph

In Australia:
http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/ug-astronomy-and-astrophysics.html

At Harvard:
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k69286&pageid=icb.page356866&pageCo

MIT does not have an astrophysics major, but you could study physics and specialize in astrophysics.
http://web.mit.edu/physics/current/undergrad/major.html

These are general tips.  You need to contact the physics departments, at universities you would like to study at.  Ask them to be as specific as possible, about what you need to know to be successful in their program.  Make them understand that you are serious about this.

I hope this is useful to you.  I will try to keep an eye out for more helpful information.  If you would like to write back to me in a few weeks or a few months, maybe I can help you more.  Good luck Ammar!!!

Keep looking up!
-Ed

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi again.. i just wanna ask that there is a program  named Bachelors in Space sciences alternative to astrophysics in my country.I just wanna ask that do i adopt this program or not.how this much is different from the Astrophysics

Answer
Ammar, I don't know exactly how the details of each program might differ from each other.  You need to ask officials or faculty at the universities that you are considering.  There is probably some common ground between the two programs you describe, but, for example, one may be stronger in mathematics, while the other may have more engineering, or, perhaps, more of an emphasis on computer science.  I just don't know.

I think that if you try to take time to think carefully about whatever they tell you, you should be able to make a good decision.  I am glad that you are taking time to consult with people about which program you would be better off following.  But, I just can't tell you how individual universities might structure their various programs.

Ask around, and always make sure that they know that you are willing to work hard.  I think you will be able to find a great program, as long as you keep asking questions.

Keep Looking Up!
-Ed