Which Institutions offer Course in Astronomy? What are the minimum qualifications required?
Answer:
While several premier institutions offer courses at the PG level, astronomy/astrophysics is only offered in B.Sc at a handful of universities like Punjabi university, Patiala (www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in), University of Lucknow, Lucknow (www.lkouniv.ac.in), Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada university, Aurangabad (www.bamu.net), University of Madras, Chennai (www.unom.ac.in), Shivaji University, Kolhapur (www.unishivaji.ac.in).
Since the study of cosmic sciences – astronomy, planetary science and astrophysics requires a sound base in mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level so do make sure that one should opt for either of these in college.
However, if candidate wants to pursue instrumentation or experimental astronomy, observational astronomy, which mainly deals with image processing, accommodates people from any branch of engineering or science, including biology.
But in case if candidate is despairing at having to defer his passion till after he is graduated, the wonderful thing about astronomy is that unlike all other scientific disciplines, it’s a field where even school kids can contribute if they are passionate and curious.
Institutes like the Inter university centre for astronomy and astrophysics, Pune, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore and the Nehru Planetarium, Delhi etc regularly invite students for workshops at their planetariums.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the subject and meet the experts. One can contact them directly for further information.