Astrophysics
Bachelor of Science
(Faculty of Science)
Astrophysics is the application of physics to the study of astronomical objects and phenomena. The goal is to understand and explain how astronomical objects and phenomena occur and work. Astrophysicists use physical principles, astronomical observation, mathematical methods and sophisticated computational techniques to study how interstellar clouds condense to form stars and planets, how stars and galaxies change during their lives, and how the universe has evolved.
Astrophysicists apply principles from the fundamental areas of physics – which include mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics – to explain astrophysical phenomena. Knowledge drawn from these areas is used to explore and describe the motion of stars in a globular cluster, how light passes through an interstellar cloud of gas and dust, the interactions of atoms during nuclear reactions inside stars, and more.
- Mechanics describes the motion of objects and motion within objects.
- Electromagnetism is the study of electrically charged particles, and how they interact with each other and with electric and magnetic fields.
- Thermodynamics investigates the properties and principles of energy transfer between different objects or systems.
- Quantum mechanics tries to understand microscopic particles and their interactions by treating these particles as waves.
- Statistical mechanics is in some ways similar to thermodynamics, but its study of energy transfer is focused on the behaviour of the microscopic particles that form the system being studied.
Astrophysicists study the universe by making observations, analyzing data, incorporating the laws and experimental results of physics, and developing quantitative and predictive theories based on collected data and mathematical calculations.
General Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Application/Document Deadlines
Why Study Astrophysics?
Spacey thoughts and starry eyes
Do stars and faraway galaxies intrigue you? Have you wondered how our universe came to be? If so, you are in good company! Astronomers and astrophysicists around the world are eagerly searching for answers to fundamental questions about the universe and all of the objects in it. With a degree in Astrophysics you have the opportunity to study planets, stars, interstellar gas and dust, galaxies – topics that you already have a great interest in! The Astrophysics program unites your academic studies with your passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe.
Feet on the ground
Students of astrophysics not only explore an exciting and mysterious discipline, but also learn experimental, observational, mathematical, computational and logical skills needed to analyze and solve complex problems. Their knowledge and strong problem-solving abilities make them particularly attractive to employers in a wide range of fields, including oil and gas, remote sensing exploration and medical physics.
I spy
Astrophysics majors have access to exceptional astrophysical research facilities. The University of Calgary’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) houses several research-grade instruments such as a 0.41m telescope, and a 1.8m telescope known as the A. R. Cross (Infrared) Telescope – one of Canada’s largest reflecting telescopes. These telescopes, along with other tools such as a CCD camera and a spectrometer, are used in senior-level astrophysics laboratories to provide students with a rare and valuable practical learning experience.
What do I need to get in?
You’ll need to meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Science which can be found online at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions.
What will I study in my first year?
Your first year physics and astrophysics courses cover the basics of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism, giving you a solid grounding in the core concepts. Many of the topics covered will be familiar to you, but are treated in more depth than is normally encountered in high school. The first-year program also includes courses in computer programming, calculus, and linear algebra, which provide the basic skills required for many higher-level physics courses. All first-year students are also required to take at least one chemistry course. An introductory Astrophysics course is also provided for students in this program.
What will I study in later years?
The physics program in later years consists of three simultaneous interconnecting streams. The first of these is a progression of increasingly sophisticated courses in the core areas of physics (classical mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, and relativity), together with a host of interesting science options offered by the department, all supported by courses in differential equations and linear algebra. With these your understanding of the tools and physical principles of physics will deepen over the years. Astrophysics students will take many of the same courses, and also a host of others covering topics such as the composition and evolution of stars and galaxies, the interstellar medium, and the origin and structure of the universe. The second stream consists of a series of hands-on courses (Applied Laboratory I, II, and III) designed to learn experimental methods, from the basics of how to understand nature to building your own state-of-the-art devices and investigating phenomena at the forefront of current research. At the same time, many of the core physics courses either have full labs or simpler tutorial-style ‘labatorials’ associated with them. The third stream corresponds to learning the art and science of computer programming and scientific computation, with Computational Physics I, II, and III. With these courses you will develop many of the crucial skills needed for a wide array of employment sectors after graduation.
What can I do with my degree?
Astrophysics graduates are knowledgeable in physics fundamentals, its various branches of study, and their relevance to astrophysical objects and phenomena. They are skilled in physical and astrophysical methods, problem solving, and data analysis and calculation, as well as possessing extensive experience relating theory to practice. They are also competent communicators who can interpret and explain complex scientific data. Graduates in astrophysics can work in jobs involving technological design and/or the implementation of physical processes spanning electronics, aerodynamics, communications and medicine. They may provide support services in areas such as medical physics (radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging), geophysics (remote sensing and seismology) and nuclear energy (reactor safety and design), or perform complex computer simulations and analyses of data. Alternatively, graduates can embark on post-graduate studies and research at institutions.
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