Astrophysics

Got a question on astronomy that you'd wanted to ask? Ask your questions here and see if the old timers can give you some good answers.
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jeffcech
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Astrophysics

Post by jeffcech »

im very sorry but please allow me to side track abit. because i can't find other proper channel that can answer my query. having a great passion in astrophysics and astronomy, and i wished to further my studies in australia to get a degree in this course. however, what job can i take on after i've returned from australia? there doesn't seem to be any MNC's or organisation providing jobs for people who specialise in astrophysics? can astro only be a interest but never a career in singapore?
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QuantumGravity
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Post by QuantumGravity »

Well, that's the thing about singapore. Singapore doesn't really have the environment and conditions for full-time astronomers and astrophysicists. Maybe places like TASOS can fit in astronomers :wink: as for astrophysicist, looks like being a lecturer (aim for professorship :lol: ) in NUS is the only likely choice. however, i rather you pursue your interest, but get a job in other countries...
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jeffcech
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Post by jeffcech »

oh okie, thanks alot!
Danny
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Astrophysics

Post by Danny »

Jeffcech, I don't think you should be unduly concerned about the future too much. If you really have the interests, you should pursue it. One thing for sure you will be much more happier. Or would you rather be sad and regret that you never pursue something that you like.

Astrophysics, astronomy are all very theoretical and one of the important thing that university education brings you is how to think. It can serve as a foundation for other career too.

All the best!

Ciao

danny
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ALPiNe
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Post by ALPiNe »

Hi! It's really great to hear that you are thinking of furthering your studies in this area. Many in Singapore have the passion, but very few would actually take a step further to pursue astronomy/astrophysics as a profession.

However, since you have this strong passion and considering your options after you graduate in Australia, from what I understand is that most graduates in the field would ultimately become a lecturer, a school teacher, or even be involved in a physics-related research field. Of course, for this field where it is highly competitive due to the limited jobs avaliable, it is strongly encouraged that you obtain a PhD if u are aspiring to permanent positions in basic research in universities and government laboratories. Holding a PhD degree will also increase your chances of teaching at the higher institutions like the colleges or universities if you are more interested in holding teaching jobs. I believe this would not be much of a difficulty if you are considering to teach at the local JCs or universities in Singapore. No doubt, choices would be limited in Singapore but again, there's no harm in venturing outside the Singapore waters.

I think the most important thing here is that as long as you have that strong passion and desire to pursue astrophysics as your career, you should go all out for it. Never let Singapore be your barrier just because options are limited.

If you want something, just focus on getting it! Nothing is impossible... :wink:


If you wish to find out more about astronomy as a profession in general, please do not hesitate to visit the link below:
http://bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm



All the best!
:cheers:
-ALPiNe


"If Dr. Phil Chan Can Do It, So Can You!" :D
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wucheeyiun
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Post by wucheeyiun »

jeff,

when i waa s University pf Oklahoma (USA) doing my architectural degree in 87', the benefits of the US education can let you take intro to 101 astrophysic, or 101 astonomy.

I had a long interest in astronomy, astrophysics ie Singularity Theorem etc. We had a decent dome observatory which is a 24 inch mirror telescope that one can appreciate the nebulas, stars and planets with some simple goto and its already a big WOW for me.

For astrophysics, we can travel to Fortworth, Texas and visit real accelerators etc to appreciate atoms spliiting etc, I remenber them as one of the greater experiences of my life, go to houston and vist NASA etc.

So, in the nutshell, you take can any life skill (money making) degrees to make a living in singapore, but still enjoy interests of such. If your interest developes, you can change degree or take double degree. Chee Chien can probably share abit....So, GO FOR IT, you will treasure it.
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