Beginner Astronomer Looking for Astro Courses in Singapore

Guardius · Post by **Guardius** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 12:48 am

I'm only 16 years old, but I have developed an interest to Astronomy.
Singapore doesn't seems to be a good place to study and advance in astronomy. Is there any course in any Universities in Singapore that deals with Astronomy? Is Singapore a good place to profess in astronomy?
Pardon the poor command of english

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:47 am

If i remember correctly, there are no courses in any of the universities dealing with astronomy. One of the university (can't remember which) offered astronomy as an optional module, but don't expect much.

If you are talking about the practical side of astronomy (eg. stargazing), Singapore is still ...... ...... 'acceptable', given the population of the visual observers down here. You wouldn't be so lucky if u are looking forward to some hardcores in theory though. Overseas studies are the only choice if you want to continue on in the theory section.

Regards,
Sam

gwenyi · Post by **gwenyi** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:48 am

well... NUS has certain courses on astrophysics and astronomy.. but if u do well enough , u can apply for the postgraduate course(masters) at the university of toronto through NUS. hope this helps.

carlogambino · Post by **carlogambino** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 1:41 pm

For career prospects though, its really limited(for astro) in Singapore. I think most likely you would have to study and work overseas.

Post by **zong** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:28 pm

Singapore universities don't offer astronomy as a subject on itself. NUS does, however, offer some astrophysics and astronomy modules for physics major. The other way is to study hard, get a scholarship, and study abroad

Many US universities offer quite good astronomy/astrophysics majors.

Career wise, there is prolly one road to go. I'm trying to pursue it too. You have to remember that unless you plan to work overseas (tough..), your career choice may only be limited to being a physics teacher.

hlyf · Post by **hlyf** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:35 pm

can become lecturer too, perhaps. like dr phil chan from nyp, seems to be having a fine time studying astrophysics to PhD level

carlogambino · Post by **carlogambino** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:45 pm

I once thought about astro(namely astrophysics, lecturing, research, etc) as a career option though, but was put off by "The Astronomer's Cafe" by Dr. Sten Odenwald. webby: http://www.astronomycafe.net/qadir/qanda.html

Several pointers here:

If you read the section on "career", you will realize that he says that the career options for astro aren't that fantastic in america. Firstly, the 'market' there is sort of saturated.

Secondly, you would have to be really, REALLY brilliant to excel in your career. A PhD is usally a minimum requirement for a job as an astronomer. You must also LOVE maths and physics.

Thirdly, most of the jobs are on contractual basis, so getting a permanent job(likely maybe a uni lecturer) is very hard to get. The author himself tried to get a job like this and couldn't find one, currently he is also working on a contratual basis.

Last but not least, I know most of you love observation and the night sky.

Sorry, most of work is done during the day, cos unless you on a research program, you will be letting the computer doing most of the imaging for you at night, and studying them/writing journals/meeting students will be done during the day. Some profess. astronomers feel the loss of the 'innocent child wonder' of the night sky.

AGMI · Post by **AGMI** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 7:11 pm

if you want to pursue astro, major is astronomy and/or maths and minor in physics

gwenyi · Post by **gwenyi** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:43 pm

however, please be noted that most astro courses have pre-requisites of at least 2nd class upper .

A 5 YeaR Old · Post by **A 5 YeaR Old** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:20 pm

well, many people inspired by astronomy wants to be a astronomer but there isnt much people REALLY interested in astronomy. You dont see big crowds much at most astronomy events (except for those Science Centre advertises), good example is AstroFest.

Well, a small community is perhaps an advantage, we more or less know each other, easy organise observation sessions etc...