• Question: Whats the difference between 'Physics & Astronomy' and 'Astrophysics' (as I'm hoping to study either at University)?

    Asked by suziechurch1 to Arttu, Ceri, James_M, Monica, Philip on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: James M Monk

      James M Monk answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Astronomy is the actual methods and techniques used to observe the Universe, whereas astrophysics is understanding how it works. Astronomy tells you what stars look like, astrophysics tells you how stars work 🙂

      I would imagine there is quite a lot of overlap in the material covered in both courses. I studied physics as an undergraduate, but it would have been possible to change my mind during the degree and switch to more of the astro courses had I wanted to.

    • Photo: Arttu Rajantie

      Arttu Rajantie answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      That is hard to tell, so you should study the website and prospectus of the university in detail to see what the content of the degree actually is. Note also that many good universities do not necessarily offer separate “astro” degrees but may still offer such a wide range of astro options that you will learn just as much about astronomy/astrophysics. So don’t rule out a university just because it does not offer these separate degrees.

Comments