B.Sc Astrophysics Syllabus and Subjects

Duration: 3 Years
Avg Fees: ₹50K - 2 LPA

B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus covers the basics of physics and demonstrates its application in astronomy along with the study of stars, galaxies, extrasolar planets, and the interstellar medium. B.Sc Astrophysics subjects consist of concepts based on the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies.

B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus aims to prepare students for all the important aspects they need to know to build a career in this path. Hence, the job scope of B.Sc Astrophysics is adequate with career options such as Lecture, Assistant scientist, Astrophysicist, Project Analyst, Market Research Associate, etc. 

Table of Contents

Semester Wise B.Sc Astrophysics Syllabus

B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus introduces a wide range of concepts based on applied physics and chemistry along with several concepts related to space science. A semester-wise breakup of the B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus is given below:

First-Year B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus

The 1st-Year B.Sc Astrophysics subjects are given below:

     Semester I

  Semester II


Mathematics

Special relativity

Mechanics

Properties of Matter

Laboratory experiments

Astrophysics

Oscillation and waves

Physics of field and matter

Practical Topics in the 1st-Year B.Sc Astrophysics Subjects

Some of the Practical Topics in the first-year BSc Physics syllabus are given below:

  • Study of Plane Diffraction Grating
  • Measurement and identification of spectral lines 
  • Calibration of spectrometer
  • Sunspots activity analysis

Second-Year B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus

Semester III

Semester IV


Modern physics

Linear algebra and calculus

Dynamics and Vector Calculus

Practical physics

Quantum mechanics

Classical mechanics

Cosmology

Thermal physics

Mathematical Physics

Nuclear and Particle physics

Practical Topics in the 2nd-Year B.Sc Astrophysics Subjects

Some of the Practical Topics in the second-year BSc Physics syllabus are given below:

  • Measurement of Planck’s constant using LED
  • Sunspots activity analysis
  • Assignment on Vector analysis
  • Problem-solving assignment on Matrices

Third-Year B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus

Semester V

Semester VI

Galaxies

Quantum mechanics

Dynamics and relativity

Thermodynamics

Statistics Physics

Research Methodology

Practical Topics in the 3rd-Year B.Sc Astrophysics Subjects

Some of the Practical Topics in the third-year BSc Physics syllabus are given below:

  • Resolving power of telescope
  • To use idea of parallax to determine large distance
  • Cardinal Points by Newton’s Method
  • Study of polar graph

B.Sc Astrophysics Subjects

B.Sc Astrophysics subjects are centered around the theoretical and practical aspects of astronomy. Students get to study the various application of Quantum Mechanics, Cosmology, Thermodynamics, etc. Some of the B.Sc Astrophysics subjects are given below:

Core Subjects

Below is a list of some core subjects under B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus. 

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Special Relativity
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Properties of Matter
  • Thermal Physics
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Thermal Physics
  • Cosmology
  • Astrophysics

Elective Subjects

Below is a list of some elective subjects under B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus :

B.Sc Astrophysics subjects in Detail

A detailed view of a few subjects in the B.Sc Astrophysics syllabus is given below:

B.Sc Astrophysics Subjects

Topics Covered

Fundamentals of Astronomy

History of Astronomy and Apparent Luminosity of Stars, Stellar Evolution, The Sun and Planets, Asteroids, Meteors, Comets and Galaxies

Mathematics

Vector Algebra and Calculus, Curvilinear coordinate systems, Matrices, Differential equations

Introduction to Space Science

Solar System, Kepler’s Laws, Structure of Earth’s Atmosphere,  Fundamental Particles, and basic forces

Experimental Techniques in Astronomy

The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Tools of the Astronomer, Interferometry, Detectors, and Optical Perspective in minimizing errors

Fundamentals of Astrophysics 

Electromagnetic Radiation, The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and Nuclear Energy source, X-ray Astronomy, UV Astronomy

Hydrodynamics and Cosmic Electrodynamics

Hydrodynamics, Electrodynamics and Scattering of Radiations, Principles of Cosmic Electrodynamics, The Sun and Solar Activity

 

B.Sc Astrophysics Course Structure

The B.Sc Astrophysics course is well-structured and divided into six semesters comprising core and elective subjects, skill development programs, industry orientation, and practical workshops. The general course structure is given below:

  • VI Semesters
  • Core and Elective subjects
  • Internship
  • Project Submission
  • Lab Workshops

B.Sc Astrophysics Teaching Methodology and Techniques

B.Sc Astrophysics encompasses different teaching methods apart from the basic traditional lecture-based training. The students are trained in space research labs through group projects and other action-based learning methods. The training methods are given below:

  • Practical Sessions
  • Group Projects
  • Case Methodology
  • Workshop
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Module-specific problem classes
  • Peer-to-peer tuition and exam preparation in conjunction with our undergraduate Physics and Mathematics Societies
  • Talks by invited speakers

B.Sc in Astrophysics Projects

Astrophysics projects can be taken up on different topics such as astronomy, astrophysics, and astroparticle physics and are required to be submitted by the end of the VI semester. The project motivates the students to develop their skills in designing, developing, and building all sorts of astronomical devices.  Popular Astrophysics projects are given below: 

  • Computational Stellar Evolution
  • Distances to the Remnants of Recent Supernova Explosions in the Milky Way
  • Exploring the Connection Between Galaxies and Their Central Black Holes
  • Fundamental Astronomy of Cataclysmic Binaries
  • High Altitude Aerial Platforms for Astronomical Research 

B.Sc Astrophysics Reference Books

It is recommended for students to significantly invest in reference books. These books will help students in learning the concepts of Astrophysics. Some of the reference books for B.Sc Astrophysics are given below:

Books

Authors

An Introduction To Astrophysics

Baidyanath Basu, ‎Tanuka Chattophadayay, ‎Sudhindra Nath Biswas

An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics

Pankaj Jain

Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach

Michael A. Boles and Yungus A. Cengel

Astrophysics: Stars and Galaxies

K.D. Abhyankar

Engineering Thermodynamics

PK Nag

Numerical Methods for Engineers

Steve Chapra

FAQs on B.Sc Astrophysics Syllabus and Subjects

Q: What is the 1st year syllabus of BSc Astrophysics?

A: The 1st year syllabus includes subjects like Special relativity, Mathematics, Physics of field and matter, etc.

Q: Does Astrophysics need maths?

A: Yes, all Astrophysics courses necessitate basic mathematical knowledge and the application of particular mathematical approaches.

Q: Is astrophysics a science or math stream?

A: Astrophysics is a discipline of space science that combines the laws of physics and chemistry. The field explores concepts like the formation and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and so on.

Q: What are the important books for BSc Astrophysics?

A: A few popular reference books include An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics by Pankaj Jain, Astrophysics: Stars and Galaxies by K.D. Abhyankar, etc.

Q: What is the course structure of BSc Astrophysics?

A: The B.Sc Astrophysics curriculum is organized into six semesters and includes core and elective studies, skill development programs, industry orientation, and practical workshops.

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