According to NASA, Astrophysics focuses on “discovering how the universe works, exploring how it began and evolve and searching for life on planets around stars”. How does the universe work? Dark matter, dark energy and black holes. How did we get there? Galaxies, stars and planets. Are we alone? Life beyond Earth.
Astrophysics relies on physics laws and chemistry to explain the birth, life and death of objects in the universe: stars, planets and galaxies. The Hubble Space Telescope showed that the universe is expanding at an increasing rate. The Big Bang explains the origins of the Universe and appearance of the first objects including the formation of the first stars. NASA rover Perseverance seeks out signs of microbial life on Mars. Rock and soil samples are to be potentially collected back for study on Earth.
What to expect in Astrophysics? Subdisciplines of Astrophysics include: physical cosmology (origin and evolution of the universe), plasma astrophysics (study of plasma in outer space), high energy astrophysics (phenomenon occurring at high energies). These also overlap with observational astronomy, the observation of celestial objects mostly via telescopes. For example, the Big Bang evidence emerged from discovering left over radiation from when the Universe begun through NASA’s Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite.
Featured Courses
The CPD accredited courses are carefully crafted to help you gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of your interest.
Stem Cell Technology
The field of stem cell technology is a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, offering transformative pathways to repair or replace damaged tissues. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of stem cell biology, from the fundamental differences in cell potency to advanced techniques such as induced pluripotency and direct reprogramming. Participants will gain insight into differentiation protocols, the development of 3D organoid systems, and the application of CRISPR gene editing to correct disease-associated mutations. Beyond the laboratory, the course addresses essential quality control standards, global regulatory frameworks, and the complex ethical landscape of modern biotechnology.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
This intermediate-level course provides a thorough overview of the field of next-generation sequencing, from its properties and strength and its major applications, to an overview of a typical sequencing workflow.
Molecular Ageing
The study of molecular ageing is a cutting-edge discipline, providing a novel lens through which to understand and treat age-related decline. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the biological drivers of ageing, from evolutionary theories to the molecular hallmarks that define the biological clock. Participants will explore the mechanisms of DNA repair, the impact of oxidative stress, and emerging therapeutic frontiers, including senolytics and rejuvenation technologies moving from the laboratory into clinical consideration.
Cancer Biology: Exploring the Molecular and Genetic Aspects
This is an intermediate-level course that explores the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, its evolution, and cancer immunology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the most advanced and fastest growing sciences. The beginning of the 21st century has seen huge developments in techniques to study and understand how the brain works.
CRISPR: Revolutionising Genome Editing
This advanced-level course is designed to develop an understanding of complex concepts related to genomics, particularly CRISPR/Cas technology and its applications...
The above themes interest you? You’re thinking of pursuing a degree or career in Astrophysics but don’t know where to start?
- Continue quantitative sciences all through high school: Physics, Maths even Chemistry and Biology will be helpful to you! Look out for internship opportunities in universities, companies and even NASA to boost your personal statements.
- An Astrophysics bachelor at university is ideal but computer scientists and mathematicians are also welcomed in this field. Look up available university programs early on and talk with your school counsellors to find out where would be best for you. Favour courses in astronomy, physics, computer science and mathematics to widen your skill palette. Expect have modules in mathematics, classical/quantum physics, astronomical spectrometry and cosmology!
- A doctorate in Astrophysics: According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, most astrophysicists have a doctoral degree. This allows you to build on your strong scientific skills (data analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving) beyond imposed lecture materials. Through your thesis research you will be exposed to creating scientific posters, writing scientific paper and attending seminars.
- Most importantly, let your passion fuel you. With perseverance and motivation, you will go a long way and collaborate with like-minded peers.
