Astronomy what to take. My future profession. Astronomer

Putties 06.08.2020

Who can work after graduating from the Astronomy Department?

An employee of any observatory or scientific institute of astronomical profile (both in Russia and abroad), an employee of a physics or mathematics research institute, a teacher at a university or school, a programmer or system administrator, an applied mathematician (for example, an analyst-economist), an engineer (in physics-related fields), etc. The education received is very broad and allows you to successfully work in almost all areas of physical and mathematical sciences and their applications.

  • I love astronomy very much and would like to study at your faculty, but I doubt that I can study, since mathematics and physics are taught at a low level in our school. Probably, you will have to enter some other university, simpler. What should I do?

    You should try to enter the Astronomy Department. It often turns out that applicants underestimate their own capabilities and believe that studying at St. Petersburg State University is very difficult. In fact, academic success is largely determined by the student's hard work, and the lack of school knowledge can be compensated for rather quickly.

  • What other universities teach astronomy?

    Astronomy is taught in Russia at four universities - St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg State University), Moscow (MSU), Ural Federal (UrFU) and Kazan Federal (KFU). The structure of St. Petersburg and Moscow universities includes astronomy departments (consisting of several specialized departments), the Ural and Kazan universities - the department of astronomy. In other universities, training in astronomy is either absent or limited to one or two general courses (for example, at MIPT, St. Petersburg State Technical University, etc.)

  • Which universities provide training for astrophysicists and cosmologists?

    Cosmology is one of the branches of astrophysics that deals with the origin and evolution of the Universe as a whole. Astrophysics, in turn, is one of the sections (albeit currently the largest) of astronomy. Separate professional training only in the field of cosmology or only in the field of astrophysics is impossible without the study of astronomy, therefore astrophysics and cosmology are possible specializations of students of the astronomical departments of St.

  • Does the Astronomy Department have open days?

    As a rule, they are timed to coincide with faculty open days, which are held at the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of St. Petersburg State University in late January - early February each year. The exact date of the next open day can be found on the faculty website.

  • How many places in the specialty "astronomy"?

    Every year we accept 20 people for the budgetary form of education and up to 5 people for the paid form of education.

  • When do I need to submit documents?
  • What documents are required for admission?

    It will be necessary to pass a certificate to the admissions office, the results passing the exam in physics, mathematics and the Russian language (if the exams were passed at school) and 2 photographs (3x4 cm), as well as diplomas of the Olympiads, giving preferential treatment for admission (All-Russian Olympiads in Astronomy, Physics and Mathematics, St. Petersburg Astronomical Olympiad, other Olympiads in physics and mathematics). You must have a passport and documents confirming the right to out-of-competition admission (if any).

  • At school I was given a medical certificate "for a university", but it is not on the list of documents required for admission. What should I do with her?
  • What are the admission rules for citizens of Belarus?

    The rules almost do not differ from the rules of admission for Russian citizens. The only exception is that instead of the USE, citizens of Belarus can take testing directly at the university.

  • What is the passing score for admission to the Astronomy Department?

    As a rule, for admission, it is enough to score about 230-240 points (in total for 3 USE). Keep in mind that the passing score of each particular year is determined by the exam results, it is not known in advance.

  • Is there an evening or part-time form of study in the specialty "astronomy"?

    No. At St. Petersburg State University (as well as in other universities in Russia), training in this specialty is only full-time.

  • What exams do I need to take upon admission?

    It is required to pass the exam in physics, mathematics and Russian.

  • Do I need to pass physics for admission to the specialty "astronomy"?

    Yes. Moreover, upon admission to the Astronomy Department, in contrast to other departments of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of St. Petersburg State University, physics is considered the main profile exam.

  • Are applicants provided with a hostel, how to find it and how much does it cost to stay?

    Yes, but only for applicants (for relatives, a place in the hostel can be provided subject to availability). You can get a referral to settle in a hostel at the admissions office when submitting documents. The cost of living for applicants is (in 2015) about 200-300 rubles. per day.

  • Does the medal count for admission?

    Yes, the presence of a certificate with honors ("medals") allows you to add 3 points to the total of USE scores (in 2016).

  • What diplomas of olympiads and competitions can be credited instead of entrance exams?

    Winners and prize-winners of the final stages of the All-Russian Olympiads in Astronomy and Physics, as well as members of Russian teams at international Olympiads in the same subjects can be admitted to the Astronomy Department of St. Petersburg State University without entrance exams. The winners and prize-winners of the St. Petersburg Astronomical Olympiad who have passed the Unified State Exam in Physics by at least 75 points are also accepted without exams.

  • I studied at another university, and now I am going to enter the Astronomy Department. Will I be able to re-enumerate the marks on the exams I took before?

    Offset of grades is possible, but only in "non-core" (foreign language, philosophy) disciplines, which make up a small part of the specialty curriculum. Exceptions are possible if you previously studied at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at a university of the level of St. Petersburg State University, Moscow State University or MIPT.

  • I already have higher education... Can I enter the Astronomy Department on a budgetary form of study?

    No. Second higher education can only be paid.

  • I graduated from another university, then worked, but I still really like astronomy. Is there an astronomy study option for someone like me?

    Unfortunately not. You can only try to get a second degree in astronomy. However, if your first education was in physics and mathematics, there is a fundamental possibility of entering postgraduate studies in astronomy.

  • How many years does the study in the specialty "astronomy" last, if this is the second higher education?

    The same amount as usual, i.e. six - there is no separate educational program for students who already have one higher education.

  • I am currently studying at another university under the bachelor's degree program. After graduation, can I enter your master's degree program?

    No. At the Astronomy Department of St. Petersburg State University there is no division into bachelor's and master's degrees (and its introduction is not planned), the training is carried out according to a unified training program for specialists.

  • Is it difficult to enroll in a paid form of study?

    No, easy enough. As a rule, there is no competition for a paid form of study, therefore, upon admission, you must collect the minimum required uSE scores (or testing).

  • How much does paid tuition cost?

    Currently (2015-2016 academic year) - 216,000 rubles. in year.

  • Can a paid student switch to a budgetary form of education?

    Yes, if the faculty has vacant budgetary places. For translation, you must pass the last session with good and excellent marks. If there are fewer budget vacancies than those wishing to transfer, students with a higher GPA are transferred first. As a rule, successful students switch to the budgetary form of education no later than the end of the second year.

  • Is there a hostel for nonresidents? What are the living conditions and payment?

    Yes, nonresident students (both students on a budgetary form of education, and on a paid one) are provided with a hostel. Dormitories of the faculty - apartment type (1-room apartment with kitchen, bathroom and toilet for 3 students or 2-room - for 4 students), located in Peterhof next to the faculty. The cost of living is about 250 rubles. per month. The hostel can also accommodate students living in St. Petersburg (residents of districts of the city far from the faculty enjoy the advantage). Information about the campus can be viewed.

  • Is it possible to study at the Astronomy Department and work somewhere at the same time?

    This is possible in principle, but very difficult. The form of study is daytime, the academic load on specialties is quite large. It is not worth expecting that it will be possible to appear in the classroom 1-2 days a week, and then somehow pass the session. Therefore, work during study, if possible, is only in small volumes.

  • I would like to know if you have anything related to ufology?

    No. We do not train ufologists (as well as astrologers, etc.).

  • An astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial objects such as stars, planets and their satellites, comets, and more.

    From the Greek. astronomía, from astro and nómos - law. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physics, mathematics and chemistry (see the choice of profession for interest in school subjects).

    Astronomer - a scientist studying celestial objects: stars, planets and their satellites, comets, etc.

    Features of the profession

    Astronomy is the science of the structure and development of cosmic bodies, their systems and the Universe.
    An astronomer is a very rare profession.
    The theoretical astronomer is engaged in theoretical astronomy, cosmology (the science of the birth and development of the Universe and objects in it). It summarizes the data obtained during the observations.
    Astronomers-observers develop a method of observation, obtain veils, which then become the basis for scientific conclusions and hypotheses.
    The exact job of the astronomer depends on the specialization. There are many areas: cosmology, celestial mechanics and stellar dynamics, astrophysics, radio astronomy, physics of galaxies, stars, astronomical instrumentation.
    However, astronomy will not develop without the constant development of technology. Engineers (astronomers - "instructors") are engaged in the development of new observational instruments.

    Astronomy is closely connected with other exact sciences, first of all - with mathematics, physics and some branches of mechanics, using the achievements of these sciences and, in turn, influencing their development.
    The career path of a Russian astronomer is the same as in any other field of science: training at a university, postgraduate study, Ph.D. thesis, defense, scientific work, doctoral, etc. With the receipt of a new scientific title, the qualification category also grows, from which in the first place salary depends.

    In addition to astronomy directly, there are applied specialties directly or indirectly related to this science (Space and information technology, Astronomogeodesy, Exploration of natural resources by aerospace means, Space and information technology).

    Workplace

    Russian astronomers work at the State Astronomical Institute. PC. Sternberg (GAISH) Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov,
    Space Research Institute,
    Institute of Astronomy and Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
    The Main (Pulkovo) Astronomical Observatory,
    Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the North Caucasus.

    Where do they teach

    Astronomers are trained in physics and mechanics and mathematics departments of the country's leading universities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Yekaterinburg.
    However, universal astronomers in Moscow are trained only at the astronomy department of the physics department. Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov.

    Astronomy is a field of scientific knowledge about the development and structure of cosmic bodies and the Universe as a whole. Many people have a mistaken opinion about the activities of the astronomer: people believe that he is just observing the starry sky.

    But in practice it turns out that the astronomer spends most of his time analyzing and comparing the data obtained on the basis of his observation. Here's how you can become an astronomer.

    The price of a super-powerful telescope that reads information from airspace is quite high, and such equipment is not available in all observatories. Although no modern scientist can do without a telescope, one should have very good computer skills, since the organization of most research is computerized.

    As a rule, an astronomer studies the starry sky for only a few days, while interpreting the data obtained can take months or even years. Therefore, a person who wants to get such a rare and unusual profession must also have such personal qualities as:

    • perseverance;
    • patience;
    • the ability to work monotonously for a long time;
    • focus on long-term results;
    • craving for scientific knowledge and a desire to constantly improve in the field of astronomy.

    Where to go to study?

    The profession of an astronomer can be obtained in technical universities at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics or Physics. Since the main subjects for study are mathematics and physics, it is easier for an applicant with an analytical mind to study. It will be more difficult for the humanities to master such a science.

    A student who wants to become an astronomer should remember that his studies do not end with only higher education. So, for further work in the profession, it is necessary to complete postgraduate studies, defend a candidate's degree and further engage in deeper scientific work.

    Is the profession of an astronomer necessary in Russia?

    If the technical universities of our country train specialists, providing decent theoretical and practical training, then working in the specialty from the material point of view may be unprofitable. The salary of Russian astronomers can differ many times from the salary of their foreign colleagues.

    To begin with, take into account the certain difficulties associated with this profession. Astronomy is a popular field of science where competition is fierce. In addition, there are not so many vacancies in this area, most of them are in universities. This means that you need to prepare for hard study and focus on the area of \u200b\u200bscience in which you intend to work in the future early enough. But, if you don’t try, you will never know your capabilities, so don’t let difficulties stop you without even starting!

    • Be prepared to commit enough time and money to become as skilled an astronomer as possible. As a rule, this requires additional education, which will take a lot of time.

    If you are a student, use this opportunity wisely and study well. Diligent study will lead to high exam grades. Pay special attention to mathematics, physics and other exact disciplines - they are the foundation of astronomy. Knowledge of foreign languages, computer science and geography will also be very useful. Other skills that the astronomer will need are:

    Look for a suitable training course in a college or university. Astronomy-focused educational institutions are not very common, so you may need to consider an education somewhere far from home or even abroad. If possible, talk to university professors about whether it will be enough to take courses in mathematics or physics, which provide basic knowledge of astronomy, and then study only your favorite subject. Contact a career counselor for more information.

    Select subjects for advanced study. If you have a chance to study at an astronomical institute, then, with the help of career counselors, you have probably already selected subjects that will be useful in astronomy. If not, improve your knowledge of mathematics and physics. If possible, study astronomy or astrophysics, although this is what you will go through while getting higher education. Wherever you acquire knowledge, try your best to learn.

    • By the time you graduate and start working, be prepared to challenge many ingrained traditions. An example of this is the great astronomer, who, unfortunately, passed away early. This is Beatrice Tinsley. She is known as one of the most prominent creative theorists in the field of astronomy. Beatrice was famous for her ability to work with very large amounts of information and her ability to see the interaction of individual elements. She was a very progressive astronomer. Beatrice Tinsley's discoveries were recognized after as many as 8 years, but this did not stop her. Be firm in your convictions (and real facts) too if you see certain logical conclusions that others do not.
  • Take time to improve your computer skills. Of course, we are not talking about games. Knowledge of programming and understanding of the mathematical principles underlying programming should be improved.

  • Make astronomy your hobby. Even if you cannot study at an institute where astronomy will be the main subject, this does not mean at all that it can be neglected. Read a lot, join an astronomy club - use yourself in this area: visit observatories and science museums. Also try meeting real astronomers to talk about their work. It may happen that you find a job that is doing routine but important work in some astronomical projects in other parts of the world. Therefore, do not bypass the Internet forums that can provide this opportunity.

    • During vacations, look for part-time jobs at university observatories, even if it is working at the ticket counter at the entrance. Such employment can open up good opportunities for the future astronomer.
    • Firstly, this is an in-depth study of the subject of interest,
    • secondly - participation in various subject competitions, Olympiads (school, city, regional, and so on),
    • and thirdly, the opportunity to engage in scientific work from the senior grades.

    It is important to take the first scientific steps already at school. In high school, the best students can be enrolled in the Small Academy of Sciences. This is the first step that will help the student to test himself as a real scientist, researcher. The result of training here will be the defense of your first scientific work. And for the winners of the competition of scientific works - the opportunity to enter the university on preferential rights.
    A real scientist must have a broad outlook, read a large number of books. Of course, literature "on the topic" is especially important. However, it is necessary not only to read a lot, but as the saying goes "to pass it all through yourself", having mastered all the subtleties of the information presented.
    Also needed practical work in laboratories (first at school, then at a university) in the chosen direction.

    • Show curiosity. A true scientist is always meticulous to the smallest detail when it comes to finding the truth. He is interested in everything in the world.
    • Check and doubt. A real scientist never blindly believes any information, especially if it seems unreliable to him. Always checking everything yourself is an important quality for a scientist.
    • Do not dwell on the path of knowledge. Constant self-education, search for new information, interest in the novelties of science and technology - this is what the scientist is constantly doing.
    • Unlock additional opportunities. Mastering other types of activity, acquiring new knowledge and skills will be useful to a scientist. To do this, you can get additional higher education or complete any special courses.
    • To learn foreign languages. Knowledge of many languages \u200b\u200bis an advantage that will allow you to draw information not only from domestic scientific sources. In other countries, interesting scientific research is often carried out with significant results.
    • After school, a future scientist must enter a worthy university and graduate successfully. There, under the guidance of experienced teachers, already accomplished scientists, you can learn all the subtleties and details in the chosen field of knowledge. It is important to pay attention to the fact that it is in the university that ample opportunities open up for the manifestation of their scientific individuality, for conducting independent scientific work.
    • At the university, it is necessary to strive to take part in the work of scientific circles, to prepare scientific works, to participate in scientific competitions. It is also advisable to take in student scientific conferences that are held at the university. This way you can get an idea of \u200b\u200bthe most relevant areas of research in this area.
    • The best students take part first in university, and then in larger (nationwide) Olympiads in the chosen specialty. The green road to student science is open for the winners.
      Adult science

    How to become a scientist physicist, chemist or mathematician

    Each of the areas of science is exciting in its own way, but it depends on the individual preferences and inclinations of each.

    • For example, to become a physicist, you need to be well versed in the properties of materials, the mechanics of their movement, the features of interaction and be able to explain all this in terms of the laws of physics - down to the smallest level, that is, to elementary particles.
    • To become a chemical scientist, you must have an in-depth understanding of chemical elements, about the structure of atoms and molecules, the reactions that occur between various substances.
    • To become a real scientist-mathematician, you need to love numbers and various calculations so that you can see them even in a dream.

    How to become a scientist biologist or scientist geneticist

    • Knowledge in mathematics, as well as biology and medicine, will be useful to a future geneticist. If you are wondering why all living things look exactly like this, why vital processes occur in one way or another, what is the reason for susceptibility to diseases, then genetics is exactly the area to which a future scientist can devote himself.
    • The living world in all its glory opens up to a biologist. The extraordinary variety of animals, birds, insects, plants, fungi, as well as the history of their origin and development are just a few of what a biologist may be interested in.

    How to become a scientist astronomer

    And finally, one of the most mysterious branches of science, which attracts us from childhood. This is astronomy. Probably, each of us, somewhere in the depths of our souls, more than once rushed to the stars, unknown worlds and planets. All this is revealed to the astronomer scientist who studies space.

    For a start - interest in the study of distant galaxies. This is what an aspiring astronomer needs.

    How to become a degree seeker

    But the time of study at the university is, on average, only 5 years. What's next? End of science?

    No. The best graduates of the university are given the right to enroll in graduate school. The result here will be a degree. But this is a very serious way, so to speak "science in an adult way." To pass it, you need:

    • to choose a scientific advisor who will lead the young scientist to the cherished goal;
    • choose a new, important, previously not studied topic;
    • thoroughly study the chosen topic;
    • to present individual results of their work in the form of scientific articles and reports at major scientific conferences;
    • share experiences with other scientists;
    • cooperate with the supervisor, learn from his experience;
    • prepare a thesis, which will set out all the details of the study;
    • successfully defend this work before the Academic Council, which includes the most advanced scientists in the field.

    New Horizons

    1. Transfer experience. After defending the dissertation, the next aspect of the activity opens before the scientist - teaching. So you can transfer all your accumulated experience to other novice scientists.
    2. Continue research ... It is necessary to find such a university where it is possible to combine teaching and further scientific development.
    3. Do not stop self-education. Scientific and technological progress does not stand still. Therefore, having received a scientific degree, in no case should you relax. A real scientist is always aware of all the news in his field, as well as in related fields of science.

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