Important tips if you want to study Astronomy / Astrophysics, from a Grad Student
dont be afraid to ask questions: even if it is after class or per mail, always ask if you dont understand something, or if you think there might be a connection somewhere!
learn working in groups: science is not a 'everyone for themself' kind of thing, you will need to learn how to work in groups and work anf study with other people. trust me, you wont make undergrad anyways if you only work alone
learn python: programming is a MUST in astrophysics, and python is one of the most used (free) languages out there! if you have the funds, IDL is also good, but pricey
learn LaTeX: speaking of programming, you should also learn LaTeX. technically it is not programming, but it feels like it. basically you programm what your MS word document would look like. used for writing papers and thesis, and usually lab reports!
if you can, install Linux: find a pc you can install linux on or try a virtual machine. there are A LOT of important programs that only work on linux, and you will have to use them. learn how to use the linux terminal and the commands! linux is the most widely used system in STEM, it is important to know your way around that, even if you personally prefere something else
dont waste your money on text books: there are usually the most basic fundations that sum up everything in one book, which will be there for you for the rest of your journey, but in general, try to get those in libraries. after that, read scientific papers (all free here: https://arxiv.org/ ) where you can find review papers that talk about general topics!
maths different: waste your money on GOOD maths books, they will always be there for you
maths is THE language: speaking of maths, if you are not interested (i dont mean if you are good or bad, i am talking about interest) in maths, dont study astronomy. seriously! maths is the language you will use to describe the universe! i was not the best at maths in school, but i was always interested by it. that is what is important. you dont need to immediately get it all, but you need to have the ability to invest so much time in it, that you will understand it at one point (going back to a previous point, here it is again important to work and study in groups. you may not get linear algebra, but your friend might)
be open minded, but critical: just because something is written in a published paper does not mean it is 100% accurate. new results can lead to theories to be disproven. discuss and make up your mind with your knowledge, and learn to be critical of new findings, in an educated way, not based on what you think is 'true', but through assassing the method and interpreting the data yourself.
learn english: if (like me) your mother language is not english, learn it! learn mathematical and scientific terms, read literature in english etc. it is the language everything is in, and as astronomy is an international field, it will be the language you will communicate in.
jbbartram-illu
2087
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