Astronomy/Astrophysics
In general, astronomy degrees involve a combination of theory and observation, though some courses will focus more on one of these aspects. The observational side could include opportunities to use telescopes and other professional equipment at major observatories, which may mean travelling to different locations around the world. However, you should also be prepared to spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, as computer-based analysis is a key component of modern astronomy.
Digging deeper into subject interests can help you in a number of ways:
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Confirm whether this is (or isn't) something you would be interested in enough to want to study it at university either as the focus of your degree or a minor/elective
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Give you some inspiration to use when creating your questions and topics for IA's (coursework) and your Extended Essay
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Provide you with content for your university application writing in the future, enabling you to reflect on the things you've been doing to explore your interests in a way that is academically relevant to the course or institution you are applying for.
Useful Resources
University of Nottingham e-resources | Blog | Video | Recorded Lecture | The University of Nottingham have a number of resources for students to explore degrees you could study at university. The resources include videos, taster lectures and blogs. Use the menu to select the areas you are interested in to see what they have to offer. | Click Here > | |
New Scientist | E-Magazine | Podcast | Website | New Scientist is the world’s most popular weekly science and technology publication. Their website, app and print editions cover international news from a scientific standpoint, and ask the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. | Click Here > | |
Cafe Scientifique Oxford | Events | The Oxford branch of Cafe Scientifique meet monthly to open up conversations on a wide range of scientific topics open to all | Click Here > | |
Royal SOciety Open Science | Journal | An open journal publishing high-quality research across all of science, engineering and mathematics | Click Here > | |
Coursera | Online Course | Coursera is an online platform for distance learning. They have a range of free courses delivered by universities. Search in this section to find courses of interest to you, often these are courses you can follow at your own pace. | Click Here > | |
EdX | Online Course | The X Series courses on the EdX platform are free online courses delivered by universities and aimed at helping you explore areas of interest. | Click Here > | |
FutureLearn | Online Course | FutureLearn is a free online platform where universities from around the globe host FREE online courses you can undertake in your areas of interest. Browse courses by categories or use the search bar to find courses relevant to your interests | Click Here > | |
Cafe Scientifique Oxford - Archive 2021 | Recorded Lecture | The Archive of the 2021 Cafe Scientifique sessions - held on Zoom due to the pandemic | Click Here > | |
Society for Natural Sciences Seminars | Recorded Lecture | Webinar | Recorded and upcoming seminars introducing topics in contemporary science and informing potential undergraduates about degrees in Natural Sciences. | Click Here > | |
HE+ | Website | Podcast | Blog | Video | The HE+ website has supercurricular resources created and written by Cambridge students and academics including challenging activities, engaging videos, reflective questions and much more. | Click Here > | |
Zooniverse - Real Science Online | Work Experience | Website | Online Crowd Science Projects that you can contribute to | Click Here > |