The astronomer is a professional who applies knowledge of Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry to observe, analyze data and develop models about the behaviors of celestial bodies.

What is Astronomy?

Astronomy studies celestial bodies using the available scientific knowledge. With a few exceptions — like the Moon and some planets in the Solar System — celestial bodies can only be studied through the light they send us in the form of microwaves, radio waves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

By applying knowledge of Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry to this information, astronomers can develop models and theories that seek to explain the behaviors, physical structures, and chemical compositions of these and other celestial bodies in the Universe.

About the course

The Bachelor's degree in Astronomy is a course with strong components of Physics, Calculus, and Computing. Specific Astronomy courses are introduced from the first semester, progressively increasing in complexity. The curriculum offers flexibility as each student chooses their elective courses according to their interests. Classes are offered at the IAG and other institutes of USP, such as the Institute of Physics (Instituto de Física) and the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (Instituto de Matemática e Estatística).

Classes for the Bachelor's degree in Astronomy are offered during the day. In addition to mandatory courses, students must also take elective courses, which may have varying schedules. Some activities also include educational trips and weekly seminars.

The ideal duration of the course is eight curricular semesters and it must be completed in a maximum of 14 semesters.

• Access the current curriculum on the JupiterWeb system
• Check out the Final Works for Bachelor's degree in Astronomy!

Career Opportunities and Labour Market

The work of an astronomer is carried out in universities, research centers, advanced technology companies, and scientific dissemination agencies. It is important to know that astronomers working in universities and research centers usually pursue graduate studies before entering the job market.

The Astronomy course at IAG has an interdisciplinary nature and enables various fields of work, whether in Astronomy, scientific dissemination, technology, or computing, for example.