Aim:

The primary aim of the course is to create awareness among the students about the stars, galaxies and the universe. The course also makes an attempt in addressing some of the basic concepts in this subject along with giving some insight into the nuances of the subject.

Course Benefits:

Students have first-hand exposure to the modern telescopes and other facilities through field trips to the astronomical observatories and also to the astronomy related space research facilities at ISRO Centers.

Faculty:

The faculty for the course consists of the permanent teaching staff at the Institute as well as the internationally acclaimed Scientists and Professors of various scientific institutions and research organizations in and around Bangalore.

Broad Topics Covered:

Topics to be covered in the lectures will include basic concepts of Astronomy and Astrophysics like understanding the celestial sphere, knowing the properties of stars, Sun and Solar System, the structure of our Galaxy, cosmological aspects like origin of the universe, the concept of dark matter and so on.

Recommended Books / References:

1. Universe – Kauffmann
2. Atlas of the Universe – Patrick Moore
3. Astronomy – Roy and Clarke
4. University Astronomy – Jay M. Pasachoff and Marc L. Kutner
5. Sun, Earth and Sky – Kenneth R Lang

Classroom Sessions:

Lectures for the theory classes are normally delivered at the premises of the Institute. The classroom sessions will be held between 04:30 p.m. and 06:00 p.m. (Monday to Saturday). There will be a total of 14 lectures in these sessions along with a session at the Radio Observatory, Gauribidanur.

Short Dissertation:

The enrolled students are required to submit before the last date of the course, a brief write up on any topic of their interest in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics and there after present a seminar lecture on the same topic on a prescribed date.

Field Trips:

Radio Astronomy Centre, Gauribidanur.

• The right to admit will solely rest with the Institute.
• The enrolled students are required to submit before the last date of the course, a brief write-up on any topic of their interest in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics and thereafter present a seminar lecture on the same topic on a prescribed date.
• Certificates with grades based on their overall performance will be issued to the individual students at the end of the course. 
• Outstation students are requested to make their own arrangements for accommodation.

How to Apply:

• Students can contact the institute to know about the fee structure of a particular course.
• Interested students can download the application from the internet, fill it and send it by post to the address mentioned below along with a local cheque / DD drawn in favour of "M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research" (payable at Bangalore). Fee structure includes registration and admission fee.
• Interested students may also contact the Director and collect the application forms from the institute (address given below).
• Students can personally pay the prescribed fee (payable by cash / local cheque / DD).
• If you wish to pay the course fees through netbanking, kindly send a mail to info@mpbifr-blr.in requesting for the netbanking banking details.

M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research,
2nd Floor, M. P. Birla Research Centre,
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Campus,
43/1, Race Course Road, Bangalore – 560001.

Phone: 080-22385956, 40914507
Fax: 080-22385957
Email: mpbifr@gmail.com, info@mpbifr-blr.in

You can also download the application form here.