Hi everybody, this is my first post, I realize I should probably go for the introductions section, but I've really got a more specific issue. I'm currently a college student (going into my third year at the University of Florida), majoring in social sciences. I love astronomy, I can't seem to get enough of it! I took an introductory level astronomy course and I'd say its one of my favorite classes so far. Or at least the lectures were. The lab attached to it was much less interesting. The same was true of my introduction to physics + lab. And therein lies the problem. I love learning about science, and I have the desire to follow it as far as I can, but that doens't seem to be too far. I'm not very good at math (which is definitely a problem), and applying it to the science I'm learning becomes problematic. I guess I'm not asking a question as much as simply venting. I'd like to major in a science, but I feel like I lack the capacity for it. As for the social sciences, I do pretty well in that area (but thats all pretty easy stuff). Does anybody here have any advice regarding this? And is there anything related to space science that someone in my situation could excel in? Thankyou!

It sounds to me like you appreciate learning about science, rather than doing science. There's nothing wrong with that.

There are courses in science for liberal arts majors whose labs are less math-intensive than those for science majors.

The typical road to a degree in astronomy is via physics, since more universities offer that major than offer a degree in astronomy per se.

However, there are other routes.

If you're interested in history, then perhaps a liberal arts degree in history with a minor or concentration in various science courses would be more to your liking.

Perhaps you could major in education and pursue a broader exposure to science in general, rather than focusing on one area, and then teach at the public-school level or work in space science at a museum or other public institution.

Or, if you enjoy writing, you could work toward a degree in creative writing or literature and specialize in science writing -- or even technical writing.

You can actually DO astronomy (and many other sciences) as an amateur without becoming so proficient in the math and physics that could achieve an advanced degree in the topic. The word amateur, for example, means "one who loves" rather than "one who is not proficient". I have known several people whose fondness for astronomy has diminished after rigorous coursework in pursuit of a degree.

You will need enough math and physics to understand the coursework, and to be able to explain it satisfactorily, but that doesn't mean you need to become a practicing scientist.

Does that help?

Perhaps your destiny is to serve the community and help people through social sciences, but your inner spirit craves the necessary spiritual path through the cosmos.  It seems that we've forgotten our spiritual strength and the "dark energy" or unknown energy around us that embodies the earth-perhaps you're realizing that there is something deeper than a career or western "success."

 

 

 

A lot of people, including me, feel inadequate in math.  Most are not inadequate but lack confidence in their ability with the subject.  As a third year social sciences major, you have not been trained in the mathematics used in astronomy and your lab class was likely mostly math.  If you want to pursue astronomy, you will need more math.  As been discussed by others, you can complete your liberal arts degree work in a field associated with astronomy.  However, I think that you should try a first level calculus course for science and engineering before making up your mind.  I did not really start liking math until I studied calculus.  You may find you are better at math than you think.

CFB

 

PS: I have done astronomy professionally, am a member of the American Astronomical Society and published in the Astrophysical Journal.

As do I, However, I do believe the future will be those observation made using inter-net type programs and borrowed visual data obtained thru a chain of satelites and ground 'scopes. There is something to be said of souls braving the cold for a look a venus in the earliy fall days...

I spent 8 years at the Jethro Bodine College of higher learning. I finally figured out my guzinta's and my ought ought stuff. After that I was in over my head! The thing that really threw me was when they was teaching me that Pi R square..everybody knows that Pies are round! What the heck is going on!

Don't let it bother you...I'm dumber than a rock but still enjoy the views.

JJ

Now don't be so hard on yourself.  If you really want to major in science you can do it.  Math is only an obstacle to overcome and with the right tutor and time you will master it much as you first mastered reading and writing.

But most of us just enjoy looking.  I do profess to be slightly smarter than the average rock but my path in this life led me to something other than that of being a scientist. Once upon a time I worked as a geologist but the career field back in my day was pretty much restricted to being tied down to a narrow particular specialization and I prefer to let my mind roam all about the cosmos, not be an expert in the minerology of granitic plutons.  The other was that most of the astronomers I had met seemed an aloof group who busied themselves about setting up their equipment at the telescope to try and prove whatever their narrow research thesis was.  They spent a lot of time at the computer and very little elsewhere save an occasional foray into a classroom or conference table.  The job I would have liked the best I suppose would have been as a night assistant since it would allow me to always be near the telescope on a distant quiet mountaintop. 

I guess I did not want to be one of those guys who new quite a lot about a little but couldn't pick out a constellation if they tried.

So I am happy to be what I am.  Whatever road you take, enjoy the night sky and don't ever forget to keep looking up.

L 

 Ha, jj, you've never had Sicilian pie!  That pie is square.  Ah, but then that's Gastronomy...