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Master programme

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Astronomical Research aims at an understanding of the birth and evolution of the universe and of the objects it contains. Astrophysics attempts to explain the observed phenomena in terms of known, and sometimes speculative, physical processes and mechanisms. Knowledge gained from astronomy has important implications for the physical sciences in general, and physics in particular. Astronomical objects and processes therein often represent extreme physical conditions: strong gravitational fields, extreme particle energies and temperatures, and velocities close to the speed of light. As such, they act as remote laboratories, where processes or conditions that cannot be re-created on earth are present. In addition, an understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe and its contents is of deep cultural significance.

The Master programme in Astrophysics aims to offer students an education in Astronomy and Astrophysics on a state-of-the-art level. The two-year programme contains courses in the physical theories and processes behind astronomical phenomena, the observations that form the basis of our current knowledge of the Universe, and the advanced techniques employed in obtaining and interpreting these observations. This programme will involve contributions from the various research groups from the Astronomical Institute and, on occasion, from members of the SRON Laboratory for Space Research. Research at the Astronomical Institute Utrecht is organized within the national Dutch Research School for Astronomy (NOVA).

The Master in Astrophysics programme offers training in the theoretical aspects of astronomy as well as the observational and experimental techniques employed in current research. There is special emphasis on the research areas which represent major strengths of the Astronomical Institute Utrecht. These are:

  1. Evolution of Stars and Stellar Populations
  2. High-Energy Astrophysics and Space Research
  3. Solar Physics
Students may concentrate on these through suitable selection of courses and of the research topic for their Master Thesis.

Admissions requirements

To be admissible to the Master in Astrophysics the prospective student needs to have completed
  • A Bachelor of Science with a major in physics and/or astronomy, or a major in Science with strong components in physics and astronomy, and
  • 30 ECTS of elective BSc courses in Astrophysics.
There is no automatic admission to this programme.

Content structure

The programme is divided into two separate years. A student starts with the taught year, then follows a year of mostly research and research-oriented seminars.

Course part (1st year, 60 ects):
Required courses30 ects (4 courses)
Primary optional courses 15 ects (2 courses) or more
Secondary optional courses 15 ects (2 courses) or less
Research part (2nd year, 60 ects):
Thesis, including seminar 60 ects

The required courses are:

  1. Stellar evolution (NS-AP434M)
  2. Galaxies (NS-AP432M)
  3. Observational astrophysics 2 (NS-AP433M)
  4. Stellar atmospheres (NS-AP426M)
If one or more of these courses are done in the Bachelor's, they can be replaced by primary optional courses.

The student will generally be expected to take at least 2 primary optional courses of 7,5 ects each. Primary optional courses of this programme are:

  1. courses with a code that starts with NS-AP,
  2. General relativity (NS-TP428, not in combination with NS-AP431M).
  3. It is also permitted to choose approved Astrophysics courses from other NOVA Master programmes.
The student may pick a maximum of 2 secondary optional courses. Secondary optional courses are courses offered by the Graduate school of natural sciences. In case of deficiencies a student can be required to spend these 15 ects in repairing these deficiencies.

The research part of the Master in Astrophysics Programme consists of a full year of research under the supervision of a staff member of the Astronomical Institute Utrecht or of an external staff member formally involved in Utrecht University astronomy education at SRON (J. Bleeker, J. Heise, P. Hoyng, J. Kaastra, M. Mendez, J. in't Zand) or at FOM Rijnhuizen (R. Keppens).

More information about research subjects: see research projects.

A written Master thesis invariably concludes this research. The supervisor, together with another independent staff member, determines the grade for this thesis. This research can be theoretical or observational, and must contain a significant amount of literature study where the student familiarizes him/herself with the subject. As part of the research training, the student will also enhance his/her academic skills by regular attendance of the various SIU-SRON seminars. He/She is also required to give an oral presentation of his/her research during a lunch talk.

For more information please contact: dr.O.R.Pols (O.R.Pols AT astro.uu.nl).

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