Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master's Degree Program
Field: | Physics |
Form: | full-time |
Usual duration: | 2 years |
Language of courses: | Slovak and English |
Program director: | |
Co-Guarantors: | doc. RNDr. Jozef Klačka, PhD. |
Related study programs: | bachelor's degree programs Physics |
This program is offered only in Slovak languages.
Description of the Study Program
The graduate of the second degree study program Astronomy and Astrophysics has mastered theoretical and physical methods and mathematical apparatus for solving complex problems in astronomy and astrophysics and related fields. The graduate will gain an overview of a wide range of theoretical and experimental methods of physics and their application in various fields of astronomy. The graduate will gain theoretical and methodological knowledge of the latest research fields and trends in astronomy and related sciences in Slovakia and abroad, corresponding to the current state of scientific knowledge.
The study of astronomy and astrophysics integrates several areas of physics. The graduate will acquire knowledge in the field of plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, astrodynamics, and others. The graduate will be able to apply his knowledge and experience to related disciplines, can develop and use computer models of physical phenomena related to astrophysical processes, can use operate computer-controlled instruments such as telescopes and special systems for the detection of astronomical phenomena.
While solving the diploma thesis, the graduate will master the principles of independent scientific work, will be able to formulate scientific problems, critically evaluate the obtained results, creatively apply the acquired knowledge and skills in solving new tasks, learn to present and defend the obtained results.
The graduate will be able to follow the latest scientific and research trends in their field, supplement and update their knowledge through lifelong learning. The graduate will be able to clarify and popularize scientific knowledge in his/her related fields to the general public at a comprehensible level. The study of this program creates preconditions for continuing in the third degree of study, especially in the study program Astronomy and Astrophysics.
What to Expect
The master's degree study program Astronomy and Astrophysics follows up the bachelor's degree programs in physics. The program consists of a block of compulsory, compulsory-optional elective and optional courses. In the block of compulsory profile courses, the student acquires fundamental knowledge of theoretical astrophysics, which has an interdisciplinary character relevant in several areas of physics, including magnetohydrodynamics, quantum physics, thermodynamics and radiative transfer. Other courses are related with astrodynamics, Solar physics and the Solar System physics, kinematics and dynamics of galaxies. The study plan includes training in practical skills related to the work and use of astronomical instruments at the university astronomical observatory FMFI UK (AGO) in Modra. This applies to the courses of Laboratory Practice and Field Practice.
In the block of compulsory-optional courses, there are mainly courses extending the individual focus of expertise within the study program. The selection of compulsory-optional profile subjects is basically divided into two areas, astrophysics (Cosmic Electrodynamics and Spectroscopy in Astronomy) and astronomy (Planetary Cosmogony).
Optional courses deepen specific knowledge according to interest and in the selected focus and allow students to choose courses directly related to the focus of their thesis.
Master’s Thesis
With the diploma thesis, the student has to demonstrate the ability to independently acquire theoretical and practical knowledge based on the current state of science and creatively apply, use and develop them. The final thesis will be prepared by the student under the guidance of the thesis supervisor. The supervisor of the final thesis will prepare a written report on the final thesis and propose its evaluation. The final work is assessed by the opponent. The opponent will prepare a written report on the final thesis and propose its evaluation.
Examples of successful final theses of our students:
- M. Baláž: Determination of Total Meteoroid Flux in Millimetre to Metre Size Range, (2018), školiteľ doc. RNDr. J. Tóth, PhD.
- M. Zigo: Relative and Color Photometry to Space Debris objects at the Astronomical and Geophysical observatory in Modra, (2019), školiteľ Mgr. J. Šilha, PhD.
- D. Žilková: Space debris spectra acquired with the AMOS spectral cameras, (2021), školiteľ RNDr. Šilha, PhD.
- V. Pazderová: Re-entry observations and analysis by the AMOS network, (2022), školiteľ RNDr. P. Matlovič, PhD.
Graduates' Career Opportunities
The study program Astronomy and Astrophysics is interdisciplinary, consists of several areas of physics, such as plasma physics, kinematics and dynamics (e.g. within the Solar System, galactic astronomy, gravity theory), quantum mechanics (e.g. spectroscopy), and also transcends into chemistry, geology (e.g. planetary physics, diverse meteorite research), biology (astrobiology), and mathematics (statistics, numerical methods, physical modeling). The acquired knowledge and skills form the basis for future scientific and pedagogical work in astronomy, but also in related fields (plasma physics, radiation, hydrodynamics, etc.) of small bodies of the Solar System, solar physics, stellar and galactic astronomy and astrophysics at the institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the Czech Academy of Sciences and universities in Slovakia and abroad. At the same time, our graduates gain practical skills in observing, controlling and operating complex instruments, such as telescopes, computerized mounts, automatic and robotic systems such as AMOS and others. In addition to improving scientific skills, these activities also develop programming skills and skills associated with extracting and processing large amounts of data.
The study program does not prepare graduates for regulated professions.