Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics

Description of the Study Program

Graduates of master's degrees are able to practice the profession of nuclear and subnuclear physicist. He has extensive knowledge of theoretical and experimental nuclear and subnuclear physics, its applications in practice, knowledge of higher programming languages, numerical methods and computer modeling of physical processes.

The graduate acquires the following most important knowledge, abilities and skills:

• obtain a comprehensive full second-level university degree in physics,
• acquire deep theoretical knowledge of nuclear, subnuclear and applied nuclear physics,
• masters experimental methods of nuclear and subnuclear physics,
• is able to independently solve difficult theoretical problems on the basis of corresponding mathematical methods and create theoretical models describing various physical processes,
• can competently operate various measuring systems and technological equipment, design experiments and experimental equipment, evaluate and interpret the results of experimental measurements,
• is able to design and implement computer simulations of physical processes,
• the acquired physical knowledge and experimental skills is able to be applied to various areas of physical research and social practice, has the ability to communicate with experts from other fields of science and technology,
• master at least one higher programming language, the basics of information and communication technologies, statistical data processing, spreadsheets, text processing and graphical presentation of results,
• is able to communicate in at least one foreign language.
• using domestic and foreign literature, he is able to propose solutions to physical problems, publish and in other ways present the results of professional activities,
• is able to learn independently, use available information resources and take care of permanent education,
• is able to disseminate physical knowledge at a comprehensible level among the general public.

All previous knowledge, abilities and skills are built and expanded with an emphasis on humanity, respect for human rights, ethics of the behavior of the scientist and taking into account economic and social contexts.

What to Expect

The study plan consists of compulsory, compulsory optional and selective subjects. Among the mandatory are the basic subjects that form the core of the study program and profile the graduate, which are necessary for mastering both blocks. Compulsory optional subjects are aimed at deepening the knowledge acquired by completing compulsory subjects, and these subjects are common to several blocks. The intrusive subjects are linked to three blocks of the study programme:

1. Nuclear and neutrino physics 
2. Applied nuclear physics 3
3. Subnuclear physics which determine the specified profile of the graduate.

Selective subjects enrich the structure and verzaility of the study programme. Students must receive 68 credits for compulsory subjects. For the defense of the thesis and the State Final Examination, the student must receive 22 credits. For compulsory optional subjects, the student must receive at least 13 credits, which means that in total the compulsory and compulsory optional subjects must be obtained by the student at least 103 credits. The remaining credits can be obtained by completing the selection subjects from the offer.

 

 

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:

• Study of the top quark electric charge in experiment ATLAS using approach based on effective b-jet charges and soft muon tag (Matej Melo, 2014)
• QRPA with Nonlinear Phonon Operator: Can it work? (Miroslav Macko, 2015)

Graduates' Career Opportunities

After completing the study programme Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics, its graduates have no problems with employment in the field or using acquired education in a wide range of related fields (experience with the placement of graduates of the previously functioning Master's degree). Graduates of this study have very good prerequisites for continuing their doctoral studies in study programmes of nuclear and subnuclear physics, theoretical physics or environmental physics in Slovakia, but also abroad. Graduates who do not continue their education at a higher level have a job mainly in the field of spectrometry and monitoring of radioactive radiation in the environment or around radioactive sources as independent professionals. They are also prepared to perform the function of professional officers with a focus on controlling radioactivity, checking compliance with the principles of radiation protection, from environmental authorities at various levels of state administration, public health authorities to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority. After mandatory training based on the legislation in force, they are also applied in the operation of nuclear power plants as operators and in other positions.

Due to quality education in mathematics and information technology, some graduates are employed in the positions of various analysts, administrators of complicated computer systems and networks, as well as developers of specialized software for scientific and technical applications.