Theoretical Physics

Graduates of the master's study program Theoretical physics have extensive knowledge of oncepts and notions of theoretical physics and master a powerful mathematical apparatus able to solve complex physical problems. They are familiar with simulation methods and can work with advanced software; they are also able to prepare a talk on the topic they interested in and explain the results of their own work. The graduates with the specialization Elementary particles keep track with the current knowledge about the structure of matter, as provided by the quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics based on it. During studies they typically participate in the search for possible extensions of the Standard Model, taking place in close connection with the experiments on the accelerators at CERN, and in case they cooperate more extensively with CERN they have experience with modern shared programming and numerical methods such as Monte Carlo. The graduates with the specialization Mathematical physics and gravity master formal approaches to the study of open problems in the whole spectrum of physical theories from quantum field theory to the theory of condensed matter. They are also acquainted with the current state of knowledge about the issues falling under the general theory of relativity, especially about the physics of black holes and the structure and evolution of the universe, and have general knowledge of astronomical observations essential for understanding of the processes in the universe, such as observations of the anisotropies of cosmic microwave background, or recent detection of gravitational waves coming from the merging of black holes. The graduates with the specialization Many-particle physics have a detailed idea of the current state of knowledge about the properties of solids in a wide range of external conditions. They are proficient in modern methods facilitating the researcher to manage the complexity of many-particle systems, as well as in advanced mathematical methods by which such systems are described.

The study program is a set of subjects and a set of rules, compiled in such a way that successful completion of the subjects while maintaining the rules allows the student to obtain a university degree. For each study program, a recommended study plan is set, compiled so that by completing it the student meets the conditions for successful completion of studies within its standard length.

The creation of a study plan is usually based on a modular (block) principle in order to enable students to continuously adjust the focus within the chosen field of study and expand the scope of study. The study plan is divided into compulsory, compulsory optional and optional subjects. The subject consists of independent educational activities aimed at providing education in a specific area, or their combination.

The profile subjects of the study plan are compulsory or compulsory optional subjects and by finishing them, the student will acquire the knowledge and skills that are essential for the completion of the study program. The updating of study programmes reflecting the development in the area is realized by oprional subjects, making possible the use of short-term presence of outside-the-faculty experts in the teaching process. The inclusion of several (oprional) subjects in the programmes responds to the constructive comments of students and their interest in particular areas.

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 (only in Slovak language):

• Simulácia grafénu pomocou Monte Carlo dráhových integrálov (Juraj Hašík, 2015)
• Modely dynamiky veľkých kvantových systémov (Michal Širaň, 2015, školiteľ: Pavel Bóna)
• Efekt gravitačnej šošovky v prítomnosti plazmy (Matej Sárený, 2016, školiteľ: Vladimír Balek)
• Štúdium procesu s narušením leptónovej vône h0 -> li+lj- v minimálnom supersymetrickom štandardnom modeli (Samuel Beznák, 2017, školiteľ: Tomáš Blažek)
• Teória poľa na nekomutatívnej sfére a maticové modely (Mária Šubjaková, 2017, školiteľ: Juraj Tekel)
• Relavistické metódy v nekomutatívnej kvantovej mechanike (Adam Hložný, 2018, školiteľ: Peter Prešnajder)
• Dynesova supravodivosť v systémoch s náhodne orientovaným magnetickým poľom (Dušan Kavický, 2018, školiteľ: Richard Hlubina)

Graduates can continue their studies at the 3rd level, not only at the faculty they come from, but also abroad, as the study programme is compatible with similar programmes elsewhere. After obtaining a PhD, they can be employed in academia or in research organizations as CERN, where they will benefit from the comprehensible knowledge of theoretical physics they have acquired during their studies. Due to the extent of their knowledge about modeling complex systems by the methods of mathematical physics and computer simulations, the graduates can find employment in the programming environment, especially in companies from private sector investing in development departments (insurance companies, banks, telecommunications, Internet companies). They can work outside academia also in professions directly related to their specialization: graduate with the specialization Elementary particles as a radiation physicist, programmer at accelerators used in medicine or worker in nuclear energy industry, especially in the field of environmental radioactivity monitoring; graduate with the specialization Mathematical physics and gravitation in the space research within the EU; and graduate with the specialization Many-particle physics in workplaces engaged in research and development of advanced materials, nanotechnology, sensors, etc.