ASTM32, Master's Degree Project in Astrophysics

Note: This webpage contains generic information regarding the degree project course ASTM32 at the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physic. The course calendar and course stream on this page are not active.

Description

The Master project is an original research project on a state-of-the-art topic in Astrophysics. The project is equivalent to a full-year of work (60 hp), spread over 3 semesters (in parallel with courses). Each student receives dedicated supervision from 1 or 2 staff members of the Observatory, experts in the field, and are integrated to their research teams. Students are given access to professional ressources and tools to conduct their projects, from world-class telescopes, to the fastest supercomputers.

Project selection

Potential supervisors propose a list of projects on the topic of the expertises covered at the Observatory, ranging from planets to cosmology, from a observational, theoretical, numerical or instrumental perspective. Each student meets with the supervisors and select a few project of interest. The projects are then attributed according to this selection.

Examples of recent projects

Detailed analysis of the chemical composition of stars harboring Earth-like planets
Formation and evolution of protoplanetary disks
Giant planet formation around HR8799
Analysis of stellar spectra with machine learning
Radial migration of stars, measured in N-body simulations
Galaxy evolution in extreme environments

Activities

The objectives of the master project are not only to develop scientific skills and methodology by conducting research work, but also to reach a certain level of independence, in problem-solving, and acquire technical know-hows. This prepares the students equally well for careers in academia and in the private sector.

To reach this, the master project includes activities related to communication (giving seminars, presentations at team meetings, writing popular science texts), and integration to a team (with regular meetings with a research group).

Evaluation

At the end of the project, the students submit their theses presenting their works (context, scientific question, method, results, conclusions), and take an oral defense for 45 minutes, followed by questions from a committee. The committee evaluates the scientific quality of the work, as well as the technical and communication skills of the candidates.

General information

Semester and study period: Normally starts every spring semester (mid-January) and goes on for three semesters, in parallel with other courses.
Level: advanced
Language: English
Form of teaching: Individual supervision, participation in the scientific activities of the Observatory
Assessment: written report, oral presentation, work progress assessments
Grading scale: U/G/VG
Course plans: ASTM32 (Swedish original), ASTM32 (English translation)

The Master project is part of the Master degree in Astrophysics, together with other courses.
Application via antagning.se or universityadmissions.se (the course is only available to students on the program)

Master project astrophysics