Master project astrophysics - ASTM32

ASTM32

Master's Degree Project in Astrophysics, 

ASTM32

Master in Astrophysics    

Note: This webpage contains generic information regarding the degree project course ASTM32 at the Department of Physics. 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: The project 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)

Application

The Master project is part of the Master degree in Astrophysics, together with other courses.

Application via antagning.se Links to an external site. or universityadmissions.se Links to an external site. (the course is only available to students on the program).