Programme structure
Programme structure for students attending this study programme from fall 2018
Programme structure 2017
Courses
Courses recommended in the first semester:
AST4310 – Radiative processes in astrophysics
AST4320 – Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy and
FYS4150 - Computational Physics
The first semester may differ slightly for those focusing on theoretical cosmology in their Master’s Degrees (see example of study plan for cosmology).
At least two Master's courses in Astronomy are to be included in your coursework. Remaining courses of 40 credits may consist of 4000/5000 level courses in astronomy, physics, mathematics,mechanics,statistics and informatics. A minimum of 20 credits must be courses that are not Astronomy courses. Up to 20 credits of other courses may be included if approved by the local Programme Council.
Teaching and assessment may vary within the departments.
Study plan example - Cosmology
The study plan table below gives an illustration of how your studies during the programme can be organized.
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester | Master's thesis. It is also possible to take two courses during the second semester and one course in the third semester. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. semester | STK4900 - Statistical methods and application | AST5220 - Cosmology II | FYS4160 - The general theory of relativity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | AST4310 - Radiative processes in astrophysics | AST4320 - Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy | FYS4150 - Computational Physics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recommended courses in cosmology
FYS4130 - Statistical mechanics (Spring)
FYS4170 - Relativistic quantum field theory (Autumn)
FYS4560 - Elementary particle physics (Spring)
FYS5120 - Advanced quantum field theory (Spring)
FYS5190 - Supersymmetry (Spring, recommended previous knowledge: FYS4170 - Relativistic quantum field theory)
STK4021 - Applied Bayesian Analysis and Numerical Methods (Autumn)
For those who are to write a thesis in Theoretical Cosmology, the course FYS4170 - Relativistic quantum field theory can replace AST4310 - Radiative processes in astrophysics if recommended by the supervisor.
Study plan example - Solar physics
The study plan table below gives an illustration of how your studies during the programme can be organized.
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester | Master's thesis | Optional | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. semester | Master's thesis | AST5210 - Stellar Atmospheres I | FYS4130 - Statistical mechanics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | AST4310 - AST4310 - Radiative processes in astrophysics | AST4320 - Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy | FYS4150 - Computational Physics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recommended courses in solar physics:
MAT-INF4300 - Partial differential equations and Sobolev spaces I (Autumn)
INF5620 - Numerical methods for partial differential equations (Autumn)
INF5670 - Numeriske metoder for Navier-Stokes likninger (Autumn)
INF3380 - Parallell programming for scientific problems (Spring, Bachelor's level course that will require admission to single courses).
Study plan example - Extragalactic cosmology
The study plan table below gives an illustration of how your studies during the programme can be organized.
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester | Master's thesis. It is also possible to take two courses during the second semester and one course in the third semester. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. semester | STK4900 - Statistical methods and application | AST5220 - Cosmology II | FYS4160 - The general theory of relativity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | AST4310 - Radiative processes in astrophysics | AST4320 - Cosmology and extragalactic astronomy | FYS4150 - Computational Physics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supervision
During the first semester you must find a supervisor among the scientific staff at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics. Work on your thesis will be carried out under close supervision. You will usually meet with your supervisor once a week to define, organize and discuss your work. During the second semester you are to set up a study plan with coursework including a project description for your thesis.
Master's thesis
Your thesis may be in the field of:
? Cosmology
? Solar physics
? or Extragalactic cosmology
The thesis may be in the form of observational astronomy, theory/modelling or a combinaton of both:
- Observational Astronomy: The use of observational data either obtained from an astronomical observatory abroad (e.g. Nordic Optic Telescope or Swedish Solar Telescope, both on La Palma, the Canary Islands) or from other sources (for example space observatories). You will handle and analyse data using computer based tools.
- Theory/modelling: Use knowledge in physics to solve astrophysical problems. In most cases a lot of the work will be carried out on computers.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Science in Astronomy