It comprises 90 credits of advanced studies (incl. a Master’s thesis of 30 credits) and 30 credits of other studies.
The programme includes two study tracks: Elementary Particle Physics and Cosmology and Astrophysical Sciences. You can find more information about the study tracks and their course packages below.
The preliminary syllabus for the academic year 2024 - 2025 can be found on the Instructions for students website. Make sure to select the correct programme from the drop-down menu. Please note, that some courses will not be lectured every academic year.
The Master’s Programme in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences includes two study tracks:
The study track in elementary particle physics and cosmology focuses on experimental or theoretical particle physics or cosmology. The theories that form our current understanding of these issues must be continuously re-evaluated in the light of new experimental results. In addition to analytical computational skills, this requires thorough mastery of numerical analysis methods. In experimental particle physics, the main challenges pertain to the management and processing of continuously amassing data.
The study track in astrophysical sciences focuses on observational or theoretical astronomy or space physics. Our understanding of space, ranging from Earth’s near space all the way to universal structures, is being continuously redefined because of improved experimental equipment located both in space and on the Earth’s surface. Several probes are also carrying out direct measurements of planets, moons and interplanetary plasma in our solar system. Another key discipline is theoretical astrophysics which, with the help of increasingly efficient supercomputers, enables us to create in-depth models of various phenomena in the universe in general and the field of space physics in particular. Finally, plasma physics is an important tool in both space physics and astronomical research.
The courses typically include lectures, exercises, group work and research literature and end in examinations and/or final assignments. In addition, some studies can be completed as book examinations.
PAP301 Seminar in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences (5 cr) (including individual study plan)
PAP350 Master's thesis (30 cr)
PAP399 Maturity test (0 cr)
Select either
TCM302 Quantum mechanics IIa (5 cr)
TCM303 Quantum mechanics IIb (5 cr)
TCM304 Mathematical methods of physics IIIa (5 cr)
TCM305 Mathematical methods of physics IIIb (5 cr)
PAP338 Gaseous radiation detectors and scintillators (5 cr)
PAP339 Semiconductor radiation detectors (5 cr)
MATR386 Physics of positrons in solids and defects (5 cr)
PAP340 Physics of semiconductor devices (5 cr)
PAP328 Laboratory course on instrumentation (5 cr)
PAP327 Particle physics phenomenology (5 cr)
PAP329 Particle physics experiments (5 cr)
PAP331 Computing methods in high energy physics (5 cr)
PAP334 Statistical methods (5 cr)
MATR323 Basics of Monte Carlo simulations (5 cr)
DATA11002 Introduction to Machine Learning (5 cr)
PAP332 Introduction to Particle Physics I (5 cr)
PAP325 Introduction to Particle physics II (5 cr)
TCM327 Quantum Field Theory I (5 cr)
TCM328 Quantum Field Theory II (5 cr)
TCM329 Quantum Field Theory III (5 cr)
TCM332 Quantum Field Theory IV (5 cr)
PAP344 Introduction to the Physics of Neutrinos (5 cr)
PAP346 Path Integral Quantization of Gauge Field Theories (5 cr)
PAP347 Theories beyond the standard model (5 cr)
PAP326 Cosmology II (5 cr)
PAP348 General relativity I (5 cr)
PAP349 General relativity II (5 cr)
PAP352 Galaxy Survey Cosmology (5 cr)
PAP353 Gravitational Lensing (5 cr)
You can select courses of Astrophysical Sciences Study Track as agreed with your Academic supervisor.
Other studies can include study modules or individual courses from other programmes as agreed in personal study plan. Also practical training and language studies can be included.
PAP301 Seminar in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences (5 cr) (including individual study plan)
PAP350 Master's thesis (30 cr)
PAP399 Maturity test (0 cr)
Complete at least two of these courses.
PAP302 Open problems in modern astrophysics (5 cr)
PAP303 Statistical Inverse Methods (5 cr)
PAP304 Plasma Physics (5 cr)
PAP306 Advanced Course in Observational Astronomy I (5 cr)
PAP307 Advanced Course in Observational Astronomy II (5 cr)
PAP308 Special Course in Observational Astronomy (5 cr)
PAP309 Interstellar Matter (5 cr)
PAP311 Small Bodies in the Solar System (5 cr)
PAP312 Time Series Analysis in Astronomy (5 cr)
PAP313 Variable Stars (5 cr)
PAP351 Stellar magnetic activity (5 cr)
PAP314 Introduction to light scattering (5 cr)
PAP315 Computational light scattering (5 cr)
PAP316 Astrophysical light scattering problems (5 cr)
PAP317 Galactic Dynamics (5 cr)
PAP318 Galaxy formation and evolution (5 cr)
PAP319 High Energy Astrophysics (5 cr)
PAP320 Radiative Transfer (5 cr)
PAP305 Space Applications of Plasma Physics (5 cr)
PAP321 Solar Physics (5 cr)
PAP323 Advanced Space Plasma Physics (10 cr)
MATR322 Numerical methods in scientific computing (10 cr)
PAP324 Numerical space physics (5 cr)
MATR323 Basics of Monte Carlo simulations (5 cr)
PAP354 Space and Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence (5 cr)
You can select courses of Particle Physics and Cosmology study track as agreed with your PSP supervisor.
Other studies can include study modules or individual courses from other programmes as agreed in personal study plan. Also practical training and language studies can be included.