To open and close this bar, use alt+/

Program Structure

There are two interconnected tracks for this program: Astrophysics and Space Systems. Elective classes will be track-specific.

Each track consists of 70 credits:

  • 40 credits from formal coursework, with 16 credits from Master-level classes, and 24 from PhD-level classes,
  • 30 credits are awarded for the PhD dissertation, which is to be defended at the end of the 5th year.

Coursework

Classwork is divided into two different categories, Master-level classes and PhD-level classes.

  • The Master-level classes offer students a common, large panoramic view of the concepts and techniques at the foundation of astrophysics and space science. These classes, for a total of 16 credits, are organized into three core classes for all students and two lab classes to be chosen.
  • The PhD-level classes are instead meant to give an in-depth view of specific subjects and current research topics in one of the two tracks selected by the student. They are organized in four elective classes to be chosen according to the selected track, and two research rotations.

Students will finish their coursework within their second year, after which they will have to pass a comprehensive exam. At the end of their fifth semester, we expect the students to present their thesis proposal to the faculty members. A thesis has to be presented and defended by the end of the fifth year.

Courses

 
Intro/core Classes (Master Level) Radiative processes, Astrophysics, Detectors, and Telescopes
Laboratory Classes (Master Level) - two courses Radio Astronomy Lab, X-ray Astronomy Lab, Optical Spectrometry Lab, AstroParticle Lab, Optics and Photon Detection Lab
Electives
  Astrophysics Track AstroChemistry, AstroParticle Physics, Compact Objects, Foundations of Spacetime, General Relativity, High Energy Astrophysics, Numerical Methods in Astrophysics, Observational Cosmology, Planetary Physics, Quantum Gravity and Black Holes, Quantum Gravity and Cosmology, Theory of Galaxy Formation
Space Systems Track Human-Computer Interaction for Space Exploration, Radiative Transfer, Rocket and High-speed Propulsion, Robotics, Space Instrumentation, Spacecraft Dynamics, Space Economy and Sustainability, Sensors and Actuators for Space Applications, Tele-operations
Common Electives Radiative and Mechanical Transport, Fluid Mechanics