Program Overview

Astrophysics and Astrochemistry Program

Overview

The Astrophysics and Astrochemistry program is offered by the UrFU Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. This 2-year program leads to an in-depth study and understanding of physical and chemical processes shaping the Universe, integrating observational astronomy, computational modeling, and experimental techniques.

Program Details

• Duration of study: 2 years
• Direction: Physics and Astronomy
• Code: 03.04.02
• Credits: 120 ECTS
• Language of Instruction: English
• Entry requirements: 4-year Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Astronomy or Physics

Program Description

The program focuses on the study of star and planet formation, astrochemical evolution, and high-energy astrophysical phenomena, applying advanced methods in data analysis, numerical simulations, and spectroscopy. It emphasizes hands-on experience, giving competencies in operating astronomical instruments, processing large-scale survey data, and conducting laboratory experiments simulating cosmic conditions.

Program Goal

• Preparing students for research work in astrophysics and astrochemistry
• Gaining deep understanding of physics, astronomy, and chemistry, research skills, strategic planning, critical evaluation of scientific results, and the ability to think independently
• Developing professional research-oriented competencies and soft skills

Career Prospects

• Research careers inside and outside academia
• Industrial sector, including IT, geodesy, logistics, and many other fields (national and international level)

Curriculum

The 1st semester (Fall):

• General and practical astrophysics
• Methods of statistical data processing and stellar statistics
• Fundamentals of chemical kinetics and physical solid state chemistry
• Methods of observational astronomy
• Celestial mechanics and dynamics of planetary systems

The 2nd semester (Spring):

• Theoretical astrophysics
• Fundamentals of radio astronomy
• Research internship 1

The 3rd semester (Fall):

• Star clusters
• Physics of the interstellar medium
• Astrochemistry
• Modern astronomical instruments and sensors
• Fundamentals of cosmology

The 4th semester (Spring):

• Research internship 2
• Master Thesis

Program's Teaching Staff

• Alla Kozhevnikova: Senior Researcher, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, teaches Fundamentals of cosmology
• Eduard Kuznetsov: Head of the Academic Department, Doctor of Science in Physics and Mathematics, teaches Celestial mechanics and dynamics of planetary systems
• Andrey Ostrovskiy: Senior Lecturer, teaches Methods of statistical data processing and stellar statistics, Theoretical astrophysics, Physics of the interstellar medium
• Anton Seleznev: Professor, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Senior Researcher, teaches Stellar Clusters, General and practical astrophysics
• Anton Vasyunin: Associate Professor, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, teaches Astrochemistry, Fundamentals of chemical kinetics and physical solid-state chemistry
• Saliy Svetlana: Associate Professor, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, teaches Fundamentals of radio astronomy
• Diachenko Alexey: Lecturer, teaches Methods of observational astronomy, Modern astronomical instruments and sensors

Program Highlights

1. Focus on experimental and theoretical topics
2. Research-oriented approach: students pursue their own research during the studies with the guidance of UrFU's faculty members
3. The program is divided into two parts: core courses in the first two semesters and a year-long research phase in the third and fourth semesters
4. Access to cutting-edge observatories, laboratory facilities, and international scientific networks

Possibilities for Continuing Research

Graduates of the program can continue their education as postgraduate students in subjects such as Astrophysics and Stellar Astronomy, Astrometry and Celestial Mechanics.

Tuition Fees

• For non-CIS citizens: 357,000 Russian rubles per year
• For CIS citizens: 332,000 Russian rubles per year
  • Discounts apply for applicants who earn 70 or more points at the entrance test, graduates of UrFU Preparatory Department, and winners of the Open Doors Scholarship project.