COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy is a research-focused graduate program that combines advanced coursework with a substantial thesis component. Students are required to complete ASTR561 (Student Seminar), where they present and discuss their research, helping to build strong scientific communication and presentation skills. Participation in PHYS560 (Colloquium) exposes students to a wide range of current research topics and developments in physics and astronomy through seminars and guest lectures. The central requirement of the program is the MSc thesis (PHYS599), which involves conducting original research in astronomy or astrophysics under the supervision of faculty members and contributes new knowledge to the field. In addition to these components, students must complete 6 units of coursework, with at least 4.5 units drawn from graduate-level Physics (PHYS) or Astronomy (ASTR) courses, allowing them to tailor their studies to their research interests such as observational astronomy, computational astrophysics, or cosmology. The program concludes with a final oral examination, where students defend their thesis and demonstrate a deep understanding of their research area. Overall, the program equips students with advanced analytical, research, and communication skills for careers in science, technology, or further doctoral studies.