INTERUNIVERSITY PROGRAMME

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1 Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical in Astronomy Chemistry and Computational Modelling Master of Science and Astrophysics INTERUNIVERSITY PROGRAMME Faculty of Science Rubik s Cube used with permission from Seven Towns Ltd.

2 The Faculty of Science is one of KU Leuven s oldest faculties. Its departments collaborate closely and foster a stimulating, research-oriented atmosphere. The faculty promotes high-quality teaching based on its inter - disciplinary research tradition. Upwards of 90 PhD dissertations are defended at the faculty each year. The faculty offers 8 Bachelor s programmes and 19 Master s programmes (8 of which are offered in English), all of which are firmly grounded in research carried out at the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. The faculty also maintains strong relationships with its alumni through the Science@Leuven Alumni Association. The faculty offers research-based teaching in the natural and mathematical sciences, combining established fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, geology, and geography with fields emerging at the intersec - tions of traditional disciplines, such as biophysics, medical radiation physics and environ - mental sciences. In the faculty s Bachelor s programmes, students are required to choose a secondary field of study in addition to their chosen specialisation. This enables them to broaden their understanding of the natural sciences. In the Dutch-language Master s programmes, students choose between three tracks a research track, an educational track or a professional track leading towards a career in research, secondary education, or business and industry, respectively. Our English-language Master s programmes are largely research-oriented. Department of Physics and Astronomy The Department of Physics and Astronomy aims to explore physical realities by means of mathematical, computational, experimental and observational techniques. Fifteen teams undertake internationally competitive research. Publishing research results in leading journals and attracting top-level scientists are key priorities. The department is dedicated to the study of new physics and the development of innovative techniques and maintains close links with industry (e.g., consulting, patents) and society (science communication). Additionally, the department is responsible for teaching basic physics courses in several study programmes. The Institute of Astronomy conducts research on stellar astrophysics. A particular area of expertise is asteroseismology, the field that studies the internal structure of stars (massive stars, red giants, blue subdwarfs) through the observation and theoretical interpretation of their oscillation spectra. Early and late evolutionary phases of single and binary low-mass stars are investigated, with a particular focus on the interaction of stars with their circumstellar environments. The institute is involved in the development and exploitation of instrumentation, both ground-based and space-based.

3 Admission requirements Objectives The field of astronomy is currently gaining importance worldwide, fuelled by technological developments. New generations of instruments, situated both on the earth s surface and in space, enable astronomers to study the origin, structure, and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe. Over the coming decades, astronomy will undoubtedly play a prominent role in international basic research. The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics programme offers a wide range of courses on the subfields of astrono my and on research methodology. Special attention will be devoted to the analysis and astrophysical interpretation of data, as well as to technological aspects of international astronomical research. Upon successful completion of this programme, students will have acquired: Thorough insight into various aspects of astronomy Insight into the sciences contributing to astronomy A critical research attitude developed through gradual training The ability to define and formulate strategies to study complex questions The ability to integrate technological developments in basic research The ability to construct simple numeric and physical-mathematical models to study data within a theoretical framework Holders of the following degrees are eligible for direct admission to the programme: Bachelor of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science, minor Physics Bachelor (of Science) in de fysica Bachelor (of Science) in de wiskunde, minor fysica Bachelor (of Science) in de chemie, minor fysica Non-native English speaking students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. TOEFL (computer-based test 233 pt., internet-based test 90 pt., paper-based test 575 pt.) or IELTS (7 pt.) International applicants must have an academic Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited Belgian or foreign university. The programme is designed for international students with a strong interest in astronomy who are considering a research career. Therefore, applicants must have sound knowledge of basic mathematics (analysis, differential equations, probability and statistics) and physics (classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics), at the level of international Bachelor s programmes in physics and engineering. International students must meet the language requirements set by KU Leuven s International Admissions & Mobility Unit.

4 Programme The Master of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics programme consists of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System - ECTS), divided over two years. In the first year, theoretical courses provide a solid foundation for further study, while students develop their research skills by undertaking a research project. The second year includes the Master s thesis, i.e. an extensive written report of research conducted in one of the department s astronomy research groups. MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS 120 ECTS COURSE ECTS Basic courses Stellar Structure and Evolution 5 Radiation Processes in Astronomy 6 Introduction to Cosmology 6 Observational Techniques in Astronomy 6 Students must choose two of the courses below. Research Projects in Theoretical Astrophysics 3 Research Projects II 3 Research School in Observational Astronomy 4 Optional courses min. 60 Students complete their programme with courses chosen from the following lists or for up to 12 ECTS from other Master s programmes within the Faculty of Science. General courses Introduction to Plasma Dynamics 6 Binary Stars 6 Star Formation 6 Stellar Atmosphere and Stellar Winds 6 The Milky Way Galaxy 6 Insterstellar Matter 6 Theory of Nucleosynthesis 3 Planetary Systems 6 Specialised Courses Plasmaphysics of the Sun 6 Relativity 6 Theoretical Seismology 6 Asteroseismology 6 Specialised Topics in Astronomical Techniques 6 Physics of Planets 6 Computational Methods for Astrophysical Applications 6 Space Weather 6 High-Energy Astrophysics 6 Master s thesis 30 For detailed descriptions of this programme s courses and for the course timetable, please consult

5 Discover KU Leuven Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium s largest university. Founded in 1425, it is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. The university welcomes more than 40,000 students, of which 16% are international students from more than 140 countries. KU Leuven s doctoral schools organise internationally oriented PhD programmes for over 4,000 doctoral students. The university is located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Leuven is a modern, bustling and safe student city with a long and rich history. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound. KU Leuven s central location offers a truly international experience. Major European capitals such as Brussels, Paris, London and Amsterdam are only a (very) short train journey away. Tuition fee (regular fee) Career prospects A research-oriented Master s programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics is essential to ensuring high-quality astronomy research. Graduates will have a competitive advantage when applying for a PhD, either locally or abroad, and the skills they acquire will also prepare them for research careers in a broad range of professional environments.

6 COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Oude Markt 13 box LEUVEN, Belgium tel fax onderwijscommunicatie@kuleuven.be Learn more General information International programmes: International Office: Faculty of Science Administrative Office tel info@wet.kuleuven.be This brochure provides the most complete information available concerning this Master s programme offered at KU Leuven. However, amendments to the composition of this programme may be approved at any time. Consequently, KU Leuven is in no way legally bound by the information provided in this brochure. The most recent information on all our academic programmes can be consulted on Last updated: February 2013 Copyright: D/2012/1082/112 v.u.: Isabelle Van Geet, Oude Markt 13 bus 5005, 3000 Leuven