Master’s degree in Astrophysics and Instrumentation for Space

General Objectives of the Course

The Astrophysics of precision is based on sophisticated instrumentation placed either on earth or in orbit, on the ability to manipulate large amounts of observational data and computational modeling and simulation on a large scale. It is a strongly interdisciplinary area of great growth, on which teams from the more different origin cooperate, involving astronomers, physicists, engineers, mathematicians but also chemists and geologists.

The MSc in Astrophysics and Instrumentation for Space intends to train professionals able to integrate these teams, either in major international organizations (ESA, EUSO, etc...) or in technology companies with contracts within the space field.

The very flexible structure of the Master allows students to choose course units that best fit their profile and that best complement their previous training, bearing in mind the career opportunities that most interest them. Therefore, they may focus on Astrophysics and Theoretical Cosmology or Computational Modeling and Data Analysis, or on Instrumentation and Navigation Engineering.

The course reflects the excellence of scientific and technical activities of the Departments of Physics and Mathematics of FCTUC in the fields of instrumentation and data acquisition, of observational astronomy and geodesy, and computing, simulation and data analysis. The training is solid and multidisciplinary and that is very appreciated by employers in search of versatile individuals, familiar with diverse instrumentation and with solid knowledge of computing and informatics.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Physics Engineering , Mathematics, Geographical Engineering and related areas.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

Research activities in laboratories and other research and developpment institutions, specially those involved with international organizations as the ESA, ESO, CERN, etc.;

project activities in technology companies operating in the space business;

activities related with the services of high technological potential;

educational activities either in teaching organizations or in museums and related.

Mode of Study

The course is delivered in the daytime schedule.

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever assessment includes more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Course Coordinator(s)

José Lopes Pinto da Cunha
jpinto@fis.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

The recognition of prior knowledge to the course is expressed in the very recognition of the degree that is required. Additionally prior work presented in a Bachelor’s Diploma supplement can be considered and recognized for the purpose of crediting work.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Decree-Law no. 74/2006, 24th of March, amended and republished by the decree: DL no. 107/2008, 25th of June; Ordinance no. 782/2009, 23rd of July. The course plan was published in the Dispatch no. 20133/2009, updated by the Dispatch nº 2653/2011.

Graduation Requirements

The completion of the course requires a minimum of 120 ECTS.

Access to Further Studies

Post-graduate Ph.D. studies

Study Programme

Astrophysics and Instrumentation for Space

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Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme

DGES Code: M154

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 4 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Advanced specialization second cycle

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Applications

Call for Applications

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Calendar

1st Semester

Start date: 16-09-2013
Start date (first year): 16-09-2013
End date: 21-12-2013

2nd Semester

Start date: 10-02-2014
End date: 31-05-2014

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Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior

2016-10-06 a 2022-10-05

Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

2011-03-18