Physics and Astronomy (Master’s Program)

ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Physics and Astronomy Master’s Program aims to prepare a new generation of researchers who will acquire a deep and systematic understanding of current issues, modern approaches, and methods in physics and astronomy. Graduates will specialize in one of the program’s concentrations (elementary particle physics, theoretical astrophysics, cosmology and gravitation, condensed matter physics, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric and ionospheric physics, biophysics). They will be able to conduct independent research in their chosen field. This creates the prerequisite for graduates to be competitive in both the job market and for further studies after completing the program.

The Physics and Astronomy Master’s Program provides deep and systematic knowledge of both the fundamental laws and principles of physics, as well as current issues, achievements, and problems in the chosen concentration:

  • Elementary particle physics
  • Theoretical astrophysics
  • Cosmology and gravitation
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Atmospheric and ionospheric physics
  • Biophysics

 

Degree awarded: Master of Science in Physics

Language of instruction: Georgian

Program duration: 120 ECTS credits, 4 semesters

Why Should You Choose the Physics and Astronomy Master's Program at Ilia State University

Highly Qualified Academic Staff

The program is led by highly qualified academic staff who represent leading scientists in physics and astronomy with high citation indices and extensive research and practical experience. They actively collaborate with leading universities in Europe and the USA.

Integration of Practical Skills and Theoretical Knowledge

The program aims to prepare graduates who will be able to apply numerical and analytical mathematical methods to theoretical models of physical phenomena and solve complex physics problems, including through computer programs; provide conceptual descriptions of complex physical processes, data processing, and interpretation of results; and plan and implement theoretical, experimental, observational, or combined research projects within the chosen concentration using appropriate instruments and methods.

Diverse Curriculum Designed to International Standards

Modern technologies and their development rely on knowledge and the application of physics. Students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in areas of interest according to the diverse concentrations available in the program:

  • Elementary particle physics
  • Theoretical astrophysics
  • Cosmology and gravitation
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Atmospheric and ionospheric physics
  • Biophysics

Opportunity to Participate in Research Projects

Academic staff involved in the program represent leading research institutes and centers in Georgia. They also have connections with universities and research centers in Europe and the USA, which gives students the opportunity to engage in scientific projects and complete scientific work in highly productive research teams.

International Partnership and Erasmus+ Exchange Programs

Students will have opportunities to participate in practical and research programs at European universities, thereby gaining competitive benefits in the international market. The program actively collaborates with Jülich Research Center (Germany).


Program Directors

Professor Andria Rogavaandria.rogava@iliauni.edu.ge 

Professor Giorgi Japaridzegia_japaridze@iliauni.edu.ge 

Professor Teimuraz Zaqarashvilitemury.zaqarashvili@iliauni.edu.ge 

Professor Tinatin Kakhniashvilitinatin@iliauni.edu.ge 

Associate Professor Zurab Tavartkiladzezurab.tavartkiladze@iliauni.edu.ge 

Professor Nunu Metrevelinunu_metreveli@iliauni.edu.ge 

Associate Professor Maia Toduamayatodua@iliauni.edu.ge 


Employment Opportunities

Graduates with a Master of Science in Physics can continue their studies at the doctoral level or be employed:

  • In universities or scientific research institutions, both in Georgia and abroad, in educational institutions. According to concentrations:
  • For graduates of astronomy-astrophysics and atmospheric and ionospheric physics concentrations: astronomical observatories, scientific research institutions related to astronomy and astrophysics (see www.aas.org). Government and private structures (where statistics, data analysis, and modeling are required).
  • For graduates of the atmospheric and ionospheric physics concentration: scientific research institutions and observatories studying the atmosphere and ionosphere, monitoring centers studying regional and global climate change, air navigation, and hydrometeorological centers.
  • For graduates of elementary particle physics, cosmology and gravitation, and theoretical astrophysics concentrations: research and applied sectors of information technology and electronics; organizations where computer processing and modeling of information (data) and statistical analysis are required, other fields of physics and beyond.
  • For graduates of the condensed matter physics concentration: scientific research and educational institutions working in physics and related fields, high-tech materials science, nanoelectronics and nanoengineering research laboratories and industry; structures engaged in patent activities in nanotechnology; laboratories and commercial structures working on both theoretical and IT engineering issues of computing systems.
  • For graduates of the biophysics concentration: biomedical scientific institutions; clinical diagnostic centers. As a result of acquired skills, graduates will be able to work effectively outside the field of physics (new technologies, analytical services, and others).

Students wishing to pursue a master’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification in:

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Information and communication technologies
  • Engineering and engineering affairs

 

Admission to the master’s program is conducted in two stages:

  1. Based on the general master’s examination results and
  2. Internal university examination

 

During the internal university oral examination, knowledge of physics and mathematics is assessed, as well as motivation, communication, and reasoning skills. English language proficiency at the field-specific level is also tested at the B1 level.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

  • Academic performance at the previous level
  • Research and professional experience (where relevant)

Within the Physics and Astronomy Master’s Program, students choose one concentration:

  1. Elementary particle physics
  2. Theoretical astrophysics
  3. Condensed matter physics
  4. Astronomy and astrophysics
  5. Cosmology and gravitation
  6. Atmospheric and ionospheric physics
  7. Biophysics

 

Students of all concentrations must complete the common block mandatory courses – 30 credits (PHYSGEN)

During the fourth semester, prepare and defend a master’s thesis at the end of the semester – 30 credits

According to the chosen concentration, students must accumulate 90 credits according to the following structure:

Elementary Particle Physics

  • Mandatory courses – 42 credits
  • Elective courses – 18 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Theoretical Astrophysics

  • Mandatory courses – 30 credits
  • Elective courses – 30 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Condensed Matter Physics

  • Mandatory courses – 30 credits
  • Elective courses – 30 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Astronomy-Astrophysics

  • Mandatory courses – 42 credits
  • Elective courses – 18 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Cosmology and Gravitation

  • Mandatory courses – 30 credits
  • Elective courses – 30 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Atmospheric and Ionospheric Physics

  • Mandatory courses – 30 credits
  • Elective courses – 30 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Biophysics

  • Mandatory courses – 36 credits
  • Elective courses – 24 credits
  • Master’s thesis – 30 credits

Resources and Research

Partner Organizations

  • LEPL Tbilisi N42 Public School of Physics-Mathematics named after Academician Ilia Vekua
  • Evgeni Kharadze Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory
  • LEPL Institute of Micro and Nanoelectronics

International Partnerships

  • University of Göttingen
  • KU Leuven
  • University of Graz
  • Ohio University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • German Aerospace Center (DLR)
  • Ruhr University Bochum
  • International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste

Scientific Institutes and Centers

  • Institute of Applied Physics
  • Institute of Biophysics
  • Institute of Theoretical Physics
  • Center for Condensed Matter Theory and Computational Quantum Physics

Research Laboratories and Resources

  • Physics Educational and Research Laboratory
  • University Library

Research Projects

  • International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) program “Sandwich Training Educational Programme (STEP)”

International Workshops, Seasonal Schools, Conferences

  • First Practical Workshop in Astrophysics “Astrolab”
  • 10th Future Physicists Festival Final Conference
  • “Humanity and Its Environment – From Earth to Stars”

Academic Staff and Their Research Interests

  • For information about staff involved in the program, see the program catalog, and for their research interests, see the link.