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Courses

Doctor's Degree in Astronomy

The main objective of this Doctoral Program in Astronomy is to train future astronomers/researchers in space sciences, able to compete at an international level for a research position. The fields available for advanced training by reserach in this doctoral degree include Astrophysics, Cosmology, Planetary Sciences, Instrumentation and Systems for Space Sciences, etc. The Program is open both to high quality Portuguese and foreign students who have completed a 2nd Cycle in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics or similar fields of science. Students who have completed a 1st Cycle and have a particularly relevant CV may also be accepted in the Program. Due to the increasingly technological component of the recent astronomy projects, we also aim at attracting students with a diversified background, namely in technology and engineering, systems and control, or informatics, amongst other areas. Astronomy offers them unique and exciting opportunities for further training. 


Objectives

The main objective of this 3rd Cycle of Studies in Astronomy is to train future astronomers/researchers in space sciences, able to compete at an international level for a research position. The fields available for advanced training by reserach in this doctoral degree include Astrophysics, Cosmology, Planetary Sciences, Instrumentation and Systems for Space Sciences, etc.

Fields of Specialization

This degree offers the opportunity for selection of research topics that include all major areas of Astronomy, from Astrophysics and Cosmology to all components of Space Sciences in general. Co-supervisions of external researchers are favoured, namely through experts in international instituions of which Portugal is a member state, like ESO and ESA.

Professional Abilities

The main objective of this 3rd Cycle of Studies in Astronomy is to train future astronomers. Due to the increasingly technological component of the recent astronomy projects, we also aim at attracting students with a diversified background, namely in technology and engineering, systems and control, or informatics, amongst other areas. Astronomy offers them unique and exciting opportunities for further training.

During this Doctoral Programme and besides the formal training in Astronomy, particular attention is also given to the development of special competences. These will enable the students to address complex problems without a unique solution, or face new situations, or wider contexts which involve a multidisciplinary approach and a close dependence on observational data, instrumentation, mathematics and modelling techniques, data processing and analysis. The aim is to provide effective training in:
  • Dealing with complex questions, searching for solutions and taking decisions in situations of limited or incomplete information involving the need to critically evaluate the adequacy of the results, step by step;
  • Reflecting on the ethical and social responsibilities associated with the research activity;
  • Communicating the results, both to specialists and non-specialists, in a clear and unambiguous manner;
  • Interiorizing the need for a lifelong learning attitude in consequence of the fast mutability of knowledge - the frontiers of Astronomy widen up and the perspective of the problems changes whenever new technologies are incorporated, pushing further the limits of observation;
  • Contextualizing the role and influence of human kind on the common habitat and the urgency in its preservation.

Employment Prospects

The professional with a Doctor's degree in Astronomy is qualified to take advantage of opportunities for joining various careers where an interdisciplinary training can be an advantage. These career opportunities, in any country of Europe or outside, include, but are not limited to;
  • University positions in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, physical sciences in general and in space sciences and technologies. 
  • Researchers in institutes and research units, national or foreign, including the international organizations of which Portugal is a member state, such as ESO and ESA. 
  • Highly qualified technicians to support the operation of infrastructure in space sciences, including observatories, space missions and technological development laboratories for space sciences and technologies. 
  • Professionals in the industry, in general, where the interdisciplinary training is an asset, but in particular in services and technology linked to space that goes from specific software to hardware for detectors and equipment used for observation from ground and space.


Admissions Requirements

  • A master’s degree or the legal equivalent in astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, systems whether IT of otherwise, computer science or other areas relevant to astronomy and astronomical equipment and/or the analysis, or management of data and images, or
  • A first cycle degree or the equivalent with academic or scientific experience of great relevance which has been recognised by the Scientific Board as guaranteeing their ability to successfully complete this cycle of studies, or
  • A first cycle and/or master’s degrees or the equivalent with highly relevant academic or scientific experience recognised by the Scientific Board as sufficient guarantee of their ability to successfully complete this cycle of studies. Candidates must have sufficient spoken and written skills to pursue their studies in English. 

 


Selection and Ranking Criteria

  • The evaluation of the candidate’s curriculum vitae (appropriateness for desire goals and first cycle or master’s degree mark average in astronomy) – 60%
  • The scientific evaluation of previous research (reports, publications, participation in scientific meetings, etc.) – 30%;
  • Other relevant academic information – 10%

Information


Contacts

Course Diretor: pd.ast.diretor@fc.up.pt
Postgraduate Section: pos.graduacao@fc.up.pt
Students: pd.ast@fc.up.pt

General information

Official Code: 5302
Director: Nuno Santos
Acronym: PDA
Academic Degree: Doctor
Type of course/cycle of study: Doctoral Degree
Start: 2007/2008
Duration: 3 Years

Study Plan

Certificates

  • Doctoral Degree in Astronomy (180 ECTS credits)
  • Curso de Doutoramento do Programa Doutoral em Astronomia (30 ECTS credits)

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study

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