Universidad de La Serena | Astronomy Department

Master in Astronomy








Credit: Rodolfo Barbá/ULS
PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Master in Astronomy program aims to provide to the students advanced knowledge in Astronomy, allowing them to develop skills in scientific research. Graduates will be able to continue their postgraduate studies by completing a Doctorate, or perform professionally in fields related to academia and/or astronomical research.

DOWNLOAD POSTER (in Spanish)



CURRICULUM
The Master program's duration is two years (four semesters) on a full time basis and consists of the following courses:

Observational Astronomy, Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, Stellar Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astronomy, Elective in Astronomy I, Elective in Astronomy II.

Elective courses in Astronomy are: Galactic Dynamics, Interstellar Medium and Star Formation, Galactic Structure, Radio Astronomy, Binary Stars, Large-scale Structure of the Universe and Cosmology, Formation and Evolution of Galaxies.

The second year is devoted entirely to the development of the Master's Thesis, which consists of an original research project framed within the research lines of the Program, i.e., Stellar Astrophysics, Galactic Astrophysics, Extragalactic Astrophysics, and Numerical Astrophysics.


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply to this program candidates must have a Bachelor's degree (or Licenciatura) in Astronomy or Physics, or have an academic degree or related professional degree similar in level, content and duration.
Applicants must possess a solid knowledge base in Physics and/or Astronomy, computational skills and interest and commitment to research. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Two reference letters are also required.


RESEARCH AREAS

The main research areas developed by the members of the Astronomy Group of Universidad de La Serena are:

  • Stellar Astrophysics
  • Galactic Astrophysics
  • Extragalactic Astrophysics
  • Formationa and Evolution of Galaxies
  • Numerical Astrophysics


    • For more information regarding the research areas visit astro.userena.cl


    FINANCING/ SCHOLARSHIPS
    The ULS Office for Research and Development (DIDULS) offers an internal grant by application, covering about of 90% of the tuition fees. At the moment, all the students accepted in the Program were benefited with this scholarship. The ULS Office for Research and Development (DIDULS) offers a grant for Postgraduate Thesis Support. Academic staff may apply to this grant in order to finance part of the annual fee of the students. Currently, this grant covers about 75% of the total tuition program. Students accepted to the program, who estimate convenient to receive this support should take contact with those professors who can potentially dispose of these funds to support a master's thesis.

    APLICATION PROCESS AND DATES
    To apply visit the following link: apply here (in spanish):

    Applicants must submit the following items:

  • Curriculum vitae, including publications and participation in research projects (when applicable).
  • A list of undergraduate courses with their corresponding grades.
  • A copy of the academic degree and / or professional degree.
  • A motivation letter to enter the Program.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

    • As part of the selection process, the evaluation committee will interview the applicants.

    Important dates:
    Applications start: October 25th, 2021.
    Deadline for applications: November 30th, 2021.
    Admission results: December 17th, 2021.
    Start of the Program: April 2022.

    ACADEMIC STAFF
  • Dr. Ricardo Amorín (ULS)
  • Dra. Julia Arias (ULS)
  • Dr. Rodolfo Barbá (ULS)
  • Dr. Héctor Cuevas (ULS)
  • Dr. Guillermo Damke (ULS-AURA)
  • Dr. Douglas Geisler (ULS-UdeC)
  • Dr. Facundo Gómez (ULS)
  • Dr. Marcelo Jaque Arancibia (ULS)
  • Dra. Antonela Monachesi (ULS)
  • Dr. José Luis Nilo Castellón (ULS)
  • Dra. Amelia Ramírez (ULS)
  • Dr. Alexandre Román Lopes (ULS)
  • Dr. Sergio Torres Flores (ULS)
  • Dr. Yerko Vázquez (ULS)
    • CONTACT

    Dr. Rodolfo H. Barbá
    Director of Master in Astronomy Program
    e-mail: rbarba [at] userena.cl

    Dr. Ricardo Amorín
    Coordinator of Master in Astronomy Program
    e-mail: ricardo.amorin [at] userena.cl

    Address
    Departamento de Astronomía
    Av. Juan Cisternas #1200 Norte.
    La Serena
    Región de Coquimbo, Chile.

    Phone number
    +56 51 2204547


    Departamento de Astronomía - Facultad de Ciencias - Universidad de La Serena - La Serena, Chile.