Nuclear and Particle Physics

Graduates in Nuclear and Particle Physics at the Department of Physics are specialists in a wide range of disciplines. Their skills range from the designing detectors and hardware through to simulations, data analysis, control software development and theoretical prognosis. Graduates will find positions mainly in fundamental research in Czech and foreign institutes and laboratories, but also in commercial research and development the IT industry, the health industry and in other areas.

Within Nuclear and Particle Physics we offer the following structured courses:

  • Bachelor Degree in Nuclear and Particle Physics program (3 years) completed with the title of Bachelor – Bc.
  • Continuing Master Degree in Nuclear and Particle Physics program (2 years) completed with the title of Ing – (Eng).
  • Doctoral Degree in Nuclear Engineering branch with Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics specialization (4 years) completed with the degree of Ph.D.

Complete study programs for the Bachelor´s and Master´s degree course in Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP), including timetables can be found in Study plans and Timetables (in Czech). If you are interested in topics for Bachelor projects and Master theses, these can be found in Project/thesis topics (in Czech)

Fields of study

  • Data Analysis – join international experiments and try to find a new particle, new symmetries or a black hole in the data that were measured.
  • Development of detectors and hardware – take part in the development of new technology to be used for experiments in high energy physics , but also in hospitals and satellites.
  • Theory – try to explain as yet unexplained phenomena or unite all the forces in the world into one theory .
  • Software – join in the development of new methods of data analysis or software for the operation of experiments.

As a student of NPP, you will be able to join one of a number of international projects in which we co-operate, e.g., the experiments ALICE and ATLAS in CERNu, the experiment STAR in BNL or the experiment CBM v GSI.

 

Bachelor's Degree Course

Nuclear and Particle Physics program, 3 years, completed with the title Bc.
Head of Program: doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Bielčík, Ph.D.

Branch description:

The program is based on a course in subatomic physics and quantum physics. It contains lectures in theoretical physics, thermodynamics and statistical physics. These fundamentals are complemented by lectures on interaction of ionizing radiation with matter and detectors of ionizing radiation. As part of the study we offer the option of a two-semester course in experimental physics.

Emphasis is placed on methods of experimental data collection and its subsequent computer processing, on the physical interpretation of experimental results and possible practical applications of findings. Independent work in a laboratory constitutes an important part of the course where an individual approach, under supervisor, is preferred. Students join science and research programmes where they are trained in modern research methods and teamwork. Education is offered in close co-operation with external institutes (the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, CERN Geneva, BNL Brookhaven, FNAL Chicago, GSI Darmstadt, etc.).

Graduate profile:

Knowledge: Graduates gain knowledge of core subjects in physics, mathematics and IT which they creatively apply to solve new interdisciplinary problems of science and technology. Graduates can continue their studies in continuing Master Degree course or in another related branch.

Skills: Usage of methods and techniques of experimental nuclear physics with a view to solving real problems of nuclear and particle physics.

Competence: Bachelor Graduates will find positions in industry, research and the private sector. At work they will be able to use analytical thinking, a systematic approach based on acquired knowledge and skills in modern computer technology. They will be able to work at nuclear research institutions, in healthcare, mining and civil engineering. They get qualifications as experimental physicists with a wide range of openings in research (fundamental, applied, strategic) and in the development of technological applications. They will be able to solve complex physics problems through the use of state-of-the-art experimental technology.

Master's Degree course

Nuclear and Particle Physics program, 2 years, completed with a title Ing (Eng)
Head of Program: doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Bielčík, Ph.D.

Branch description:

The foundation consists of a course in atomic core physics and the quantum field, including lectures in theoretical and quantum physics. It is expanded by lectures in the theory of electro-weak interactions, neutron physics, nuclear spectroscopy, quantum chromo dynamics, and experimental methods in nuclear and sub-nuclear physics. The course includes a two-semester practical in experimental nuclear physics.

Emphasis is placed on methods of experimental data collection and subsequent computer processing, on physical interpretation of experimental results and possible practical applications of findings. Independent work in a laboratory constitutes an important part of the course, where an individual approach is preferred. Students join science and research programmes where they are trained in modern research methods and teamwork. Education is offered in close co-operation with external institutes (the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, CERN Geneva, BNL Brookhaven, FNAL Chicago, GSI Darmstadt, etc.).

Graduate profile:

Knowledge: Graduates in nuclear and particle physics master degree course obtain qualification as research physicists with a wide range of openings in research (fundamental, applied, strategic) and in the development of technological applications.

Skills: Usage of methods and techniques of applied nuclear physics with a view to solving real engineering, research and scientific problems. In addition to specialised skills gained during their study, graduates have other more commonplace skills such as adaptability, a quick grasp of unfamiliar interdisciplinary problems, problem analysis and subsequent computer processing, synthesis and good writing skills. They will also develop a sense of responsibility at work and in decision making.

Competence: Graduates will find positions in the nuclear industry, research and power engineering. At work they will be able to use analytical thinking and a systematic approach based on acquired knowledge and skills in advanced computer technology. They will be able to work independently to solve complex physics problems through the use of state-of-the-art experimental technology.

Doctoral Degree Course

Nuclear Engineering branch - Nuclear and Particle Physics specialization, 4 years, completed with a title Ph.D.
Head of Program: prof. Jesus Guillermo Contreras, Ph.D.

The doctoral programme in Nuclear Engineering prepares graduates for independent creative research in a wide range of fundamental scientific areas of nuclear and particle physics and their industrial applications, especially in nuclear energetics and radiation detection.

The doctoral course in Nuclear Engineering is offered by the Department of Nuclear Reactors, the Department of Dosimetry and Application of Ionizing Radiation, and the Department of Physics.

  • The area of Reactor Studies covers reactor physics, applied and experimental nuclear physics, neutron physics, nuclear safety and the relation between nuclear energy and the environment, computational methods and methods of mathematical modelling. It also addresses the issues of control systems, accelerator-driven transmutation technologies and the physics and technology of nuclear fusion.

  • The aim of the Physics and Technology of Thermonuclear Fusion course is to educate experts concerned with controlled release of nuclear energy based on fusion of light isotopes of hydrogen.

  • Dosimetry and Applications of Ionizing Radiation is focused on radiation physics, dosimetry and microdosimetry, interaction of radiation, radioanalytical methods, radiation technology, medical and engineering applications of radionuclides and ionizing radiation, computational and modelling methods, radiation protection and radiation monitoring, and protection of the environment.

  • In the Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics, experimental physicists are trained in particle physics and nuclear physics, in particular in the issues of construction, operation and evaluation of data from particle detectors in international experiments, as well as in developing their skills in related areas of theoretical physics, particularly with respect to the phenomenology of strongly interacting elementary particles and a description of the quark-gluon plasma.

This PhD programme is offered in cooperation with national and international academic and scientific institutions, i.e. Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University (FEE CTU), Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) - Institute of Physics (IP), Nuclear Physics Institute (NPI), and Institute of Plasma Physics (IPP), as well as Nuclear Research Institute Řež (NRI Řež), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), and GSI Helmholtz Zentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt. Participation of students (internships, data collection) in research at partner institutions is very common.

The PhD course is linked to research activities of individual departments and institutions and their grants.