16 Physics Degree Programs in Czech Republic

The study program is focused on the problems of didactics of physics and general problems of physics. It stems from scientific disciplines such as physics, didactics of physics, pedagogy, and psychology. The main goal is to provide students with a complex overview of the didactics of physics, teach them independent scientific practice in this field and allow for a deeper understanding of some parts of physics. This program naturally follows the master’s program Physics Education for Secondary Schools which, out of the whole Charles University, can be studied solely at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. It is therefore natural that this faculty also has a doctorate program focused on didactics of physics and general problems of physics. This study program is unique by being the only one at our university to offer doctorate-level studies in the field of didactics of physics.

The goal of the doctoral study program (DSP) is to educate excellent experts in the physics of nanostructures and nanomaterials suited for the future carrier in basic and applied research in nanotechnologies. The main pillars of the DSP are the theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics and physics of surfaces, advanced experimental and theoretical methods for studying the nanostructures, and smart technologies for preparation of nanostructures and nanomaterials. The DSP is of highly interdisciplinary nature and fits the cutting-edge topics of current physical and material sciences like spintronics, nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, and quantum computing. It is the only DSP in the Faculty of mathematics and physics, which integrates various areas of physics and materials research with outreach to chemistry, biology, and medicine. In coherence with the tradition of the education, in the Faculty of mathematics and physics, the ultimate goal of the education in the DSP is to provide a deep theoretical background for understanding the key physical principles and phenomena underlying the unique properties of nanostructures and nanomaterials.

The program is devoted to the experimental and theoretical study of properties of condensed systems, their microphysical interpretation, and possible applications, in particular with respect to the current development of materials research. In addition to common study, the students can select one of the following specializations: Physics of atomic and electronic structures, Physics of macromolecular compounds, Physics of materials, Low-temperature physics, Physics of surface modifications. Each of these blocks provides a general education in condensed matter physics at the contemporary level of knowledge and shapes the graduate in the selected specialization.

The focus of this field lies at the interface between physics, biology, and chemistry. The course builds on the basic physics education that deepens in the fields of theoretical and experimental physics important for the description and investigation of molecules, biopolymers, supramolecular systems, and biological objects. The graduate gains knowledge of quantum theory and statistical physics of molecules and molecular systems, experimental methods of biophysics and chemical physics, especially optical and other spectroscopic methods, structural analysis, and imaging techniques. Students choose one of two specializations: theoretical or experimental biophysics and chemical physics. In the theoretical specialization, they will gain deeper knowledge in the field of quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, or advanced theoretical spectroscopy; in the experimental specialization, they will acquire knowledge in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, biophysics of photosynthesis, or structural methods. Through regular seminars, diploma theses, and thematic lectures students get an idea of the current problems solved in individual fields and methods of scientific work. Thanks to a wide range of knowledge, graduates have the opportunity to apply in research and applied disciplines related to physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, material research, bio-, and nano-technologies or pharmacy.

The study program covers all aspects of plasma physics and with extensions to theoretical physics (elementary processes) and to some topics of astrophysics (interplanetary space plasma, dust/ice cloud problems in the solar system) and nuclear fusion. Studies include also borderline disciplines such as plasma chemistry, plasma interaction with solid surface and complex plasma. The program prepares professionals with a broad foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer modeling of physical processes and with deep knowledge of plasma physics.

The study program provides advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of surface science, physics of interfaces and thin film physics, areas supporting contemporary nanotechnology. It includes the study of surface processes and structures at an atomic scale using a number of various experimental techniques for surface imaging and analysis. The study covers also borderline disciplines related to surface chemistry (surface catalysis, electrochemistry, on-surface synthesis). The program prepares professionals with a broad foundation in mathematics and physics and with deep knowledge in the area of surface science and physics of thin films.

Surface and plasma physics is a master's degree program of interdisciplinary character that includes fundamental knowledge of interactions of neutral and charged particles in vacuum, gas, and condensed phases and on the interfaces of these environments. The program provides expertise in surface physics and thin films, especially atomic and molecular nanostructures on solid surfaces with a significant link to physico-chemical and transport processes with applications in the field of catalysts, sensors, or molecular electronics. The program in the field of laboratory and cosmic plasma physics covers the fields of plasma chemistry, hot and fusion plasma, and distinct topics in astrophysics. During the course of study, the use of modern diagnostic methods in material research, vacuum and plasma technologies, and in the analysis of various kinds of space plasma or controlled thermonuclear fusion can be adopted. Individual disciplines can be oriented experimentally, theoretically, or solved by computer physics methods.

The program is based on an interdisciplinary education at the interface of physics, chemistry, and biology from the physical point of view and is focused on physical experimental and theoretical approaches. The program prepares experts for independent scientific work in solving tasks of basic and applied research in the interdisciplinary fields between physics, chemistry, and, according to the theme of dissertation work, biology.

The aim of this program is to provide students with advanced experimental and theoretical knowledge and skills covering the full spectrum of condensed matter physics and material research and prepare them for the active and creative use of acquired knowledge in the modern directions of basic research and relevant applications.

Mathematical modeling is an interdisciplinary study program that combines mathematical analysis, numerical mathematics, and physics. The program is designed in such a way that the students acquire specialized as well as general knowledge in all mentioned fields, and they are ready, if required by the problem they are studying, to deepen their knowledge by studying highly specialized scientific works.

The Doctoral Program in Radiological Physics is quite unique, being the only one within the Czech Republic preparing graduates for positions in radiodiagnostics, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and radiobiology. The course program and topics of doctoral theses are closely related to the Master Programme in Radiological Physics, giving a more in-depth insight into special areas of radiological physics.

The degree course is oriented towards advanced sections of mathematical physics and applied mathematics. Graduates will be motivated to apply the knowledge acquired to theoretical physics targeted at rigorous mathematical processes and methods, to theoretical analysis and description of physical models for experimentally-oriented disciplines of physics, to natural and engineering sciences, making use of modern computational facilities.

The course is organized in both full time and part time form. A doctoral course can be undertaken by a University graduate with Masters Degree in physics or a related subject. The entrance examination will show specialized knowledge, the ability of the applicant for independent scientific research and verify the applicant’s competence in the English language.

The program integrates a wide range of scientific and engineering knowledge focused on advanced parts of plasma physics and related technologies. The challenge of mastering the controlled thermonuclear fusion is emphasized in the program.

The doctoral program in Quantum Technologies is a multidisciplinary program that targets the education of top experts engaged in the research and scientific-technical practice in the fields of quantum technologies, especially quantum physics, information and communications, quantum optics, lasers, solids, nanomaterials, nanostructures, and advanced characterization and modeling methods.