Astronomy and Astrophysics (Physics and Astronomy)

The two-year Physics and Astronomy - Astronomy and Astrophysics program of the University of Amsterdam, a joint degree with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, provides you with thorough training in both the observational and theoretical aspects of modern astronomy and astrophysics.  

The dynamic field of astronomy and astrophysics is currently gaining importance worldwide. New generations of instruments - situated on the earth's surface and in space - enable us to study the origin, structure and evolution of planets, stars, star systems, and the universe in a more profound way than ever before.

What does Astronomy and Astrophysics in Amsterdam have to offer me?

ThePhysics and Astronomy - Astronomy and Astrophysics program of the University of Amsterdam is firmly embedded in the Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, which has a long track record of world leading research in both observational astronomy and theoretical astrophysics. Researchers of the institute are well-positioned to train you in both the observational and theoretical aspects of modern astronomy and astrophysics, and to teach on current international research topics, such as:

• X-ray binaries and compact objects

• Gamma ray bursts and radio transients

• Advanced instrumentation

• Planet and star formation

You will be able to make use of a wide range of tools - both in theory and application - to define the properties of astrophysical objects, and to identify the fundamental laws that govern their behaviour. Among these tools are:

• Supercomputers (the faculty campus houses the premier data and computing hub of The Netherlands)

• Ground-based telescopes, operating at wavelengths from radio to optical (such as ESO's VLT and the new LOFAR)

• Space observatories (such as Hubble, Chandra, XMM, Swift, Herschel, GLAST)

Courses include:

• Stellar Atmospheres

• Basic Linux/Coding

• Statistical Methods

• Open Problems in Modern Astrophysics

• Structure and Evolution of Stars

• Fluid Dynamics