Theoretical physics

The aim of the Theoretical Physics study program is to educate students in the field of Physics at the master's level with a focus on theoretical physics; thanks to the division into specialisations, students can focus more on parts of particle physics, relativistic astrophysics or computer physics. The knowledge and skills acquired during the course of study are aimed at future doctoral studies in the field of Physics and the related application of a budding (especially theoretical) physicist, but also for the transition outside the academic sphere. An important goal of the study is mastering the methods and techniques of presenting acquired knowledge and scientific results at a professional level, as well as the further development of language and communication skills.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:

• To solve problems where it is necessary to use knowledge of physical laws, advanced math tools, or numerical and computational methods to address problems across a wide range not only of natural sciences, but also of engineering and technology.
• To think analytically and algorithmically, to creatively make use of the possibilities of computer technology.
• To work generally with information and data, with professional literature. To present the results of professional work, and to communicate on a professional level not only in Czech but also in English.
• To carry out independent scientific work in theoretical physics.

The study plan of the Theoretical Physics study program respects the ECTS credit system. During the two-year course, the student must acquire at least 120 credits, with one credit corresponding to approximately one lesson of a weekly allowance of 45 minutes. However, the number of credits may be higher, depending on the difficulty of the subject and preparation for the lecture. The semester consists of 13 teaching weeks. The study plan of the program also takes into account valid methodological materials of the National Accreditation Office for the preparation and evaluation of applications for accreditation.

In the study plan, the subjects are divided into compulsory subjects common to all specializations (the student gets 61 credits), compulsory subjects of the given specialization (the student gets 32 credits) and compulsory optional subjects (the student must get at least 24 credits). The student can obtain the remaining three credits from subjects that he can choose from the compulsory subjects of other specializations or from compulsory optional subjects, or from the offer of other study programs.

Not required.

The qualification work of the study program Theoretical Physics is a diploma thesis.

The student works on a given original scientific problem in the field of theoretical or computational physics. The results of his research are formulated into a diploma thesis that has a prescribed format. The diploma thesis must contain introductory pages (title page, etc.), the actual text of the work with an introduction, theoretical and practical/empirical part and conclusion, and a list of used literature, with an expected length of 60–100 pages (approx. 108,000–180,000 characters including spaces) and the use of A4 format with a requirement for sufficient left margins for binding.

The follow-up master's study program in Theoretical Physics generally follows on from bachelor's studies in the field of Physics education, while it is primarily designed for those more theoretically oriented; at the Institute of Physics in Opava, it is a bachelor's study program in Physics focused on astrophysics and astronomy, for which we are simultaneously applying for accreditation. Graduates of the Theoretical Physics study program can continue in doctoral study programs in the field of Physics education, preferably in those focused on theoretical physics; at the Institute of Physics in Opava, it is a doctoral study program in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, where an application for accreditation is currently being prepared.