Doctor of Science, Astronomy Mention - DAS

Program description

Graduates of the Doctorate program will be able to carry out original research that contributes to the advancement of astronomy knowledge, as well as occupy academic positions in higher education institutions, both in teaching and in research. They will also be able to carry out research and development tasks in institutions related to astronomy.

The objective of this program is to equip students with the ability to make original contributions to the advancement of global knowledge of Astronomy. During their studies, our students have access to data obtained with world-class telescopes located in the northern observatories of our country. Research projects generally require students to make the observations that lead to obtaining such data.

Program information

Decree number: 0014852/2011
Coordinator: Prof. César Fuentes
Application dates: July 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024
Yearly tuition cost: 125 UF
Annual registration fee: $ 180,300.

Accreditation

Our Doctorate program is ACCREDITED for seven years, from june 2019 to june 2026, by the National Accreditation Commission (CNA-Chile).

Scholarships

The State of Chile offers various scholarships to Chilean and foreign students through the National Agency of Research and Development (ANID)

Objectives

Our main objective is for the Department of Astronomy of the University of Chile to have postgraduate teaching at the level of the best universities in the world.

Doctors trained by the Program will be able to make original research contributions and will be qualified to hold academic positions in higher education institutions, both in teaching and in research that represent a contribution to the advancement of this scientific discipline.

Curriculum

Courses The student must complete 80 credits of formal courses and research workshops. There are four compulsory courses for PhD students:

Radiative processes
Galaxies
Galactic astronomy
Observational astronomy

Additionally, students must take and pass all courses in those subjects in which they are weak. The Freshman Committee will advise students on the courses to take. Students must also begin their research experience during the first year. The completion of the Thesis must correspond to a minimum of 120 credits.

Admission

During the month of September, the notice of applications to the Postgraduate Program will appear on the department’s website. The applications will be during the month of October and the results will be communicated to each applicant via email, during the month of November.

Classes will begin in March of the following year.

The requirements to apply are:

Bachelor of Science degree, mention in Astronomy or similar
Intention letter
CV
Notes
3 letters of recommendation
Study program if you come from another University

All the academics of the departmental cloister will be able to evaluate the applications of the candidates (except in case of conflict of interest), but it will be the Teaching Committee who will select the best candidates according to their curricular merits, according to the following criteria:

60% Academic background. A score will be applied according to the CV, Notes, Grade, study plan and letters of recommendation.
40% Motivation and aptitude for the program. A score will be applied according to the channel of intention, letters of recommendation and CV.
Knowledge of the English language at a technical level is mandatory. This is evaluated during a personal interview of not having the corresponding certification (TOEFL, lELTS, certification delivered by the FCFM u).

Applications for the Doctoral Program 2025 will be accepted from July 1 to August 31, 2024. Candidates must select the program of their interest and complete the application form, attaching all the necessary documents.

For more information please send an email to Marta Ojeda mojeda@das.uchile.cl

Admission form