The objective of the Doctorate (PhD) in Astrophysics is to train high-level researchers who in the future will make full scientific use of the existing infrastructure for astronomy in Chile. This includes both observational astrophysicists who generate and execute scientific projects that make direct use of telescopes, as well as theorists whose work is the physical-mathematical modeling of the observed phenomena in the Universe.
Graduate profile:
A PhD in Astrophysics will be able to independently carry out original, novel and relevant research in the general area of astrophysics. This implies a well-developed critical capacity and independence of judgment and a great autonomy in self-motivated learning. In particular, it will require a strong background of knowledge and understanding of physics and its application to astronomical phenomena. It also includes a broad culture in astrophysics and the most relevant problems of this science today, as well as detailed in-depth knowledge of a particular sub-field.
The benefits of studying at the Institute of Astrophysics of PUC-Chile:
Applications open: From July 1st to August 1st, 2025, with the anticipated starting date of studies in March 2026.
ESO/B. Tafreshi (twanight.org)
The research lines of the program cover the vast majority of the current frontier research areas in astrophysics, which are covered by our academic staff from both an observational (experimental) and a theoretical perspective. These lines include:
– Stellar astrophysics: internal structure and evolution of stars, binary stars, variable stars, compact stars, asteroseismology, supernovae, chemical abundances, initial mass function, magnetohydrodynamics, stellar rotation, magnetic fields, astrophysical tests of fundamental physics, star formation.
– Galactic astrophysics: clusters and stellar populations, stellar dynamics, structure and evolution of the Milky Way, the galactic bulge and center, galactic disk and halo, kinematic and spectroscopic mappings, galactic archaeology, the Local Group, dwarf galaxies, field cosmology nearby.
– Extragalactic astrophysics: evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, globular cluster systems, gravitational lensing, galactic nuclei, active galaxies, black holes, mapping of galaxies from radio to X-rays, galaxies of low surface brightness, distance scales, dark matter and dark energy.
– Experimental astronomy and instrumentation: optical and infrared spectroscopy, microwave telescopes, CCD detectors, adaptive optics, atmospheric turbulence and tomography.
– Astrochemistry: interstellar medium, star-forming regions, chemistry of protoplanetary disks, chemistry of stellar populations in the galactic bulge, disk, and halo.
– Exoplanets: exoplanet demographics, planet formation models, protoplanetary disk evolution.
– Computational Astrophysics and Big Data: cosmological simulations, hydrodynamic and gravitational simulations of N bodies, background radiation maps, processing large volumes of images from survey telescopes, machine learning methods for astronomical applications.
– Cosmology: dark matter and energy, galaxy formation, large-scale structure, cosmological numerical simulations, cosmic microwave background radiation.
– High Energy Astrophysics: astrophysics of cosmic rays, gamma rays, and X-rays, X-ray binaries, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts.
Semester | Code | Course name | Credits | Full semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st | ASP9110 | Physical processes in Astrophysics | 10 | 45 |
ASP9304 | Frontiers of Astrophysics A | 5 | ||
ASP9201 | Research A | 20 | ||
ASP5302 | Advanced Extragalactic Astrophysics | 10 | ||
CPD0100 | Placement English Test or Equivalent | 0 | ||
2nd | ASP9305 | Frontiers of Astrophysics B | 5 | 45 |
Elective I | 10 | |||
ASP5205 | Advanced Stellar Astrophysics | 10 | ||
ASP9202 | Research B | 20 | ||
3rd | ASP9203 | Research C | 20 | 50 |
ASP9306 | Frontiers of Astrophysics C | 5 | ||
ASP5205 | Advaced Stellar Astrophysics | 10 | ||
Elective II | 10 | |||
ASP9120 | Seminar of Astrophysics | 10 | ||
ASP9204 | Research versatility | 5 | ||
ASP9002 | Qualifying exam | 0 | ||
4th | CPD0002 | Ethics and integrity in research | 0 | 50 |
ASP9008 | Thesis project | 50 | ||
5th | ASP9721 | Phd Thesis I | 50 | 50 |
6th | ASP9722 | PhD thesis II | 50 | 50 |
ASP9722 | Annual progress assesment I | 0 | ||
7th | ASP9723 | PhD thesis III | 50 | 50 |
8th | ASP9724 | PhD thesis IV | 50 | 50 |
ASP9005 | Annual progress assesment II | 0 | ||
ASP9006 | Scientific article or Patent | 0 | ||
ASP9007 | Intership | 0 | ||
Full Phd in Astrophysics | 390 |
Graduation requirements:
– Have approved the corresponding study plan.
– Have had a minimum permanence of four semesters in the program.
– Have approved the thesis work, including the defense exam.
– Certify proficiency in the English language at an advanced level (ALTE 3) and with application in academic fields.
– Be the main author in at least one scientific article under review in a mainstream journal or book, or be the main author of a pending patent.
– Have approved at least three transversal skills workshops offered by the College of Doctoral Programs (CPD), one of which must be of an ethical nature.
– Carry out an internship/research stay abroad, with teams that work on topics related to the respective thesis.
– Aguilera, Claudia (Ph.D. Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile): Stellar Structure and Evolution, Stellar Characterization and Abundances, Lithium in the Universe, Planet-Star Connection.
– Barrientos, Felipe (Ph.D. University of Toronto, Canada): Evolution of Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies; Gravitational Lensing.
– Catelan, Márcio (Ph.D. Universidad de Sao Paulo, Brasil): Stellar Evolution; Globular Clusters; Variable Stars.
– Chanamé, Julio (Ph.D. The Ohio State University, U.S.A.): Stellar Dynamics; Stellar Structure and Evolution; Stellar Populations in the Local Group.
– Clocchiatti, Alejandro (Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin, U.S.A.): Supernovae; Cosmological Distance Relations.
– Dünner, Rolando (Ph.D. Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile): Experimental Astronomy and Instrumentation; Large Scale Structure and Cosmology.
– Galaz, Gaspar (Ph.D. Université Paris VII, France): Stellar Content in Galaxies; Low Surface Brightness Galaxies; Statistical Properties of the Galaxy Distribution; Galaxy Evolution; Cosmology.
– González-López, Jorge (Ph.D. Universidad Católica/Heidelberg University, Germany): Galaxy Formation and Evolution; Gravitational Lensing and distant Galaxies.
– Guzmán, Viviana (Ph.D. Université Pierre et Marie Curee, France): Astrochemistry; Interstellar Medium; Star-forming Regions; Protoplanetary Disks.
– Mulders, Gijs D. (Ph.D. University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands): Exoplanet Demographics; Planet Formation Models; Protoplanetary Disks
– Puzia, Thomas H. (Dr.rer.nat. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany): Galaxy Formation and Evolution; Star Cluster Systems and Stellar Populations in Galaxies.
– Tissera, Patricia (Ph.D. Universidad de Córdoba, Argentina): Computational Astrophysics; Models and Simulations of the Formation of Galaxies.
– Zoccali, Manuela (Ph.D. Università di Padova, Italy): Galactic Bulge; Stellar Populations; Chemical Abundances; Galactic Globular Clusters; The Initial Mass Function.
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Astronomy or Physics (or related areas), full-time dedication, and a good command of the English and/or Spanish language. Previous research experience, although not a requirement, is positively considered.
Application documents:
All the documents (except reference letters) must be sent through our: formulario de postulación. The pre-selected applicants will be summoned to an interview. All questions should be directed to gradapp@astro.puc.cl
Based on this information, the Postgraduate Committee will prepare an order of merit for the candidates based on the following scale:
Those selected who accept our offer will be contacted to initiate procedures related to health insurance (FONASA, ISAPRE or another), visa for foreign students, etc.
The Instituto de Astrofísica and the PUC are committed to offering equal opportunities and diversity in their work community, including religious freedom. Minority applications are especially welcome.
Applications open: From July 1st to August 1st, 2025, with the anticipated commencement of studies in March 2026.
Students accepted into the PhD Program in Astrophysics have a maintenance scholarship and 100% of the tuition fee guaranteed for the duration of the program, i.e., 4 years/8 semesters.
Enrolled students will have access to the following documents and forms:
1-. Form to request a certificate (regular student, grade concentration, other).