Master of Science Program

Skoltech CAS 

The key features of the Mathematical and Theoretical Physics program are:

• Cutting edge research in fundamental concepts of theoretical physics;
• Covers the lack of joint education in physics and mathematics;
• Special emphasis on the research activity of students themselves;
• Provides a unique educational environment in the fields of theoretical and mathematical physics; 
• Renowned faculty with international experience and collaborations;
• Incorporates a variety of disciplines covering major topics in mathematical methods;
• Diverse and strong collaboration with international and Russian partners and publications in top journals.

Overview
Solid knowledge of theoretical physics and the ability to apply it in order to perform reliable calculations of real physical effects are crucially important for the valuable interpretation of new experimental findings as well as for the development of successful ideas towards new technological applications.

Aim and objectives
The program is aimed first and foremost at giving researchers a grounding in mathematics and deep knowledge of mathematical physics. It also offers students the chance to pursue an in-depth study of the fundamental models of modern theoretical physics. Students are expected to take part in research projects alongside eminent specialists, teachers, and foreign colleagues specially invited to participate. The crux of our students’ scientific career involves compulsory scientific seminars and mandatory attendance at summer and winter scientific schools.

This program has no analogs abroad and can be compared only with the Master’s program in mathematical physics at the Department of Mathematics of the Higher School of Economics (HSE).

The main scope of the Theoretical Physics program is to provide top-level education and professional training for specialists in the field of contemporary theoretical physics, with emphasis placed on condensed matter theory. Solid knowledge of theoretical physics and the ability to apply it in order to perform reliable calculations of real physical effects are crucially important for the valuable interpretation of new experimental findings as well as for the development of successful ideas towards new technological applications. Graduates of the program should have the skills of a modern researcher in this field and meet the highest professional requirements of leading Russian and international research and educational centers. They must have a broad professional vision, know the relevant methodological approaches, and have sufficient skills to participate in research projects.

Faculty

Program Director Andrei Marshakov Full Professor, Director of Krichever Center, Head of the NRU HSE-Skoltech International Laboratory of Representation Theory and Mathematical Physics

Program Coordinator Oleg Loiko Research Scientist

• Alexander Gaifullin
• Alexey Rosly
• Andrei Marshakov
• Anton Zabrodin
• Evgeny Feigin
• Grigory Olshanski
• Maxim Kazaryan
• Mikhail Bershtein
• Mikhail Finkelberg
• Semen Shlosman
• Sergei Lando
• Stanislav Smirnov

Content
The key tenets of our Mathematical and Theoretical Physics educational program are compulsory scientific seminars (including student seminars) and a strong scientific community. Students study tailored, individual courses approved by their supervisors, who determine the range of selected courses depending on the specific area of the student’s scientific study. We put emphasis on students’ independent scientific study that encourages their rapid fundamental scientific (and career) growth.

MSc Program Structure

Download curriculum

Learning and professional outcomes

Track A:
A successful graduate of the program will know and be able to:

• Apply mathematics and modern methods of theoretical physics to the most advanced problems of present fundamental science;
• Use a high level of mathematical education (in algebraic geometry, topology, representation theory) and theoretical physics (quantum field
  theory, integrable systems, statistical mechanics and complex systems, etc.) to continue a successful career in the most popular directions in
  science and technology;
• Apply the culture of scientific discussion and ability to carry scientific research to function in the scientific research community or
  multidisciplinary team;
• Continue education and research within the PhD program at Skoltech and leading scientific centers in Russia and abroad.

Track B:
A successful graduate of the program will know and will be able to use:

• Mathematical methods of contemporary theoretical physics, including complex analysis, topology, functional integrals, multi-dimensional asymptotic methods;
• Analytical methods and approaches to the broad range of physical problems: phase transitions (classical and quantum), thermodynamics and kinetics of mesoscopic systems and nanostructures, quantum field theory, hydrodynamics, quantum transport of charge, spin and heat, quantum-coherent effects in macroscopic systems, including qubit’s theory and engineering.

Research
Main research directions:

Career paths:

1. PhD positions in academic & research institutions;
2. Specialist positions in various economy sectors including Skolkovo resident companies and startups.

Academic partners:

Contacts