# Condensed Matter Physics at MEGA-Science Facilities
**Source**: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate/condensed-matter-physics-mega-science-facilities
**Parent**: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/graduate
03.04.02
*In English and Russian*
Level of education Master
Type of instruction Full-time
Duration 2 years
Programme description
The programme provides knowledge of the main provisions of the modern physical picture of the universe. It includes the theory and practice of condensed matter physics, which uses the strength of neutron and X-ray radiation. In recent years, the picture has been enriched by elements of nano-, bio-, info- and cognitive technologies.
The programme is aimed at teaching specialists in condensed matter physics. Their qualifications enable them to solve research and engineering problems in various fields of modern physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science.
The master's programme involves the study and direct involvement in the design of research equipment and fundamental and applied research at MEGA-Science facilities. The academic programme therefore focuses on the in-depth study of the interaction of different types of radiation with matter.
Main Courses
- Atomic Structure of Matter: Diffraction of Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation
- Theory of Interaction of Neutron Radiation with Matter
- Theory of Interaction of Synchrotron Radiation (X-Rays) with Matter
- Symmetry, Structure and Properties of Solids — Crystallography and Crystal Physics
- Sources of Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation
- Instrumental Resolution of Diffractometers and Spectrometers
- Basics of Detecting Neutrons and Synchrotron Radiation
- Techniques for Experimental Investigation of Condensed Matter Using Neutrons and Synchrotron Radiation
- Optics of Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation
- Modelling the Interaction of Ionising Radiation with Matter
- Physics of Magnetism and Scattering of Polarised and Unpolarised Neutrons
- Simulation of Neutron Instruments and Neutron Scattering Processes
- Simulation of Neutron Instruments and Neutron Scattering Processes. Practicum
- Quantum Mechanics in Solid State Physics
Our advantages
- Master’s programme ‘Condensed Matter Physics at MEGA-Science Facilities’ provides knowledge of the main provisions of the modern physical picture of the universe. It includes the theory and practice of condensed matter physics, which uses the strength of neutron and X-ray radiation. In recent years, the picture has been enriched by elements of nano-, bio-, info- and cognitive technologies.
- The programme is aimed at teaching specialists in condensed matter physics. Their qualifications enable them to solve research and engineering problems in various fields of modern physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science.
- The master's programme involves the study and direct involvement in fundamental research at MEGA-Science facilities. The academic programme therefore focuses on the in-depth study of the interaction of different types of radiation with matter. The programme is taught in English.
- Graduates of the programme have a basic understanding of: the physics of interaction of neutron and synchrotron radiation with matter (solids, polymers, living objects, nano- and heterostructures); and the physical and mathematical framework describing the processes of generation, propagation and scattering of coherent radiation, and control of the parameters of neutron and synchrotron beams.
- During the training, students acquire: skills in collecting, processing and analysing information from neutron and synchrotron stations; and knowledge of new methods of recording and processing images, diagnosing various objects and processes. They also study the fundamental properties of matter. Graduates of the programme will be capable of investigating new functional materials applying advanced methods with the use of neutron and synchrotron radiation.
- Graduates of the programme will be able to have successful careers as: physicist-researchers and physicist-engineers. They will also be much-in-demand in such fields of science and technology as: the MEGA-Science facilities − neutron and synchrotron research centres in Russia and throughout the world; information technology; nano- and biotechnology; and the heavy and light industry and instrument engineering sector.
Main areas of research
- Diffraction of neutron and synchrotron radiation
- Small-angle scattering and reflectometry of neutron and synchrotron radiation
- Spectroscopy of neutron and synchrotron radiation
- Modelling of neutron and synchrotron stations for condensed matter research
- Modelling of physical processes of non-destructive interaction of ionising radiation with matter
Career opportunities
- Graduates of the programme can pursue research and engineering careers. They can also continue their studies in doctoral programmes.
- Graduates are much-in-demand to develop and operate innovative research equipment at MEGA-Science facilities: synchrotron radiation sources; free electron lasers; research reactors and pulsed neutron sources; and automated control and data acquisition systems in complex physical installations.
**Key skills**
- Graduates of the programme are capable of applying fundamental knowledge of the physical phenomena underlying diffraction, small angle scattering, reflectometry and neutron and synchrotron radiation spectroscopy methods that are used to investigate condensed matter. They can use advanced methods for analysing the structure and properties of materials.
- They are conversant with computer simulation, and can use existing software products and information databases to solve professional issues.
- They are also capable of organising, managing and performing research and development activities in the fields of natural and technical sciences and nanotechnology.
- They also know the scientific programmes of leading international centres with MEGA-Science facilities and the principles of international scientific cooperation.
[This webpage may contain outdated information. The programme descriptions and admission requirements for the 2026/2027 academic year are currently being updated. For the latest information on 2026/2027 admission, please visit the Admissions Office website.](https://abiturient.spbu.ru/en/)
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