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Department of Space Science

PhD Astronomy and Astrophysics

As the oldest of the natural sciences, astronomy and astrophysics is deeply intertwined with the evolution of human thinking, the development of new technologies as well as the understanding of natural phenomena. From the use of celestial bodies and stars for finding directions, to the understanding of the model of the Solar system, to the beginning of the space era and study of the nature of the Universe in the 20th century, astronomy and astrophysics has had a deep influence on human society.

Currently, the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics is one of the most rapidly growing domains of study. This growth is made possible through the complimentary approaches of observation, computation/simulation and theory. Observational data are gathered through high performance telescopes in all domains of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as gravitational waves, neutrinos and charged particles. High performance computational systems allow the simulations of complex systems such as the collision of galaxies and the analysis of large amounts of data. All of this results in the refinement and development of better theoretical models of various objects and phenomena, ranging from the solar system, to stars and plasmas in the Milky Way, to the study of complex objects such as neutron stars, supernova explosions, galaxies and their supermassive black holes, and large scale structures in the Universe.

IST’s Astronomy and Astrophysics PhD program aims to train future researchers through quality education in astronomy and astrophysics. The courses are geared towards fostering the investigative capacity, creative thinking and intellectual curiosity of students. While the research projects hone out the multiple skills required by students in order to finish a successful PhD dissertation and carry out their own research endeavours in the future.

Currently research is carried out in several domains of astronomy and astrophysics. The Astronomy and Astrophysics group at IST has highly qualified faculty with significant international collaborations and access to well-equipped facilities, abroad as well as in Pakistan.

  • Supermassive black holes and galaxy mergers
  • Binary stars
  • Gravitational waves and their data analysis
  • Theoretical plasma astrophysics
  • ·Experimental plasma physics
  • High energy astronomy and astrophysics

PEO 1: Establish active research groups of international standards in different areas of Astronomy & Astrophysics.

PEO 2: Establish international collaborations in this field with high impact research.

PEO 3: Develop, strengthen and excel in indigenous research.

PEO 4: Meet the needs of academia and industry in Pakistan.

PLO-1:
Attain thorough and deep scientific knowledge in the field of Astronomy & Astrophysics.

PLO-2:
Be able to use analytical, numerical and observational techniques in academia and research organizations.

PLO-3:
Be able to do research in the field of Astronomy & Astrophysics.

  • To receive the PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, students must complete a total of 48 credit hours i.e. 18 credit hours of course work and 30 credit hours of research work
  • The minimum 18 credit hours of course work will consist of 700/800 level courses
  • In addition to the minimum 18 credit hours course work, prerequisite courses of the core course work will be notified as “Deficiency Courses” and shall not be counted towards the degree and calculation of CGPA
  • The student Graduate Education Committee (GEC) may even specify additional courses to be taken by a student, if considered essential. These will be notified as “Additional Courses” and shall not be counted towards calculation of CGPA
  • The IST policy for award of PhD degree will be applicable
Course Credit Hours
Cosmology 3-0
Advanced Plasma Physics 3-0
Stars Binary 3-0
Astronomical- Observation and Data Analysis Methods 3-0
Advanced Electrodynamics 3-0
Electrodynamics 3-0
Astronomy and Astrophysics 3-0
Astrostatistics 3-0
Galaxies (Structure, Dynamics and Evolution) 3-0
General Relativity 3-0
Plasma Physics I  
Plasma Physics II  
Gravitational Wave Data Analysis  
  • MS/ M.Phil./ equivalent (18 Years of education) with strong background in relevant discipline with minimum CGPA 3.00 out of 4.00 or First Division (where CGPA not available) from HEC and PEC recognized (where applicable) Institute/University or from Foreign Institute/University of good repute
  • GAT (Subject) conducted by NTS in the relevant field of study i.e. Physics/ Mathematics (with specialization in Applied Mathematics) with = 60% score or GRE International (Subject) conducted by ETS, USA, in the relevant field of study with minimum 60 percentile or minimum 70% marks in GAT (Subject) type test conducted by the concerned department in case of unavailability of GAT/ GRE subject option
  • The IST institutional code to receive GRE scores is 1758
  • IST Admission criteria will be followed as laid down in IST PhD Admission policy
  • Candidates having publications in the related areas in well reputed journal(s) or conferences will be preferred
One Time Charges Local Fee Structure
(Pak Rs)
Intl Fee Structure
(US $)
Admission Fee 20,000 2,000
Endowment Fund 5,000 250
Library Development Fund 5,000 250
Total One Time Charges 30,000 2,500
Per Semester Charges (Pak Rs) (US $)
Tuition Fee 66,550 4,675
Service Charges 4,000 250
Safe/ Smart Campus Charges 2,000 250
Total Per Semester Charges 72,550 5,175

Optional Charges per Semester

Hostel Charges Local Fee Structure Intl Fee Structure
Dormitory Charges Pak. Rs. 50,000 US $ 600
Locker Rent Pak. Rs. 800 Pak. Rs. 800

Continual Enrollment Fee per semester

Local Fee Structure Intl Fee Structure
after 8th semester of BS Programs =All Service Charges + 3 Cr. Hr. Fee + Fee of any Registered Course (Rs. 9,000 + Rs. 22,500 = Rs. 31,500 + Fee of any Registered Course) after 8th semester of BS Programs =All Service Charges + 3 Cr. Hr. Fee + Fee of any Registered Course (US $ 500 + US $ 1,320 = US $ 1,820 + Fee of any Registered Course)
after 4th/6th semester of MS/PhD Programs=All Service Charges + 1 Cr. Hr. Fee + Fee of any Registered Course (Rs. 6,000 + Rs. 7,500 = Rs. 13,500 + Fee of any Registered Course) after 4th/6th semester of MS/PhD Programs =All Service Charges + 1 Cr. Hr. Fee + Fee of any Registered Course (US $ 500 + US $ 440 = US $ 940 + Fee of any Registered Course)

Notes;

Local Fee Structure Intl Fee Structure
(a) Repeat/Add Course Fee will be Rs 7,500 per credit hour. Repeat/Add Course Fee @ US $ 440 per credit hour will be charged.
(b) All Fees/ Charges are subject to change from time to time. All Fees/ Charges are subject to change from time to time.
(c) Charges are applicable only if services are offered by IST. Charges are applicable only if services are offered by IST.
(d) All Govt. Taxes will be charged as notified by FBR. All Govt. Taxes will be charged as notified by FBR.
(e) Health Insurance for student may be arranged by the Institute and charges / Premium will be charged as per actual. Health Insurance for student may be arranged by the Institute and charges / Premium will be charged as per actual.
(f) Student ID Card Fee is Rs 500 Student ID Card Fee is Rs 500
(g) Application processing Fee (non-refundable) is Rs. 2500 Application processing Fee (non-refundable) is US $ 100 through direct remittance in IST Bank Account.
(h) Freeze charges will be Rs. 5,000 per semester. Freeze charges will be US $. 500 for each semester. Direct remittance in IST Bank Account.