Space Physics at ISSE

Space Physics today covers the study of the physical condition of the entire region of space that includes the upper atmosphere from altitude of about 40 km above the earth surface and terminates at the center of the Sun.

This region includes the space environment that serves as home to satellites and other space-based assets. Services of space-dependent technologies have become part of our daily life. The health of satellites that drive space-dependent technologies depend on the condition of the space environment.

The radio signals that transmit information between the satellites and the receivers on ground are trans-ionospheric. Understanding space environment and earth’s weather, as well as their interactions, has become issue of global concern. Space Physics focuses on the physical processes that describe the dynamics of the space environment and its drivers.

The course starts with basic core subjects in Physics, such as electrodynamics and quantum mechanics. It then exposes the physics of the atmosphere from the lower atmosphere to the upper atmosphere. The conditions in space environment and the solar-terrestrial interactions are covered by the course.
The course is aimed at producing highly skilled intellectuals in space physics. Graduates from this program are expected to find usefulness as scientists in space industry, universities, research institutions, navigation industry, and such likes.

The MSc program in Space Physics requires 18 months and is based on a combination of core and elective courses, plus thesis research. The program is very intensive and only well motivated and prepared students are encouraged to apply. The courses are taught as 3- or 4-week modules of 45 to 60 hours. This includes lectures and problem-solving sessions.

First year PhD students are expected to take up to 15 modules. The courses covered in the MSc and PhD programs in Space Physics are contained and described in the ISSE Student Handbook.