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Type

PhD Programme

Access mode

Programmed

Length

3 years

Location

Modena

Language

English

Department

Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics

Course presentation (FOR PhD course/Specialisation school ONLY)

The PhD in Physics and Nanosciences program provides students with the opportunity to study with leading experts working in areas such as advanced materials, energy storage, quantum information science, nanotechnology, and other fundamental and applied physics topics.

A degree with a focus on Materials for Sustainability and Health enables students to use physics and chemistry principles to understand and design solutions for:

Energy harvesting and energy storage
Bio- and Flexible electronics
Tribology at the nanoscale
Biosystems for health.

A degree with a focus on Quantum Science and Nanotechnology provides students with the opportunity to be trained on both fundamental and applied aspects of quantum science and nanotechnology. The program encompasses a variety of topics that will help shape the quantum future:

Quantum computing and quantum sensing
Quantum Information Processing and Quantum Technologies
Low dimensional, molecular and quantum materials
Micro- and nano-fabrication
Microscopy and spectroscopy for materials characterization.

A degree with a focus on Condensed Matter Theory and Computation enables students to work with a team of scientists to develop methods and algorithms for materials simulations. The program includes research in:

First principles and multiscale simulations
Quantum theory of many-body systems
Advanced simulations of materials and molecules: properties, excitations, and spectroscopies
Theory and method development for computational condensed matter physics
High performance computing and quantum computation for materials
Data-driven design and discovery of materials: machine learning and automated workflows.

A degree with a focus on Fundamental Interactions and Astrophysics blends efforts from faculty in physics to carry out research projects in:

Quantum field theory
String theory
High energy and astroparticle physics
HPC simulations and observations of black holes, galaxies, and astrophysical processes

Students perform their research in state-of-the-art facilities and labs. Labs located on-site blend expertise in materials deposition, lithography, microscopy, spectroscopy, low temperature physics, and biophysics. The students will receive training in carrying out research projects at national and international facilities, such as synchrotrons, leadership computing facilities, strong magnetic field labs, and electron microscopy labs.

The PhD offers a robust career development program with a high degree of internationalization: all lectures and research are carried out in English. Students have a travel budget to attend conferences and workshops and are guided in connecting to national and international research networks. The program offers the possibility to spend time abroad for advanced training opportunities. Research projects may involve the active participation of industries, or third parties such as hospitals and high schools, as appropriate.

The PhD Program offers a joint training path with the graduate School of Physics of the University of S�o Paulo in Brazil, with the possibility of obtaining a Double Degree at the end.

Info

Department: Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics
Didactic method: PRESENCE
PhD Coordinator

PhD Coordinator (in office from 41st cycle)

More information

Italian second cycle master's degree (“Laurea Magistrale”, under D.M. 270/04 or “Laurea Specialistica”, under D.M. 509/99) or Italian degree obtained prior to D.M. 509/99 (the previous Italian regulations) or Second cycle Master's degree obtained abroad, equivalent to the above-mentioned Italian degrees and recognized as suitable for the admission to doctoral program.
Further information available in the Call.

The program aims to contribute to the training of researchers in the interdisciplinary field that includes condensed matter and materials physics, the physical chemistry of molecules and functional materials, nanosciences, and enabling technologies such as nano-, digital, and quantum technologies. The program also offers pathways for the training of researchers in theoretical physics of fundamental interactions and in extragalactic astrophysics.

The educational pathways focus on both basic science and its applications, addressing the demand for training in sectors such as information technologies (Quantum Technologies, High Performance Computing, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Nano(Spin)Electronics, etc.), life sciences (biotechnologies, diagnostics, and drug design), and technologies for optimizing energy resources.

The skills acquired are those required for an academic career or for research and technology roles in universities and research institutions, both in Italy and abroad. The program is also aimed at the advanced training of professionals and executives in industry and services. It is worth noting that tracking the career paths of our PhD graduates in recent years has shown several outstanding cases of placement in international research centers and universities.

According to recent AlmaLaurea surveys, one year after graduation, the employment rate for PhDs in basic sciences (to which this program refers) exceeds 90%, the rate of research activity is above 90%, and the perceived effectiveness of the PhD for the job performed is over 77%—the highest percentages among the various disciplinary areas—demonstrating the excellent placement performance of PhD programs in our field.