Admissions criteria

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The admission exam will be conducted in English. It consists of 4 parts.

Part I

A short (10 min) presentation of the applicant’s research experience (such as undergraduate thesis work).

Part II

Presentation of three topics selected by the exam committee from the following list (two from sections A-C and one obligatory from section D):

  • Section A
    1. Inertial frames of reference; Galilean and Lorentz transformations
    2. Formulations of classical mechanics
    3. Symmetries and constants of motion
    4. The two-body problem
  • Section B
    1. Maxwell’s equations and the electric and magnetic properties of matter
    2. Electromagnetic waves
    3. Principles of thermodynamics
    4. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions
  • Section C
    1. The Schrödinger equation and the interpretation of the wave function
    2. Observables in quantum mechanics and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle
    3. Quantum description of the hydrogen atom
    4. Symmetries in Quantum Theory
  • Section D
    1. Interaction of radiation with matter
    2. Elements, isotopes, and the mechanism of fission and fusion
    3. Nuclear reactor physics
    4. Fluid flow and heat transfer

Part III

Presentation of a selected topic related to the future research program (about 20 min). The topic will be sent to the candidate by e-mail two weeks before the exam date.

Part IV

An interview with candidates. The interview result evaluates: 1) scientific score of a candidate; 2) participation in scientific projects; 3) earlier experience in high temperature reactors technology; 4) motivation to participate in highly advanced research. The interview part of the exam is marked on the scale 1-10.

Each part of the exam is evaluated separately on a scale of A-D. An applicant may be admitted to our Graduate Studies Program if each of the three parts receives at least a B grade. The exam for foreign candidates can also be arranged via teleconference.