MSc and PhD Projects in theoretical studies of interacting stars.
Please read carefully below about admissions for Fall 2019:
For 2019, given by the size of my group, I cannot offer finanical support for new students. I have topics that I willing to suprvise for, but only if you arrive with your fellowship.

Before contacting me, look at your grades. If your grades for math, physics, theoretical astrophysics, and computations are below A- (3.7 GPA equivalent) for 3d and 4th year, it is not likely you would pass the required graduate courses at the UofA or would be able to successfully proceed with an MSc/ Ph.D. project in theoretical astrophysics under my supervision.

Topics include 3d hydrodynamical simulations of stellar intercations, detailed evolution of X-ray binaries or perturbed stars, studies of populations of multiple stars.

Nowadays, there is no theoretical astrophysics that would not use numerical simulations. As such, all projects require both computational and analytic skills. Thorough physics and math background, knowledge of numerical methods and computer literacy are necessary. Astrophysical background is expected: you will be required to take Astro 565 (Stellar Astrophysics II), PHYS 595 part 1 (theoretical astrophysics, consists of theoretical approximations, astrophysical fluid dynamics and radiative processes), PHYS 595 part 2 (extragalactic astronomy, also consists of 3 parts including high-energy astrophysics) and statistical mechnaics (required physics core subject course). As experience shows, one is not likely to pass these courses if does not have a 3d year equivalent astrophysical courses taken before. Some initial knowledge of linux and latex is recommended, as those will be your daily tools. You will be required to work with fortan-based MPI codes, though your data processing routines can be written in anything else (python, IDL, ...).

Contact me at nata.ivanova@ualberta.ca if you are interested in working on one of those topics. It is highly recommended to contact me as early as possible for applicants consideration for various fellowships. It is not likely I accept a student who did not contact me before submitting an application. Make sure you describe your previous expertise in theoretical astrophysics and computations.