Master's program

In the first semester, basic courses are taught in the fundamentals of our two specializations - Fundamentals of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for the MRI specialization and the classic course in antennas for the corresponding specialization. The rest of the courses are general and are aimed at quickly learning the basics of programming necessary in scientific work (for the subsequent mastering of numerical methods and methods of processing experimental data), work in specialized software packages for electromagnetic simulations, as well as methods of RF measurements  including in an anechoic chamber. For the first semester, all students must select a supervisor from among the faculty staff and / or representatives of employing companies and begin to engage in research work.

In the second semester, from the basic module, a unique course for Russia is taught - Electrodynamics of Metamaterials, aimed at studying the physical foundations and using periodic structures (focused on metamaterials and metasuarfaces) in the RF and, in particular, in antenna technology. The study of this course helps students to navigate in the modern direction of electrodynamics of metasurfaces and metamaterials and to use the knowledge gained in their own scientific work. Teaching this course helps to maintain the continuity of St. Petersburg scientific school on electromagnetics of periodic structures, which has been famous from Soviet times. Within the framework of the chosen specializations, students are taught either the physical principles and methods of obtaining MRI images (module "MRI"), or special chapters of antenna theory (module "Antenna"). For students who have chosen the specialization in MRI, classes are conducted on operating high-field clinical MRI scanners on the basis of partner medical centers. During the second semester, students are actively engaged in research work and are involved in work on current grants or projects in the interests of customer companies.

The third semester is dominated by specialized disciplines in accordance with two specializations. In the module "MRI" subjects of disciplines cover the principles of construction and operation of magnetic, gradient and RF systems of magnetic resonance imaging, as well as methods of analysis and processing of MRI images. In the "Antenna" modeule, attention is paid to antennas for the most important modern applications: telecommunication systems, satellite positioning and radar systems. A common discipline for all students is the discipline "Optimization Methods in Radio Science", where students learn to use various methods of numerical optimization to solve the problem of synthesis of radiating systems (based on their own codes). During the third semester, students conduct active research work, including interaction with partner companies and colleagues from various research centers and universities. As a rule, by this time they have built professional relationships with future employers, which helps to build an individual track for each student in their future career.

In the fourth semester, there are no classroom lessons. This semester is completely devoted to research work and the preparation of Master's thesis. At the beginning of the semester, as a rule, all students become employees of the laboratory and can apply the knowledge gained, working on the implementation of real research and development. During this semester, as a rule, students create a foundation for their work after graduating from the Master's degree - they begin to work on the topic of a future Ph.D. thesis together with ITMO scientists or external collaborators, or work together with representatives of partner companies for the purpose of subsequent employment.

In the second and third semesters, the program includes intensive courses from visiting scholars and lecturers who are leading experts in the industry.

Requirements for applicants

The "entrance ticket" for applicants is fluency in the methods of mathematical analysis at the level of university programs and knowledge of the course of general physics, including the section "electricity and magnetism". The ability to solve any problem from the corresponding middle-level problem books (or similar) is required:

- Demidovich VP, "Collection of problems and exercises in mathematical analysis";
- Irodov IE, "Problems in General Physics".

Confident knowledge of courses in electromagnetics, theory of electrical circuits, linear algebra, antennas, quantum physics, as well as the presence of basic programming skills, will significantly help in the successful development of the program and quick career guidance. The list of questions of entrance examinations is given at the link (in Russian).

Scholarships and salary
While studying under the program, along with the state scholarship, students are entitled to receive an additional scholarship from the faculty in the amount of 5 to 40 thousand rubles per month for excellent studies. In addition, for students with Scopus publications, an ITMO University scholarship is provided for students on a competitive basis. The amount of this scholarship is set depending on the level of the portfolio (articles, patents and other achievements) and reaches 20 thousand rubles per month or more. The faculty also supports student applications for regional and federal scholarships and grants (for example, grants from the Government of St. Petersburg), as well as scholarships from international scientific communities (IEEE, SPIE, ISMRM).

In any semester of study, students have the opportunity to join the implementation of current research projects carried out at the faculty, which gives them the opportunity to work part-time directly in the laboratory and on a topic related to the educational program. The practice of attracting talented students as faculty staff for the position of an engineer or laboratory assistant is supported by all research groups leading projects and provides students with material support during the Master's program in addition to scholarships. Work and educational processes take place on a single site - the campus at Lomonosova st. 9. Additional classes in English are provided for students, organized by the faculty for various initial levels.