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PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Why PHYSICAL SCIENCES at NU?

01

SCIENCE STARTS IN YOUR FIRST YEAR

At Nazarbayev University, you don’t just study famous scientific discoveries.
You learn to analyze complex problems, form hypotheses, run experiments and work with scientific data.
Mathematics, physics, chemistry and geology combine fundamental knowledge with hands-on research and modern computational methods.

02

FROM FORMULAS TO FIELDWORK

Explore the world through mathematical models, lab experiments and geological observation.
Depending on your program, you’ll work with scientific instruments, analyze chemical compounds, model physical processes or study the geological structure of the Earth.

03

RESEARCH ACROSS DISCIPLINES

Mathematics describes patterns. Physics explains how matter and energy interact. Chemistry reveals the properties and transformations of substances. Geology explores the processes that shape our planet. At NU, these disciplines connect with engineering, artificial intelligence, materials science and environmental research.

04

FROM BACHELOR’S TO PhD

Choose your academic path in the physical sciences.
Nazarbayev University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in mathematics, physics, chemistry and geosciences.

EXPLORE.
create.
DISCOVER.
Mathematics helps uncover patterns and build models of complex systems.
Physics reveals the fundamental laws of the universe.
Chemistry explains the structure, properties and transformations of matter.
Geology helps us understand the Earth’s history, how its interior formed and where natural resources come from.

At Nazarbayev University, you’ll learn to ask new questions, conduct research and turn fundamental knowledge into scientific discoveries and practical solutions.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

BACHELOR’S

Bachelor of Science in Physics

4 years · 240 ECTS

Explore the fundamental laws of nature, from particle motion and the propagation of light to quantum phenomena and processes across the universe.
Study classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, optics, mathematical methods and computational physics.

BACHELOR’S

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

4 years · 240 ECTS

Study the structure of matter, chemical reactions and the molecular processes behind modern science, medicine and industry.
Master organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and methods of chemical analysis.

BACHELOR’S

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

4 years · 240 ECTS

Study mathematical analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, probability theory, statistics and discrete mathematics.
Apply mathematical methods in science, engineering, financial analysis and modern technology.

BACHELOR’S

Bachelor of Science in Geology

4 years · 250 ECTS

Study mineralogy, geological mapping, geochemistry, geophysics and methods of subsurface exploration. Apply your knowledge through fieldwork, lab work and geological modeling.

MASTER’S

MSc in Physics

2 years

Dive deep into modern areas of physics and build the skills for independent research.
The program combines theory, mathematical methods, computer modeling and experimental research.

MASTER’S

MSc in Chemistry

2 years · 120 ECTS

Develop expert knowledge of modern chemistry and apply it to studying substances, chemical processes and new materials.
The program combines advanced theory, laboratory research and independent scientific work.

MASTER’S

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics

2 years · 120 ECTS

Study numerical modeling, scientific computing, statistical analysis, optimization and machine learning. Build your research skills and learn to create mathematical models of real-world processes.

MASTER’S

Master of Science in Geosciences

2 years · 120 ECTS

Study geochemistry, geophysics, geological modeling, mineral exploration methods and modern subsurface technologies. Develop the skills to conduct independent research and solve scientific and applied problems in Earth sciences.

DOCTORAL

PhD in Physics

4 years

Investigate fundamental physical phenomena and develop new theoretical, computational or experimental approaches to studying nature.
The program focuses on independent research, advanced training in physics and an original research project.

DOCTORAL

Ph.D. in Mathematics

4 years · 242 ECTS

Study mathematical analysis, algebra, probability theory, optimization, differential equations and computational mathematics.
Develop your own research direction and produce original results that advance mathematical knowledge.

DOCTORAL

Ph.D. in Geosciences

4 years · 240 ECTS

Research geological structures, geophysical processes, mineral resources and modern methods of geological data analysis. Develop new scientific approaches to challenges in geology, natural resources and the environment.

DOCTORAL

PhD in Chemistry

4 years · 240 ECTS

Create new knowledge in chemistry and conduct research that addresses complex scientific, technological and societal challenges.
The program combines advanced theory, specialized courses and intensive research.

What will you study?

01

MATHEMATICS AND ANALYTICAL THINKING

Study mathematical analysis, algebra, probability theory, statistics and differential equations.
Learn to find patterns, build mathematical models and apply computational methods to complex problems.

02

PHYSICS AND THE LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE

Explore motion, energy, electromagnetic phenomena, quantum processes and the structure of matter. Study classical and quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, optics and experimental physics.

03

CHEMISTRY AND THE STRUCTURE OF MATTER

Discover how molecules are built, why substances have certain properties and how chemical reactions happen.
Study organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, along with methods of synthesis and chemical analysis.

04

GEOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

Explore the structure of the Earth, the origin of rocks, minerals and geological processes.
Master geological mapping, geochemistry, geophysics and methods of studying natural resources.

05

LAB AND FIELD RESEARCH

Learn to design experiments, analyze results and test research hypotheses.
Depending on your program, work with lab equipment, measuring instruments, geological samples and field data.

06

MODELING AND COMPUTATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

Use mathematics, programming and computational methods to study natural processes. Build models of physical systems, chemical reactions and geological structures, analyze data and solve scientific problems.

BUILD THE TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE.

RESEARCH

  • Research Mathematician
  • Research Physicist
  • Research Chemist
  • Research Geologist
  • Research Scientist

WORK IN INDUSTRY

  • Data Analyst
  • Mathematical Modeling Specialist
  • Scientific Computing Specialist
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • GIS Specialist

DISCOVER

  • Geologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Analytical Chemist
  • Materials Research Specialist
  • Mineral Exploration Specialist

ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY

  • Quantum Technology Researcher
  • Optical Systems Specialist
  • Nanomaterials Researcher
  • Geological Modeling Specialist
  • Research Engineer
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION?
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Start your journey in the physical sciences at Nazarbayev University.