Acoustics

Introduction

Objectives and content

Acoustics - the science of sound - describes vibrations and distribution of such, in the form of waves propagating in all types of matter (gases, liquids, solids), at audible and non-audible frequencies. Such topics range from nanophysics to cosmic physics. Acoustics is about understanding the physical processes occurring in the interaction of sound waves with matter, and to exploit these processes, e.g. in measurement methods and instruments. Modern acoustics is a science in rapid development and growth, with numerous important application areas within industry and society. Examples include petroleum, medicine, fisheries, marine science, geoscience, materials technology, electronics, etc.

The master programme in acoustics provides a thorough introduction to the science of sound, with emphasis on ultrasound. During the master education, the student is - through supervision - trained in conducting an independent scientific work, related to an ongoing research activity in the acoustics group. The master thesis consists of theoretical and/or experimental work, often combined with numerical modelling. The student is trained in methods used in basic research and applications of ultrasound, such as e.g. within technology, medicine, marine science, etc. Emphasis is laid on conscious evaluation of own work and published research, besides of skills in presenting the work in scientific writing and orally.

What you Learn

Learning Outcomes

After a completed master's degree in acoustics the candidate should be able to:

Knowledge

• convey facts and discuss basic theories within acoustics
• explain the fundament for use of acoustics in selected areas, such as within medicine, measurement instrumentation, marine science, etc.
• explain selected experimental methods and measurement techniques within acoustics
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of acoustics at a good level, and specialized insight in a more narrow area connected to the master thesis project.

Skills

• carry out an independent and limited research project under supervision, with a large degree of independence and own initiative, in coherence with good ethical conduct
• manage and present scientific data, discuss precision and accuracy, and use programming tools to analyse and process data
• analyse problems in acoustics, and discuss ways to explore these with the aid of theory and experimental methods
• orient oneself in the scientific community and collect, analyse, and utilize, necessary knowledge and tools needed to carry out a research project
• analyse and critically evaluate scientific sources of information, and apply these to structure and formulate reasoning and new ideas within acoustics
• analyse, interpret and discuss own results in a scientifically sound and critical way, in light of data and theories within the relevant scientific field

General knowledge

• be able to analyse scientific problems in general, and participate in discussions about different ways to address and solve problems
• give skilled written and oral presentations of scientific topics and results
• communicate scientific problems, analyses, and conclusions within acoustics, both to specialists and the general public
• be able to reflect over central scientific problems in his/her own work and other people's work
• demonstrate understanding and respect for scientific values like openness, precision and reliability

How to Apply

Semester

Autumn (main admission) and spring (supplementary admission)

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Physics, acoustics, you need a bachelor degree in Physics or related fields.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

• Bachelor degree in Physics

Bachelor degrees that qualify

• Bachelor degree in Physics
• Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equation, Function of Several Variables, Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Basic Measurement Science and Experimental Physics, Modern Physics, Project in Physics

You also need to document:

• Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)
• Proficiency in English