Study plan for MAMNFY-ATOM Theoretical atomic, nuclear and particle physics, spring 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in physics - theoretical atomic, nuclear and particle physics

ECTS Credits

Two years of full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

Contemporary theoretical physics aims to understand nature at its largest and smallest scales. This master's programme provides an introduction to fundamental theoretical physics by bridging the gap between undergraduate courses and the research frontier. As a student you will have the opportunity to study the atomic systems interacting with light, delve into the complex behaviour of quarks and gluons in the extreme conditions created in nuclear collisions or investigate the structure of the Standard Model of particle physics, and beyond.

The courses of the master's programme include advanced methods in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, as well as general relativity. In addition, you will gain experience with modern numerical methods in order to being able to solve cutting-edge problems. As a master student, you will become part of a vibrant research community engaged in various international projects.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

has an understanding of the most fundamental laws and principles of theoretical physics, along with their interpretations
is able to account for the elementary constituents of matter
is acquainted with specialized numerical and analytical tools to solve the problems at hand
has specialized knowledge of laser-matter interactions, nuclear processes under extreme conditions and particle physics of the Standard Model and ideas for its extension by yet undiscovered particles (the extent will depend on the specialization of the master's thesis)

Skills

The candidate is able to

apply theoretical knowledge of physical principles and mathematical techniques to problems in the field
analyse problems in atomic, nuclear and particle physics and discuss ways to explore these with the aid of theory and modelling
carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision, but with a large degree of independence and own initiative, and in coherence with good ethical conduct
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
analyse, interpret and discuss own results in a scientifically sound and critical way, and in light of data and theories within his/her own field

General competence

The candidate is able to

analyse scientific problems in general and participate in discussions about different ways to address and solve problems
model physical systems in terms of abstract quantities
give good written and oral presentations of scientific topics and results
communicate scientific problems, analyses and conclusions within theoretical physics, both to specialists and the general public
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

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Physics, Space Physics, 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

Compulsory units

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master's thesis) of 60 credits.

Courses: There are no compulsory courses. 60 credits of elective courses, chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

Master¿s thesis: PHYS399 Master's thesis in Physics of 60 credits. The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

Recommended electives

60 course credits in the Master's programme are elective and have to be chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

PHYS203 Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory, PHYS206 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics and PHYS301 General Relativity are recommended.

In addition,

for specialization in atomic physics PHYS261 Atomic Physics is recommended.
for specialization in nuclear physics PHYS333 Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics and PHYS342 Quantum Field Theory are recommended.
for specialization in particle physics PHYS342 Quantum Field Theory is recommended.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading "Compulsory units".

Study period abroad

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor as a part of the master agreement.

Teaching and learning methods

The Master's thesis is an independent scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor.

A combination of teaching and learning methods is used in the various courses, including lectures, workshops and self-studies. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

The most common assessment method in the courses is oral examination. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

The final step in the programme is an oral examination. The examination is held when the master's thesis is submitted, evaluated and approved.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master¿s thesis will be graded A to F.

The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master's degree.

To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

A master's degree in theoretical atomic, nuclear and particle physics provides opportunities for work within research and / or teaching at a university, a state college or a research institute.

A master's degree in theoretical atomic, nuclear and particle physics will also provide a good basis for further doctoral studies within the field of study and / or other related fields of study.

You will also be able to take up work within public administration, as well as the defense sector, the hospital sector and the education sector at the secondary level (permanent appointment entails pedagogical basic education).

Candidates also have many job opportunities in private companies related to energy, technology and innovation, information technology and within the financial sector.

Phone: + 47 55 58 27 66

Study plan for MAMNFY-ATOM Theoretical atomic, nuclear and particle physics, spring 2024

Name of qualification

ECTS Credits

Full-time/Part-time

Language of Instruction

Semester

Objectives and content