Experimental nuclear and particle physics

Introduction

Objectives and content

In nuclear physics, one studies the constituents of an atomic nucleus and the interactions between them.

The composition and structure of the atomic nucleus is an essential field of study for a nuclear physicist, but the field spans a wide field of phenomena like the structure of the elementary particles, the inside of a neutron star, and the primary matter that existed in the universe a short time after The Big Bang.

Particle physics tries to understand the smallest building blocks of nature and the forces acting between them.

The field of experimental nuclear and particle physics also has a vital role in medicine with radiation- and particle therapy used to treat cancer.

The master program offers analysis of experimental data in nuclear and particle physics, which gives practical experience in handling and creating meaning out of large amounts of data. The development and testing of hardware for use in experiments also include data analysis, in addition to first-hand experience with high-tech electronics. The work is carried out in an international research community and the students are exposed to collaboration in large international projects, for instance at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). Both studies and research is aimed at supporting the building, operation and analysis of experiments at such collaborations. The master program trains the student in critical examination of the ideas of oneself and others, in both written and oral presentations.

What you Learn

Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge skills and general competence:

Knowledge

• be able to account for the basic building blocks of matter and the various constituents of an atomic nucleus and the interactions between them
• be able to account for the particles and interactions of the Standard Model
• be able to account for the basic ideas in nuclear physics
• explain selected experimental methods and measurements techniques in experimental nuclear and particle physics
• show that one has advanced knowledge in experimental nuclear and particle physics at a good level, and specialized insight in a smaller area connected to the master degree project

Skills

• 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
• manage and present scientific data, discuss precision and accuracy and use programming tools to analyse and process data
• analyse problems in experimental nuclear and particle physics 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 experimental nuclear and particle physics
• 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 knowledge

• be able to analyse scientific problems in general and participate in discussion about different ways to address and solve problems
• give good written and oral presentation of scientific topics and results
• communicate scientific problems, analyses and conclusions within in experimental nuclear and particle physics, 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

Study Period Abroad

Study period abroad

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

How to Apply

Semester

Autumn

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Physics, Experimental nuclear and particle 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