Study plan for MAMNFY-KJERNPAR Experimental nuclear and particle physics, spring 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in Physics - Experimental 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.

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.

Required 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

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

Recommended previous knowledge

Competence in general physics and mathematics is needed. Basic knowledge in programming is also strongly recommended.

The courses PHYS201 Quantum mechanics and PHYS241 Nuclear and particle physics are recommended as part of the bachelor degree.

In addition it is recommended to include one or more of the courses PHYS231 Physics of radiation, PHYS291

Data handling in physics.

The master¿s programme is comprised of an independent piece of scientific work (PHYS399 Master¿s thesis in physics) of 60 ECTS, and courses or special curriculum of a total of 60 ECTS chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

The master¿s thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

Compulsory units

The master¿s thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June.

Recommended electives

The following courses should be part of of the bachelor or master¿s degree:

PHYS201 Quantum mechanics
PHYS232 Experimental methods in nuclear and particle physics
PHYS241 Nuclear and particle physics

If the master¿s thesis is within theoretic work or data analysis, the following courses are recommended:

PHYS303 Relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory
PHYS341 Selected topics in experimental particle physics
PHYS342 Qunatum field theory
PHYS343 Quark and lepton physics
PHYS204 Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity

Other courses in the master¿s degree are chosen in agreement with the supervisor.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme depends on which courses that are part of the master¿s degree.

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 independently scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor.

A combination of teaching methods is used in the various courses, mainly lectures, workshops, self-study and field work. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

The final step in the programme is an oral presentation and examination after the master¿s thesis is submitted and evaluated.

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

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 experimental nuclear and particle physics gives opportunities for work within research and/or teaching at universities, colleges and research institutes. With basic pedagogical competence, candidates are also attractive school teachers at the secondary level. In addition, nuclear and particle physicists work for private companies within detection technology, telecom, measurement science, petroleum industry, information technology, marine research, public administration and news media. The study also offers an excellent background in order to qualify for a PhD scholarship in particle physics and related fields.

Phone: + 47 55 58 27 66