Applied Physics Masters Umea University
Applied Physics Masters Umea University
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Ume University, SE-901 87 Ume, Sweden Date
Phone: +46 90 786 0000
www.umu.se
-exhibit the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, evaluate and
deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even when limited information is available,
-exhibit the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate questions, to plan
and with adequate methods, carry out qualified tasks within given time frames and thereby contribute
to the development of knowledge and to evaluate this work
-exhibit the ability to account clearly for and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments
that form the basis of these in dialogue form with different groups in both a national and international
context, verbally and in writing, and
-exhibit such skills that are required to participate in research and development work or to work
independently in other qualified areas.
-be able to plan and undertake advanced experiments and/or with mathematical models describe
physical phenomenon and carry out relevant calculations,
-independently, via specialist literature and journals, be able to make use of new knowledge in the field
of physics,
-be able to account for knowledge and achieved results, verbally and in writing in English,
-be prepared for professional activity where an in-depth knowledge of physics is required,
-be prepared for research education in the field,
-be able to interpret and evaluate the results of different experiments and/or calculations,
-be able to evaluate different models appropriateness and limitations.
General
The Masters programme comprises 120 university credits and includes basic courses, elective courses
and optional courses (see below for explanation of the different course types). There is a large freedom
of choice of optional courses as long as the general requirements for the degree have been fulfilled.
(For a description of the degree, see
http://www.umu.se/studentcentrum/verksamhet/examina/examensbeskrivningar.html It is possible
however to design your education around the following specialisations within physics:
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Computational physics
Condensed matter physics/Nanotechnology
Quantum mechanics/quantum technology
Optical physics/Measurement physics
Space physics
Theoretical physics
Radiation physics
For suitable combinations of courses, see www.phys.umu.se/utbild/index.htm and under the heading
programme overview, below. For courses in radiation physics, see
http://www.umu.se/radsci/radiofysik/utbildning/sjukhusfysikerutbildning/index.html
The teaching is provided in the form of lectures, tutorials and exercises (calculation) and via
supervision in connection with laboratory experiments and project work. The reporting of laboratory
experiments and projects may take place both verbally and in writing. It is expected that the studies
will be conducted on a full-time basis. Normally a working week comprises 10-20 hours of scheduled
tutoring while the rest of the time is devoted to studying and doing exercises. The course literature is
normally in English and the courses are also normally held in English. The courses are often studied
together with student of other programmes, primarily Master of Science programme in engineering
physics. Normally the courses are run at half speed.
Basic courses
5FY054 Quantum mechanics 2 D, 7.5 university credits
Elective courses
The student has a guaranteed place on a set of elective courses, which comprises the equivalent of up
to full-time studies, but there is no guarantee of first choice. At present, elective courses at advanced
level are provided in accordance with the list below. Please note that in general some previous
knowledge is required. The previous knowledge requirements of each course are specified by the
course syllabus (see www.phys.umu.se/utbild/allakurser.htm).
5MA038 Numerical methods for partial differential equations, 7.5 university credits
Optional courses
Optional courses are applied for in open competition. Courses from other seats of learning may qualify
to be included in the degree.
Programme overview
Below the different profiles of recommended courses are described in block diagrams according to the
academic study period. Note that some of the courses, marked with 1,2, are alternating and offered only
once each second year and that the schedules are preliminary and may vary somewhat from year to
year. Information regarding the current schedules is provided on the departments website
http://www.phys.umu.se/utbild/allakurser.htm .
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An independent degree project of 30 university credits is normally undertaken during the spring term
in the second year.
Computational physics:
Year Quantum Numerical methods for Numerical methods in Monte Carlo methods
1 mechanics 2 D, 7.5 partial differential physics, 7.5 university D, 7.5 university credits
university credits equations, 7.5 credits
university credits Optional course
Modelling and Optional course
simulation, 7.5 Optional course
university credits
Optional course
Autumn term
Spring term
The following courses in the field are provided more sporadically: Statistical physics 2 C, 7.5 university
credits, Superconductivity D, 7.5 university credits
1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.
Those who lack knowledge , the equivalent of Basic measurement techniques B and/or Atomic and
molecular physics C should study these courses at the beginning of the education (in study period 2)
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1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.
Space physics:
1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.
* The courses will be held in the form of seminars where the lectures circulate among the participants.
Theoretical physics:
Autumn term
Spring term
Year Quantum General relativity D, 7.5 Non-linear physics, 7.5 Fluid mechanics C,
1 mechanics 2 D, university credits2/ university credits*1/ 7.5 university credits
7.5 university
credits Electrodynamics II D, Plasma physics D, 7.5 Quantum
7.5 university credits1 university credits *2/ information D, 7.5
Modelling and university credits
simulation, 7.5 Quantum transport Quantum field theory I, 7.5
university theory D, 7.5 university university credits *1/
credits credits Optional course
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Year Optional courses General relativity D, 7.5 Quantum field theory I, 7.5
2 university credits2 / university credits*1
Electrodynamics II D,
7.5 university credits1 Plasma physics D, 7.5
university credits *2/ Non-
linear physics, 7.5
university credits *1
* The courses will be held in the form of seminars where the lectures circulate among the participants.
1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.
The course entitled Quantum field theory II, 7.5 university credits (with Quantum field theory I as
previous knowledge requirement) is provided more sporadically.
Normally the student should have studied courses in electrodynamics, analytical mechanics, quantum
mechanics, statistical physics and solid-state physics as well as vector analysis and linear analysis, as
part of his/her previous Bachelor studies. Depending on the programme profile chosen, often several
of these subjects are needed as prior knowledge. Students lacking courses in these subjects are
recommended therefore to study the corresponding courses at the beginning of the Masters
programme. At present the Bachelor level courses (Basic measurement techniques is at the foundation
degree level) are offered in accordance with the following schedule.
university credits
Eligibility requirement
For admission to the educational programme, in addition to a Bachelors degree, Bachelor of Arts
degree or vocational qualifications amounting to a minimum of 180 university credits (or the
equivalent foreign degree): 60 university credits in physics are required.
Selection
See the universitys admission regulations on selection:
http://www.umu.se/planering/Bologna/arkiv/AntagningUS.12dec05.pdf
Examination modes
Examination normally takes place at the end of each course, and is verbal and/or written. It can totally
or partly be replaced by continuous knowledge assessments within the context of the education, for
example in the form of discussion seminars, verbal and/or written reports etc.
Students that have been failed in an examination will be given the opportunity to participate in further
examinations in accordance with the regulations specified in the course syllabus. A student that has
failed twice in an examination has the right to make a request to the department board to designate
another teacher to mark his/her next examination.
Grades
Grades are awarded for each course and if considered suitable also for parts of a course. Grading takes
place when all examinations and all compulsory elements, for example laboratory experiments, project
reports and written assignments have been approved. Unless otherwise specified in the course
syllabus, the grades Pass or Pass with Credit are awarded. If you have already achieved a Pass grade, it
is not permitted to resit an examination to acquire a higher grade.
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Other regulations
A negative decision on deferral of commencement of study may be appealed to the Higher Education
Appeals Board.
Interruption of studies
Students who leave the study programme must notify the programme study guidance officer of the
interruption of studies.
Discontinuation
A negative decision on being allowed to resume studies after a break in study may be appealed to the
Higher Education Appeals Board.