The Faculty of Science and Technology Ref. no.

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Ume University, SE-901 87 Ume, Sweden Date
Phone: +46 90 786 0000
www.umu.se

Master of Science Programme in Physics

Master of Science Programme in Physics

Scope: 120 higher education credits

Degree: Masters degree in natural science with physics as the main field of study. The description of
the degree can be found at:
http://www.umu.se/studentcentrum/verksamhet/examina/examensbeskrivningar.html
Level affiliation: Advanced level
Programme code:
Confirmation: The program syllabus was established by the Faculty of Science and Technology
Board on 21-03-2007.
Enters into force: 2007-07-01
Responsible authority: The Faculty of Science and Technology (The Science Committee)

The study programmes goal

Description of the study programme at the current level

Chapter 1 , Section 9 of the Higher Education Act: Advanced university education shall be
based principally on the knowledge the students have acquired during their basic university education
or on equivalent knowledge.
Advanced university education shall further develop a students knowledge, skills and abilities
acquired at the basic university education level and shall also,
- further develop the students ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop the students ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, and
- develop students abilities for professional activity which makes great demands on independence, or
for research and development work.

National goals for the current degree

To be granted a Masters degree, the student must
-exhibit knowledge and understanding within the main field of study, including a broad knowledge of
the area and significantly advanced knowledge within certain parts of the area of study as well as in-
depth insight into current research and development work, and
-exhibit deeper methodological knowledge of the main field of study for the education

Proficiency and aptitude

To be granted a Masters degree, the student must
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-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.

Ability to assess and approach

To be granted a Masters degree, the student must
-within the main field of study for the education, exhibit the ability to make assessments by taking into
consideration relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects and exhibit an awareness of ethical
aspects with regard to research and development work,
-exhibit insight as to the opportunities and the limitations that science has, its role in society and
mans responsibility as to how it is used, and
-exhibit the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and to assume responsibility for the
development of personal knowledge.

Local goals for the current degree

Proficiency and aptitude
To obtain a Masters degree in natural science with a major in physics at Ume University, in addition
to the national goals, the student shall

-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.

Content and organisation

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

5FY095 Modelling and Simulation, 7.5 university credits

For the basic courses, the student has guaranteed admission.

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).

5FY000 General relativity D, 7.5 university credits

5FY002 Astrophysics C, 7.5 university credits

5FY007 Atomic and molecular spectroscopy C, 7.5 university credits

5FY008 Advanced microscopy C, 7.5 university credits

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5FY009 Advanced materials D, 7.5 university credits

5FY010 Non-invasive measurement techniques C, 7.5 university credits

5FY013 Electrodynamics II D, 7.5 university credits

5FY030 Physical properties of measuring devices C, 7.5 university credits

5FY033 Numerical methods in physics, 7.5 university credits

5FY038 Non-linear physics D, 7.5 university credits

5FY046 Quantum nanoelectronics D, 7.5 university credits

5FY050 Quantum field theory I D, 7.5 university credits

5FY051 Quantum field theory II D, 7.5 university credits

5FY052 Quantum information D, 7.5 university credits

5FY056 Quantum transport theory D, 7.5 university credits

5FY057 Laser physics C, 7.5 university credits

5FY061 Monte Carlo methods D, 7.5 university credits

5FY062 Nanotechnology D, 7.5 university credits

5FY065 Optical construction C, 7.5 university credits

5FY067 Plasma physics D, 7.5 university credits

5FY068 Project in optical physics D, 4.5 university credits

5FY071 Space physics C, 7.5 university credits

5FY074 Simulation techniques D, 715 university credits

5FY075 Solar cells D, 7.5 university credits

5FY077 Statistical physics II C, 7.5 university credits

5FY079 Fluid mechanics C, 7.5 university credits

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5FY080 Superconductivity D, 715 university credits

5FY093 Quantum optics D, 7.5 university credits

5FY098 Current research in physics 1, 2 university credits

5FY099 Current research in physics 2, 2 university credits

5FY100 Current research in physics 3, 2 university credits

5FY101 Current research in physics 4, 2 university credits

5FY102 Humans and vehicles in space C, 7.5 university credits

5FYxxx Nanodevices 7.5 university credits

5MA029 Applied linear analysis, 7.5 university credits

5MA034 Transform theory 7.5 university credits

5MA038 Numerical methods for partial differential equations, 7.5 university credits

5MAxxx Complex analysis, 7.5 university credits

5MAxxx Differential geometry 7.5 university credits

For current information on elective courses, refer to:

www.phys.umu.se/utbild/index.htm

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:

Autumn term Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

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

Year Simulation Optional courses Degree project, 30 university credits

2 techniques D, 7.5
university credits

Optional course

Condensed matter physics/Nanotechnology:

Autumn term
Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

Year Quantum Quantum transport Quantum Advanced materials D,

1 mechanics 2 D, 7.5 theory D, 7.5 nanoelectronics D, 7.5 7.5 university credits
university credits university credits university credits
Solar cells D, 7.5
Modelling and Optional course Optional course university credits
simulation, 7.5
university credits
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Year Nanotechnology D, Nanodevices 7.5 Degree project, 30 university credits

2 7.5 university university credits
credits
Optional course
Optional course

The following courses in the field are provided more sporadically: Statistical physics 2 C, 7.5 university
credits, Superconductivity D, 7.5 university credits

Quantum mechanics/Quantum technique:

Autumn term Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

Year Quantum Quantum transport Quantum Quantum information

1 mechanics 2 D, 7.5 theory D, 7.5 nanoelectronics D, 7.5 D, 7.5 university credits
university credits university credits university credits
Quantum optics D, 7.5
Modelling and Optional course Optional course university
simulation, 7.5 credits2/Atomic and
university credits molecular spectroscopy
C, 7.5 university credits1

Year Nanotechnology D, Optional course Quantum optics D, 7.5

2 7.5 university university
credits credits2/Atomic and
molecular spectroscopy
Optional course C, 7.5 university credits1

Degree project, 30 university credits

1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.

Optical physics/Measurement physics:

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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Autumn term Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

Year Quantum mechanics Non-invasive Optical construction Quantum optics D, 7.5

1 2 D, 7.5 university measurement C, 7.5 university university credits2/Atomic
credits methods C, 7.5 credits1/Laser physics and molecular
university credits C, 7.5 university spectroscopy C, 7.5
Modelling and credits2 university credits1
simulation, 7.5 Optional course
university credits Optional course Optional course

Year Physical properties Optical construction Quantum optics D, 7.5

2 of measuring C, 7.5 university university credits2/Atomic
devices C, 7.5 credits1/Laser physics and molecular
university credits C, 7.5 university spectroscopy C, 7.5
credits2 university credits1
Advanced
microscopy C, 7.5
university credits1
Degree project, 30 university credits
Optional course

Whe Project in optical physics, 4.5 university credits

never

1The courses are provided on odd years 2007, 2009 etc. 2 The courses are provided on even years
2008, 2010 etc.

Space physics:

Autumn term Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

Year Quantum Electrodynamics II D, Plasma physics D, 7.5 Astrophysics C, 7.5

1 mechanics 2 D, 7.5 university credits1 university credits *2/ Non- university credits1/
7.5 university /Optional course linear physics, 7.5 Optional course
credits university credits *1
Numerical methods for Fluid mechanics C,
Modelling and partial differential Numerical methods in 7.5 university credits
simulation, 7.5 equations, 7.5 university physics, 7.5 university
university
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credits credits credits

Year Space physics C, Electrodynamics II D, Plasma physics D, 7.5

2 7.5 university 7.5 university credits1 university credits *2/
credits
Non-linear physics D, 7.5
Optional course university credits*1

Humans and vehicles in

space C, 7.5 university
credits

Degree project, 30 university credits

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

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

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

Degree project, 30 university credits

* 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.

Previous studies (rubriken finns ej i svenska originalet!)

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.

Autumn term Spring term

Study period 1: Study period 2: Study period 3: Study period 4:

Electrodynamics with Basic measurement Statistical physics I C, Analytical mechanics C, 6

vector analysis C, 7.5 techniques B, 7.5 university credits
university credits university credits 4.5 university credits

Applied linear analysis, Atomic and molecular Solid-state physics C,

7.5 university credits physics C, 7.5 university 10.5 university credits
credits
Introductory quantum
mechanics C, 7.5
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university credits

Degree project/Independent project

The degree project in the Masters programme in physics concludes the education, and may be started
when the entry requirements for the project syllabus are met. In the degree project which comprises
30 university credits, the student should apply the knowledge acquired during the time of studying,
deal with the project assignments independently, and account for the results of the project work both
verbally and in a written report/paper. The work should include some form of subject-related in-depth
study within the area of physics. The degree project is normally carried out on an individual basis, but
in certain circumstances it is permitted for two students to cooperate.
The report is normally written in English. Alternatively, the report may be written in Swedish and
should then contain an English summary, as well as an English translation of the title.

Eligibility and selection

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 and Assessment

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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Academic credit transfer

Academic credit transfer of a course

The student has the right of assessment to find out whether a previous education or activity can be
accepted in the form of an academic credit transfer. For more information, see the Higher Education
Ordinance and:
www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/index.html
A negative decision regarding academic credit transfer is possible to appeal against to the Higher
Education Appeals Board. A negative decision must also be motivated in writing.

Other regulations

Temporary postponement of studies in conjunction with the beginning of studies

Deferral of commencement of study may be granted if there are special reasons for doing so.
Examples of special reasons are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other
responsibility for nursing etc. Your application should be sent in writing to StudentCentrum (the
Student Centre).

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.