Master Thesis in Physics (FYSMAS)

The master thesis is an independent project in which you will apply the knowledge acquired during your studies on solving a given assignment.

The assignment will normally be carried out during the last semester of your studies, except the master's thesis of 60 ECTS that run over two semesters. At this stage you will have acquired the knowledge and know-how needed for accomplishing a relevant assignment in your studies.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

FYSMAS

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

60

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

3

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

Literature work and work with the individual curriculum, modelling and simulations. The content will vary depending on the theme for the thesis work. Choice of project topic subject to availability of suitable supervisers.

A halfway-presentation for peers and supervisors, typical i December, must be approved to be allowed to complete the thesis project.

Learning outcome

Through the work with the master thesis the student shall gain experience with a research project where methods from mathematical, physical and/or statistical modelling is applied. After completing the thesis, the student shall be able to:

  • Demonstrate insight in and understanding of a specific subject.
  • Use mathemathical and physical methods to formulate and analyze a relevant scientific and/or technical problem.
  • Perform a literature search and write a scientific report.
  • Understand and obey the ethical standards for scientific work.
  • Present and convey the content of an independent scientific investigation, using the scientific terminology of the field in question.

General Competence

A candidate who has completed and passed his or her master thesis has acquired the following learning outcomes:

He/she

  • is able to present and communicate extensive independent work
  • can describe the problem clearly and masters the terms and expressions within the academic field
  • has acquired an overview of relevant international literature, scientific reporting and ethical standards in the field, and manages to deal critically with various sources of information
  • is able to analyse relevant theoretical models and/or studies supported by scientific research
  • masters analysis of relevant scholarly tools and techniques
  • is able to give an account of the academic problem and analyse results and independent conclusions according to the problem
  • is able to reflect upon and evaluate his/her own work in a critical manner
  • is able to defend high moral standards in scientific, as well as other, context, thus being a good role model

Required prerequisite knowledge

One have to complete 40 ECTS of master level courses in accordance with the educational plan to be allowed to start the thesis work.

In addition it is referred to regulations for master studies with 60 ECTS thesis, including requisites for passed exams before the thesis work can start: https://www.uis.no/en/engineering/thesis-writing-at-faculty-of-science-and-technology

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Thesis 1/1 9 Months Letter grades All

Submission of individual thesis with provisional grading. Final grading is decided after oral hearing: presentation of the thesis and oral examination. Oral hearing is composed of a public presentation of the thesis, 30 minutes, where the student gives an overview of the thesis. The presentation is followed by an oral examination on the thesis with sensor and supervisor. The final mark is set after the oral examination.Co-writing (up to three) is allowed.We further refer to Regulations relating to studies and examinations at the University of Stavanger, § 3-10 section 4 and Regulation for bachleor's and master's thesis at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Coursework requirements

Oral presentation of the Master thesis
Towards the end of the first semester (November/December), there will be a mandatory seminar where all masterstudents writing their thesis is presenting their work and the plan for the coming semester. The presentation is to last for approximately 15 minutes and is open to the public.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Helge Bøvik Larsen

Course teacher:

Helge Bøvik Larsen

Course teacher:

Alex Bentley Nielsen

Course teacher:

Eero Aleksi Kurkela

Course teacher:

Olena Zavorotynska

Course teacher:

Eero Aleksi Kurkela

Course teacher:

Germano Nardini

Course teacher:

Tomas Brauner

Course teacher:

Eva Rauls

Course teacher:

Olena Zavorotynska

Course coordinator:

Alex Bentley Nielsen

Course teacher:

Germano Nardini

Course teacher:

Tomas Brauner

Course teacher:

Eva Rauls

Course teacher:

Alex Bentley Nielsen

Head of Department:

Bjørn Henrik Auestad

Head of Department:

Bjørn Henrik Auestad

Method of work

Independent work with literature Individual supervision in practical work and in writing reports. It is important both to the student and the advisor that a good cooperation routine is established during the execution of the project. This may e.g. take the form of regular meetings in which the student will present and discuss his/her work as it develops. Preferably the student should have written something that can form the basis of the conversation/discussion with the advisor. It is an advantage to start writing the thesis at the earliest possible stage.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Master Thesis Mathematics and Physics (MAFMAS_1) 60
Master Thesis in Mathematics (MATMAS_1) 60

Open for

Mathematics and Physics - Master of Science Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto