Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme


Study programme description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Credits (ECTS)

300

Studyprogram code

M-MAFYS5

Level

Master's degree (5 years)

Leads to degree

Master i realfag, matematikk og fysikk

Full-/Part-time

Full-time

Duration

10 Semesters

Undergraduate

Yes

Language of instruction

English, Norsk

Modern technology and our understanding of the World we live in is based on the scientific description of natural phenomena and advanced mathematical modelling. Scientists and engineers are trained to uncover and investigate these phenomena, and in return apply our knowledge to develop new technology.

A Master of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics will equip you with skills in mathematics, physic and statistics, at a level far beyond most master’s degrees in engineering. You will be able to solve highly advanced mathematical problems, analytically and numerically. You will be able to apply fundamental physics to complex systems both at the macroscopic and the microscopic level. You will have a large toolbox of computational, experimental and data analysis methods, and be able to address problems throughout natural sciences, but also in the context of finance, health science, social sciences and management. Mathematics and physics are crucial to overcome the challenges posed by the Green Transition. The subject’s key role as basis for our understanding of nature and future technology must be a pillar of Lifelong Learning for a future where adaptability is a key competence.

Mathematics and Physics graduates readily find employment as specialists in various industries, filling roles in technical design and innovation, data analysis, mathematical modelling and management. In both the public and private sector, Mathematicians and Physicists are sought after for research and development teams, in particular for tasks that require very advanced mathematics, deductive and problem-solving skills, high precision and deep understanding.

Some Mathematicians and Physicists choose to further specialise through a Ph.D. degree, others establish themselves with a career in education, at high-school level, in higher education or in public dissemination.

The first 6 semesters of the programme encompass all the core skills that a Mathematician and a Physicist need. These include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Astrophysics and Quantum mechanics, as well as Statistics, Advanced Calculus, Abstract Algebra, Differential equations, and Numerical methods.


After passing the first three years (first six semesters), the student reports transfer to master's level (semester 7). In addition, the student also chooses to specialise in either mathematics or physics.

The Master project in semester 9-10 offers the opportunity to apply the acquired skills to a specific, often very challenging problem in contemporary mathematics or physics. This will expose the student to some of the most advanced methods and ideas in mathematics (algebraic and differential geometry, topology and functional analysis), to modern methods in data analysis (statistical simulations, signal processing, machine learning, AI), and to ongoing efforts to probe the fundamental properties of the Universe, using some of the most complex technology in the world (CERN, ESRF, Gravitational waves, supercomputing).

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s degree programme in Mathematics and Physics, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The Candidate has advanced knowledge within the subject areas mathematics and physics.

K2: The Candidate has broad knowledge of the scientific theories and methods of the subject areas.

K3: The Candidate has knowledge of the relevant numerical/computational tools and methods that are used in mathematics and physics, as well as experimental methods.

K4: The Candidate has knowledge of how the subject areas mathematics and physics are related to other natural and technological sciences.

K5: The Candidate has specialist knowledge within a smaller area of either mathematics or physics, in connection with the specialization course work and the Master project.

Skills

F1: The Candidate is able to analyse scientific problems on the basis of the history, traditions and social position specific to the subject areas.

F2: The Candidate is able to apply his/her knowlegde to carry out concrete computations and reasonings, and thereby derive results within central parts of the subject areas mathematics and physics, both for familiar and new problems.

F3: The Candidate is able to use relevant computational tools to analyse problems in mathematics and physics.

F4: The Candidate is able to apply relevant research methods and the subject matter in an independent and critical way, and to formulate and structure scientific reasoning.

F5: The Candidate is able to carry out a scientific investigation under supervision and in line with the ethical and scientific standards of the subject areas.

F6: The Candidate is able to communicate independent scientific work, including own work, and master the terminology of the subject areas, orally and in writing.

General Competences

G1: The Candidate is able to analyse numerical data also outside his/her own subject areas.

G2: The Candidate is able to analyse and present complex problems in a logical and structured way.

G3: The Candidate is able to work independently, and to find and acquire advanced knowledge independently.

Career prospects

Mathematicians and Physicists find employment in:

Research and development in industry, for example the energy sector, renewable energy, space technology, climate, bio- and geophysics, modelling and simulation, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Research, development and teaching in Academia, for example theoretical physics, analysis and development of materials, cosmology, algebraic geometry, mathematical analysis, medical statistics and econometry.

Other jobs in the private and public sector, requiring analytical and mathematical skills, as well as the use of digital tools. Data analyst, health sector, media, finance, insurance sector, logistics, programming.

Teaching in high school, Høgskole (with PPU).

A graduate of this program is eligible for doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes at most universities in Norway and abroad, in Mathematics or Physics, depending on the specialization chosen.

After 3 years of study, the student is eligible to transition to other Master programmes in Mathematics and Physics in Norway and abroad, including the UiS Master programme in Computational Engineering. This is conditioned on completing a Bachelor project in semester 6 (see study plan for more information).

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality System for Education.

Study plan and courses

  • Choose specialization

    • Specialisation Mathematics

    • Specialisation Physics

      • Compulsory courses

      • Choose one course in 7th semester

      • Electives or exchange studies 8th semester

        • Choose 3 courses in 8th semester (spring)

          • FYS600: General Relativity and Cosmology

            Year 4, semester 8

            General Relativity and Cosmology (FYS600)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS610: Quantum Field Theory

            Year 4, semester 8

            Quantum Field Theory (FYS610)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS620: X-ray and Neutron scattering

            Year 4, semester 8

            X-ray and Neutron scattering (FYS620)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS630: Computational Solid State Physics

            Year 4, semester 8

            Computational Solid State Physics (FYS630)

            Study points: 10

        • Exchange 8th semester (spring)

  • Compulsory courses

  • Choose one course in 5th semester (autumn)

  • Choose specialization

    • Specialisation Mathematics

    • Specialisation Physics

      • Compulsory courses

      • Choose one course in 7th semester

      • Electives or exchange studies 8th semester

        • Choose 3 courses in 8th semester (spring)

          • FYS600: General Relativity and Cosmology

            Year 4, semester 8

            General Relativity and Cosmology (FYS600)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS610: Quantum Field Theory

            Year 4, semester 8

            Quantum Field Theory (FYS610)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS620: X-ray and Neutron scattering

            Year 4, semester 8

            X-ray and Neutron scattering (FYS620)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS630: Computational Solid State Physics

            Year 4, semester 8

            Computational Solid State Physics (FYS630)

            Study points: 10

        • Exchange 8th semester (spring)

  • Compulsory courses

  • Choose one course in 5th semester (autumn)

  • Choose specialization

    • Specialisation Mathematics

    • Specialisation Physics

      • Compulsory courses

      • Choose one course in 7th semester

      • Electives or exchange studies 8th semester

        • Choose 3 courses in 8th semester (spring)

          • FYS600: General Relativity and Cosmology

            Year 4, semester 8

            General Relativity and Cosmology (FYS600)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS610: Quantum Field Theory

            Year 4, semester 8

            Quantum Field Theory (FYS610)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS620: X-ray and Neutron scattering

            Year 4, semester 8

            X-ray and Neutron scattering (FYS620)

            Study points: 10

          • FYS630: Computational Solid State Physics

            Year 4, semester 8

            Computational Solid State Physics (FYS630)

            Study points: 10

        • Exchange 8th semester (spring)

Student exchange

Students can study abroad during the 8th semester of the master's programme in mathematics and physics. This semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of electives. During the exchange semester you can choose subjects similar the master program specialization. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the subjects/ courses from abroad not overlap with subjects you have already taken. Some advice is to think about your specialization and your field of interest.

More opportunities

In addition to the recommended universities listed below, UiS has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.

Find out more.

Contact your Study Adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses:

Helene Nicolaisen

General questions about exchange: Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Københavns Universitet

    København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

    University of Bonn

    Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn har en 200 år lang historie og er å betrakte som et av Tysklands mest anerkjente forskningsuniversitet. Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzche og Konrad Adenauer er bare noen av mange kjente personer som har fått sin grad fra Universitetet i Bonn.

    University of California, Berkeley

    University of California, Berkeley er utvilsamt eit av verdast sterkaste universitet, med samtlege av dei akademiske greinene ranka blant verdas ti beste av Times Higher Education. Du vil garantert få fagleg utbytte av eit studieopphald her.

    University of Jyväskylä

    Jyväskylä Universitet er Finlands ledende innen lærerutdanning. Det er også det eneste universitetet med eget fakultet for «sport and health sciences».

    University of Paderborn

    Enjoy the charm of Paderborn for one semester. You will study close to major European cities such as Brussel and Amsterdam, with the possibility of many indoor and outdoor activities in a friendly and green enviroment.

  • Danmark

    Københavns Universitet

    København er et populært studiested for nordmenn, ikke minst på grunn av den geografiske og språklige nærheten til Norge.

  • Finland

    University of Jyväskylä

    Jyväskylä Universitet er Finlands ledende innen lærerutdanning. Det er også det eneste universitetet med eget fakultet for «sport and health sciences».

  • Tyskland

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

    University of Bonn

    Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn har en 200 år lang historie og er å betrakte som et av Tysklands mest anerkjente forskningsuniversitet. Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzche og Konrad Adenauer er bare noen av mange kjente personer som har fått sin grad fra Universitetet i Bonn.

    University of Paderborn

    Enjoy the charm of Paderborn for one semester. You will study close to major European cities such as Brussel and Amsterdam, with the possibility of many indoor and outdoor activities in a friendly and green enviroment.

  • USA

    University of California, Berkeley

    University of California, Berkeley er utvilsamt eit av verdast sterkaste universitet, med samtlege av dei akademiske greinene ranka blant verdas ti beste av Times Higher Education. Du vil garantert få fagleg utbytte av eit studieopphald her.

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification plus Mathematics medium advanced level (R1), and one science course at advanced level R1+R2, FYS1+2, KJE1+2, BIO1+2, INFO1+2, GEO 1+2, TEK1+2.

Applicants who have completed the “preliminary course for engineers” (Forkurs) are also qualified.

Contact information

Faculty of Science and Technology, telephone (+47) 51 83 17 00, E-mail: post-tn@uis.no

Study Adviser: Helene Nicolaisen