Objectives
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Learning Outcomes
The study programme focuses on acquiring a thorough knowledge of physics and its methodology, as reflected in problem-posing and problem-solving thinking, conceptualisation and modelling. The goal is to train masters who by virtue of their versatility, scientific approach and analytical skills are highly valued and hence excellently deployable in scientific research and in many companies where research and development is a core activity. The proposed profession specific competences prepare for a career as a researcher, in industry and policy-making, or in education.
1. Competency in the specialty and related sciences
1.1. Apply advanced knowledge of theories, models, areas, methods, techniques, processes and applications within physics and astronomy to analyse and solve new or complex theoretical or experimental problems.
1.2. Possess the attitude to make use of supporting sciences in professional activities and/or research in an independent and constructive way.
1.3. Investigate and understand the interaction with other relevant science domains and integrate them within the context of more advanced ideas and practical applications.
1.4. Demonstrate profound understanding in the most recent scientific developments of at least one of the aspects of the disciplines present in the programme.
2. Scientific competencies
2.1. Develop and carry out problem orientated and innovative research and criticize on the quality of both phases.
2.2. Apply critical consideration of and reflection on known theories, models and views within physics and astronomy.
2.3. Show creativity to formulate hypotheses and to discover new relationships and to formulate an opinion derived from basic data and information which may be limited, incomplete or contradictory.
2.4.Independently design and execute adequate experiments or simulations and critically evaluate the collected data.
2.5. Collect, register, process, analyse and evaluate in a qualitative and structured way the data collected within a research or problem solving context.
2.6. Assimilate, analyse, critically evaluate and synthesize information in a structured way from published international scientific literature and complex information sources.
2.7.Be able to deal with changes in conditions or planning of a research process and guide into new directions.
3. Intellectual competency
3.1. Apply independent systematic and critical reflection on personal thinking and functioning, and translate this into well considered conclusions and improved solutions.
3.2. Demonstrate a professional approach that demonstrates an open-minded attitude to new scientific developments and their applications in a broad scientific, economical or social context.
3.3. Give evidence of actively pursuing permanent knowledge development, lifelong learning and independent guiding of personal learning process.
3.4. Build up logical and analytical reasoning within and outside the discipline, and comprehend and critically evaluate complex reasoning in an independent way.
3.5. Demonstrate problem-preventing and problem-solving abilities, and use these in diverse situations or in a non-familiar context.
3.6. Put problems in a broad perspective, and be able to solve them in a more generalized manner.
4. Competency in cooperation and communication
4.1. Present personal research, thoughts, ideas, and opinions or proposals within professional activities in a suitable way, both written and orally.
4.2. Communicate/discuss with specialists and non-specialists about new developments, underlying basic thoughts, opinions and work hypotheses within the specialty and related science fields.
4.3. Communicate in English about personal findings and research with specialists and non-specialists.
4.4. Depending on the situation, be able to communicate, cooperate and act in an inspiring, supportive and/or authoritative way.
5. Social competency
5.1. Make connections between physics and astronomy and society, focusing on questions and concerns, necessities and innovative needs originating from within the society and placing these in an international context.
5.2. Act in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
5.3. Integrate social responsibility and engagement within the professional activity.
6. Profession specific competency
6.1. Be able to function independently in a broad range of work situations and contribute to research, implement new techniques and ideas for development and design problem solving strategies.
6.2. Demonstrate a professional attitude, characterized by enthusiasm, reliability, involvement, precision, accuracy, tenacity and independence.
Minor specific competency
Minor Research
M.O.1 Design, perform innovative research and report on it in a scientific manner.
M.O.2 Demonstrate a profound notion on the latest scientific developments in at least one of the disciplines present in the programme and relate to other disciplines.
Minor Education
M.L.1 Educate on different levels the information and experience in the specialty and other relevant scientific areas.
M.L.2 Sensibilize the public about scientific information and its reliability.
Minor Economics and Business
M.A.1. Demonstrate the skills of a starting employer in terms of project management, policy development, scientific and technological advise and entrepreneurship.
M.A.2. Assess the relevance and implications of scientific developments in an economical context and in accordance with ongoing policy.
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Academic plans
In the context of this programme, the following academic plans are offered:
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