Master's programme in Physics - Theoretical Physics - Courses

The theoretical physics programme offers a wide range of courses. You should choose two courses for each study period. All courses give 7.5 ECTS credits except the Master's project which gives 30 credits.

See degree requirements for general requirements.

Mandatory courses for students who started in 2020 or later

• Quantum Physics in Research and Society, FYSN21 
• Quantum Mechanics, FYSN27

At least three of the six following courses:

• Advanced Electromagnetism, FYSN23 
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics, FYST37 
• Mathematical Methods in Physics, FYTN01 
• Computational Physics, FYTN03 
• General Relativity, FYTN08 
• Statistical Mechanics, FYTN15 

Mandatory courses for students who started before 2020

• Quantum Physics in Research and Society, FYSN21 (previously FYSN11)

At least three of the six following courses:

• Quantum Mechanics, FYSN27 (previously FYSN17)
• Advanced Electromagnetism, FYSN23
• Experimental Tools, FYSN25 (previously FYSN15)
• Optics and Optical Design, FYST43 
• Computational Physics, FYTN03 
• Statistical Mechanics, FYTN15 (previously FYTN02)

See degree requirements for details.

If you have taken these courses previously, they count towards the specific requirements. If you have taken equivalent courses elsewhere, the programme coordinator will have to verify that the contents and level are equivalent. (Especially note that FYSN27 is an advanced level course, not basic quantum mechanics. If you have already taken quantum mechanics at this level, we recommend replacing FYSN27 with FYST37 Advanced Quantum Mechanics.)

Degree project

During the second year, you should do a Master's degree project corresponding to 30 ECTS credits. In some cases, 60 ECTS credits is also possible. 

Read more about the degree projects on the Canvas pages: Diploma Work for Bachelor or Master of Science in Physics.

Recommended courses

Autumn semester - first period:

• Quantum Mechanics (mandatory from 2020), FYSN27
• Quantum Physics in Research and Society (mandatory, also spring 1st), FYSN21
• Mathematical Methods of Physics, FYTN01
• Computational Physics, FYTN03
• Chaos, Science and Technology, FYST57

Autumn semester - second period:

• Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (even years), FYTN11 
• Statistical Mechanics, FYTN15 
• Classical Mechanics (odd years), FYTN16 
• Theoretical Particle Physics, FYTN18 
• Theoretical Nuclear Physics (odd years), FYST11 
• Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning, BERN04 (previously FYTN14)

Spring semester - first period:

• Quantum Physics in Research and Society (mandatory, also autumn 1st), FYSN21 
• Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, FYTN19 (previously FYTN10)
• Modern Experimental Particle Physics, FYST62 
• Advanced Electromagnetism, FYSN23 
• Symmetries and Group Theory (odd years), FYTN13 
• Theoretical Biophysics, BERN05 (previously FYTN05)

Spring semester - second period:

• General Relativity, FYTN08 
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics, FYST37 
• Solid State Theory, FYST68 

Other courses

There are also some courses in physics at the basic level which may be relevant depending on your background as well as courses in technology, biology, et cetera, for example:

• Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity, FYTB14 (autumn, 1st period)

Note that you are required to have at least 90 ECTS credits of advanced courses and at least 90 ECTS credits in physics to get a Master's degree in physics.