Master's Thesis in Physics | University of Stavanger

The thesis 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.

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.

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 or studies supported by scientific research
is able to analyse 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, contexts, 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: Thesis writing at Faculty of Science and Technology | University of Stavanger

Exam

Master's thesis with oral presentation and defense

Weight 1/1

Duration 1 Hours

Marks Letter grades

Aid All

Master's thesis

Weight 0/1

Duration 9 Months

Marks Letter grades

Aid All

Exam system WISEflow

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.

For rules, important deadlines and more information, see our website Thesis writing at Faculty of Science and Technology | University of Stavanger.

Coursework requirements

A halfway-presentation for peers and supervisors must be approved to be allowed to submit the thesis project.

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.

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's Thesis in Physics (FYSMAS_1) , Master Thesis Mathematics and Physics (MAFMAS_1)	60
Master's Thesis in Physics (FYSMAS_1) , Master's Thesis in Mathematics (MATMAS_1)	60

Open for

Mathematics and Physics - Master Mathematics and Physics - Master

Admission requirements

Must meet the admission requirements of one of the study programmes the course is open for.

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.