MSc, 120 cr, 2 years
Programme aim
Competence in physics is of utmost importance in a range of interdisciplinary research and development areas. The Applied Physics programme continues a long tradition of scientific and technological innovations which have resulted in numerous applications that have had a great impact on our daily lives – lasers in DVD players, flash memories in iPods, and the many diagnostic tools in medicine are just a few examples.
The Applied Physics programme has a firm basis in condensed matter physics and excellence in understanding and using contemporary experimental, theoretical and computational techniques in the materials science and biotechnology fields. The aim is to give a broad but solid introduction to the experimental, theoretical and computational physics that forms the basis for much of today’s advanced technology.
Who should apply
The programme provides an ideal preparation for careers in industry and academia, both nationally and internationally, and constitutes a natural extension for students with a BSc degree in physics, engineering physics or similar discipline. Particular emphasis is placed to the programme’s profile areas of materials physics, biotechnical physics, and theory and modelling.
Why apply
The materials physics profile area focuses on the experimental study of a wide range of materials that use a variety of tools. Examples of research activities in this field include studies of disordered materials such as glass or various forms of soft materials, energy-related materials such as lithium batteries, hard materials and materials for specific applications such as solar cells.
In biotechnical physics researchers apply physical methods to study biological systems and interfaces between biological systems and inorganic structures. Work includes several experimental techniques ranging from quartz microbalances to microscopic and other optical methods, and covers many length scales from biomolecules through cells to the tissue level.
Research connections
The research activities that are most closely connected to this programme are in the areas represented by different research groups at the Department of Applied Physics. The Applied Physics master's programme is connected to several recently established Areas of Advance that define the research focus of Chalmers. The areas that are most closely connected to applied physics are energy, materials, and nanoscience and nanotechnology.
In theory and modelling, research is concentrated to computational materials physics where advanced computational methods are used to relate atomic scale description to macroscopic phenomena, and in theoretical nanophysics where a combination of analytical and numerical methods are used to analyse the behaviour of nanostructures.
Career
A Master's degree in Applied Physics is ideal for students aiming for positions in industrial research and development. The programme provides a broad knowledge base that can be applied in a variety of fields. The resulting generalist training renders the programme's graduates less sensitive to fluctuations within a particular industrial sector. By choosing among the different courses, students can develop competence profiles that suit different branches of industry. The extensive industrial connections of the Department of Applied Physics are useful for students who wish to write their Master's thesis in an industrial environment.
A typical career path for an MSc graduate in Applied Physics starts with a position in the research and development department of an industrial company and after a few years of experience, many graduates move into management.
Programme overview
Detailed programme content in the Student portal, for current students
Specific eligibility
Undergraduate profile
Major in Engineering Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics or Chemical Engineering or the equivalent.
Prerequisites
Mathematics 30 cr., Physics (including Quantum physics and Solid state physics).
English Language Proficiency
There are several ways of proving that you possess the required level of English language proficiency. Most commonly this is done by submitting one of the approved English language tests.
To read more about required minimum test results and other means of certifying fulfillment of the English language proficiency requirement, please visit:
English Language Profiency
Basic eligibility
All applicants to education on advanced level must meet standard requirements regarding earlier education, called basic eligibility.
Notes
Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
Credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Application Code: CTH-04009
Contacts
Specific questions about the programme's content:
Jenny Borgqvist
jenny.borgqvist@chalmers.se
Patrik Johansson, programme director
patrik.johansson@chalmers.se
Other questions