Electrical engineering - Physics - master

Programme description

Electrical Engineering is a discipline of the Master's degree programme in physics.

Electrical engineering provides solutions to the ever-increasing technological demands of modern society. In Tromsø, electrical engineering education is based on a strong research group, especially with respect to data analysis and signal processing methods and sensor technology. There are good facilities for optics and microwave laboratory work.

In data analysis and signal processing, the Electrical Engineering group has contributed advanced information theoretic machine learning methods for classification and automated grouping of data items, as well as sophisticated algorithmic tools for analysis of non-stationary stochastic processes with special emphasis on music. In research on sensors, the group has developed nano-sized waveguides, ultrasound transducer technology and microwave antennas for hyperthermia.

The Electrical Engineering group covers a wide range of application areas, some of which are the oil and gas sector and bio-medical physics and imaging:

• The petroleum oil and gas industry is of key national importance. The majority of the remaining petroleum resources are located offshore northern Norway, leading to new challenges with respect to equipment operating in a cold and harsh climate. The Electrical Engineering group is leading a consortium of research institutions and oil companies performing research on and development of the next generation cold-water subsea sensors. Petroleum activity in the north also poses environmental issues since spills may affect one of Europe's most important breeding areas for fish. The Electrical Engineering group is developing data analysis methods for early detection of errors in the petroleum production line.
• Bio-medical physics and imaging research in the Electrical Engineering group is concentrated on development of new antenna concepts capable of both producing hyperthermia and receiving extremely weak radiated electromagnetic waves containing information on the tissue temperature distribution (microwave radiometry). Hyperthermia is an anti-tumoral therapeutic modality. It consists of selective heating of tumors to temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius, while maintaining healthy tissue nearer to physiological temperatures.

Compulsory courses in the Electrical Engineering discipline:

• FYS-2006 Signal processing
• FYS-2007 Statistical signal theory
• FYS-2008 Measurement techniques
• FYS-3900 Master's thesis in physics

Courses on 2000-level should preferably be completed already in the Bachelor's degree, leaving more room for other optional courses on 3000-level.

Generally recommended optional courses in the Electrical Engineering discipline:

• MAT-2201 Numerical methods
• FYS-2010 Digital image processing
• FYS-3001 Earth observation from satellites
• FYS-3007 Microwave techniques
• FYS-3009 Photonics
• FYS-3011 Detection theory
• FYS-3012 Pattern recognition
• FYS-3023 Environmental monitoring from satellite
• FYS-3024 Biomedical instrumentation and imaging

Optional courses should be determined in collaboration with your supervisor in connection with choice of research topic in the Master's thesis. Other optional courses may be approved on application or if recommended by your supervisor. An individual special curriculum or project paper may also be part of the degree. At least 20 ECTS credits of optional courses must be at 3000-level.

If the Master's thesis involves work in a laboratory, in the field or on a research cruise, it is mandatory to conduct a course in safety education prior to commencing the thesis.

Programme structure

Learning outcomes

Knowledge - The candidate:

• has a solid basis in physics in general
• has an advanced level of knowledge in one of the disciplines offered
• has knowledge about scientific methods in mathematics, statistics and physics

Skills - The candidate:

• is able to use scientific measurement equipment and carry out advanced experiments
• is able to evaluate and analyse measurement data
• is able to use programming tools for solving physical problems numerically
• is able to evaluate and analyse publicised theories, methods and experiments in the physics literature
• is able to work independently with problem solving

Competences - The candidate:

• display good communication skills, orally and in writing, in the presentation of scientific work, both for a general public and for specialists in the field.
• displays a good working habit, follows the code of ethics, and is able to continue a career within research, production, development and technical professions in the society

Admission requirements

Admission to the Master's programme in physics requires a Bachelor's degree in physics, or another degree following a programme of study of not less than three years' duration, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4.

In addition, specialisation in physics worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of "C" or better is required in the Bachelor's degree or similar basis of admission.

Applicants from Norway or other Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is April 15th for admission to the autumn semester and November 1st for admission to the spring semester.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• Who is an international applicant?
• The application deadline for self-financing and quota scheme applicants is December 1st for admission to the autumn semester.
• General admission requirements for international applicants.

Teaching and assessment

The courses in the study programme have varied forms of instruction, typically lectures, exercises, laboratory work, computer work, or combinations of these.

Special curricula, project papers and the Master's thesis are supervised on an individual basis by the department's academic staff, possibly in collaboration with external companies or institutions by agreement.

Form of assessment varies, but most examinations are portfolio assessments of a take-home exam, project paper or laboratory report, in combination with a final oral or written exam. In some courses, mandatory assignments have to be approved for access to the exam.

After handing in the Master's thesis, it is assessed, and normally within 6 weeks an oral presentation and examination is held, that may influence on the final mark.

Language of instruction

Language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or in a Scandinavian language.

Also the Master's thesis may be written either in English or in a Scandinavian language.

Exchange possibilities

Exchange studies abroad or at the University Centre in Svalbard can be recognised in the Master's degree if recommended by your supervisor, and only if the external courses are validated prior to departure.

Job prospectives

The programme leads to exciting career options domestic and abroad within research, industry, administration and teaching, both in private and public sector.

Access to further studies

Completed Master's degree studies qualify for admission to PhD-studies in physics, depending on satisfactory marks in the Master's and Bachelor's degree. PhD-studies in physics are offered at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

Study plan

Master of Science in Physics