Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme

Modern technology and our understanding of the World we live in is based on the scientific description of natural phenomena and advanced mathematical modelling. Scientists and engineers are trained to uncover and investigate these phenomena, and in return apply our knowledge to develop new technology.

A Master of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics will equip you with skills in mathematics, physic and statistics, at a level far beyond most master’s degrees in engineering. You will be able to solve highly advanced mathematical problems, analytically and numerically. You will be able to apply fundamental physics to complex systems both at the macroscopic and the microscopic level. You will have a large toolbox of computational, experimental and data analysis methods, and be able to address problems throughout natural sciences, but also in the context of finance, health science, social sciences and management. Mathematics and physics are crucial to overcome the challenges posed by the Green Transition. The subject’s key role as basis for our understanding of nature and future technology must be a pillar of Lifelong Learning for a future where adaptability is a key competence.

Mathematics and Physics graduates readily find employment as specialists in various industries, filling roles in technical design and innovation, data analysis, mathematical modelling and management. In both the public and private sector, Mathematicians and Physicists are sought after for research and development teams, in particular for tasks that require very advanced mathematics, deductive and problem-solving skills, high precision and deep understanding.

Some Mathematicians and Physicists choose to further specialise through a Ph.D. degree, others establish themselves with a career in education, at high-school level, in higher education or in public dissemination.

The first 6 semesters of the programme encompass all the core skills that a Mathematician and a Physicist need. These include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Astrophysics and Quantum mechanics, as well as Statistics, Advanced Calculus, Abstract Algebra, Differential equations, and Numerical methods.

After passing the first three years (first six semesters), the student reports transfer to master's level (semester 7). In addition, the student also chooses to specialise in either mathematics or physics.

The Master project in semester 9-10 offers the opportunity to apply the acquired skills to a specific, often very challenging problem in contemporary mathematics or physics. This will expose the student to some of the most advanced methods and ideas in mathematics (algebraic and differential geometry, topology and functional analysis), to modern methods in data analysis (statistical simulations, signal processing, machine learning, AI), and to ongoing efforts to probe the fundamental properties of the Universe, using some of the most complex technology in the world (CERN, ESRF, Gravitational waves, supercomputing).

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s degree programme in Mathematics and Physics, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The Candidate has advanced knowledge within the subject areas mathematics and physics.

K2: The Candidate has broad knowledge of the scientific theories and methods of the subject areas.

K3: The Candidate has knowledge of the relevant numerical/computational tools and methods that are used in mathematics and physics, as well as experimental methods.

K4: The Candidate has knowledge of how the subject areas mathematics and physics are related to other natural and technological sciences.

K5: The Candidate has specialist knowledge within a smaller area of either mathematics or physics, in connection with the specialization course work and the Master project.

Skills

F1: The Candidate is able to analyse scientific problems on the basis of the history, traditions and social position specific to the subject areas.

F2: The Candidate is able to apply his/her knowlegde to carry out concrete computations and reasonings, and thereby derive results within central parts of the subject areas mathematics and physics, both for familiar and new problems.

F3: The Candidate is able to use relevant computational tools to analyse problems in mathematics and physics.

F4: The Candidate is able to apply relevant research methods and the subject matter in an independent and critical way, and to formulate and structure scientific reasoning.

F5: The Candidate is able to carry out a scientific investigation under supervision and in line with the ethical and scientific standards of the subject areas.

F6: The Candidate is able to communicate independent scientific work, including own work, and master the terminology of the subject areas, orally and in writing.

General Competences

G1: The Candidate is able to analyse numerical data also outside his/her own subject areas.

G2: The Candidate is able to analyse and present complex problems in a logical and structured way.

G3: The Candidate is able to work independently, and to find and acquire advanced knowledge independently.

Career prospects

Mathematicians and Physicists find employment in:

Research and development in industry, for example the energy sector, renewable energy, space technology, climate, bio- and geophysics, modelling and simulation, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Research, development and teaching in Academia, for example theoretical physics, analysis and development of materials, cosmology, algebraic geometry, mathematical analysis, medical statistics and econometry.

Other jobs in the private and public sector, requiring analytical and mathematical skills, as well as the use of digital tools. Data analyst, health sector, media, finance, insurance sector, logistics, programming.

Teaching in high school, Høgskole (with PPU).

A graduate of this program is eligible for doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes at most universities in Norway and abroad, in Mathematics or Physics, depending on the specialization chosen.

After 3 years of study, the student is eligible to transition to other Master programmes in Mathematics and Physics in Norway and abroad, including the UiS Master programme in Computational Engineering. This is conditioned on completing a Bachelor project in semester 6 (see study plan for more information).

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality System for Education.