Bachelor of Science in Physics

The programme offers a structured range of courses leading to a Bachelor's degree with specialisation in physics. The main subject is supplemented with courses in mathematics and other subjects at the University of Gothenburg. The programme prepares students for further studies at advanced level or for employment in industry or the public sector.

Teaching within the programme is linked to current research. Courses can also be taken at other universities, both in Sweden and abroad.

The programme leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

This education is a structured programme of courses that fulfils the requirements for a Bachelor's degree in Physics. It is also possible for students to create their own profile for their education by replacing some of the courses, provided that this is done within the framework of the degree description.

The programme begins with a basic block of courses in physics and mathematics totalling 120 higher education credits (hp). It is then completed with courses worth 30 hp and a bachelor's thesis in the main subject of physics. The programme also includes a compulsory faculty-wide course and an optional course chosen at any department. During the third year, there is also the opportunity to take certain courses at the advanced level.

Throughout the programme, there is an emphasis on developing the student's ability to communicate orally and in writing. This is practised both through laboratory work and through demonstrations carried out by the students. Early on in the programme, students are given the opportunity to discuss the UN's 17 global goals for sustainable development in relation to becoming a physicist.

Courses in the programme, all at basic level:

Years 1 and 2 (N1FYS Bachelor of Science in Physics programme and N1SJU Medical Physicist programme*)

• FYP101 To become a Physicist** 7.5 credits
• MMGF11 Calculus and Linear Algebra 15 credits
• FYP102 Mechanics A 7.5 credits
• FYP103 Thermodynamics** 7.5 credits
• MMGF20 Multivariable Calculus 7.5 credits
• FYP104 Waves and optics 7.5 credits
• MSG811 Mathematical Statistics 7.5 credits
• FYP201 Mathematical Physics A 7.5 credits
• MMG400 Linear Algebra 7.5 credits
• FYP202 Electromagnetic field theory 7.5 credits
• FYP205 Programming and Numerical Analysis 7.5 credits
• FYP203 Quantum physics A 7.5 credits
• MMGF30 Transformations and Analytic Functions 7.5 credits
• FYP204 Subatomic physics** 7.5 credits
• FYP210 Electrical Measurements Techniques 7.5 credits

*Students on the N1SJU Medical Physicist programme take all courses in years 1 and 2 together.
**Sustainability-related course

Year 3 (N1FYS Bachelor of Science in Physics programme)

• FYP300 Statistical Physics 7.5 credits
• FYP310 Atomic and Molecular Physics 7.5 credits
• FYP330 Solid State Physics 7.5 credits
• NTH001 Theoretical and historical perspectives on science*** 7.5 credits
• FYP302 Mechanics B 7.5 credits
• FYP415 Physics: Bachelor's Thesis 15 credits
• Elective course**** 7.5 credits

***Compulsory course for students on the Bachelor's Programme in Physics (N1FYS, 180 credits)
****The Department of Physics offers at least one physics course as an elective course, but the course offered in a given academic year may vary. Otherwise, there is considerable freedom to choose a course from other subject areas.

Most courses in the third year have specific prerequisites for courses both within and outside the subject area of physics, which are specified in the syllabus for the individual course. For courses from other subject areas that can be included in the degree, please refer to the course catalogue and syllabuses for the respective subject area.

General objectives for the Bachelor's degree

For the Bachelor's degree, the student shall

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the scientific basis of the field, knowledge of applicable methods in the field, specialisation in some part of the field, and orientation in current research issues,

Skills and abilities

• demonstrate the ability to search for, collect, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information in a problem situation and to critically discuss phenomena, issues and situations,
• demonstrate the ability to independently identify, formulate and solve problems and to carry out tasks within given time frames,
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions orally and in writing in dialogue with different groups,
• demonstrate the skills required to work independently in the field covered by the programme,

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments within the main area of the programme, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects,
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of knowledge in society and of people's responsibility for how it is used,
• demonstrate the ability to identify their need for further knowledge and to develop their competence.

Local objectives

The programme shall provide students with in-depth knowledge in the main subject of physics and, in addition, good knowledge in mathematics. Students shall be able to apply their knowledge in a broader context in order to achieve a holistic view.

After completing the programme, students are expected to

Knowledge and understanding

• be able to plan and evaluate various laboratory experiments in physics
• be able to perform calculations of the kinematics and dynamics of particles and bodies based on the laws of mechanics
• understand the main principles of thermodynamics and basic thermodynamic relationships, and have a basic understanding of the relationship between the microscopic structure of matter and its macroscopic properties,
• have an understanding of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optical and acoustic instruments, and be familiar with various models for describing light,
• be able to perform calculations on simpler systems in the fields of wave motion and optics,
• be able to perform calculations on simpler electrical circuits,
• be able to perform calculations for electric and magnetic fields as well as for electromagnetic waves and optics,
• be able to perform mathematical, numerical and statistical processing of collected data sets,
• have acquired knowledge of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and its applications to elementary particles, subatomic physics, atomic and molecular physics, and solid state physics,

Skills and abilities

• have acquired the necessary skills in mathematics and computational science to acquire knowledge in physics,
• have acquired familiarity with the concepts and terminology of physics, and be able to use these to present, explain and discuss scientific problems,
• have developed laboratory skills and abilities to be able to handle important physical methods, techniques and measuring instruments,
• be able to follow developments in knowledge and evaluate new findings through technical and physical literature and databases,
• have the ability to independently define, formulate and solve problems within the subject area,
• be able to acquire the additional knowledge needed to address and solve a task through information retrieval, data collection, experimentation, computer use or collaboration with others,
• be able to communicate orally and in writing with the rest of society in order to present solutions and results achieved,

Judgement and approach

• be able to critically review scientific models, including through comparisons between models and reality.

Credits for courses intended to be included in the degree from other universities and colleges, as well as courses from internationalised education, are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Follow-up and evaluation of the programme is carried out in accordance with the current policy for quality assurance and quality development in education at the University of Gothenburg.

Students who follow the programme at the prescribed pace are guaranteed a place for the first two years. The guarantee also applies during the third year for courses within the main field of study, provided that the eligibility requirements for these courses are met.