General description

Studying physics is a good start in science: physics acts as a foundation for the majority of natural sciences. The most important prerequisites for studies are an interest in the fundamental questions of nature, enthusiasm and a little ability. We can offer you a broad basic education in experimental and theoretical physics that also covers practical experience in measurement engineering, experimental methods and training in mathematics and application-oriented information technology.
The studies prepare physicists not only for scientific research. On completion of their degree they are also very much in demand in business, banks and insurance companies, as research managers or patent lawyers, in telecommunications and optical firms, etc., as system analysts and all-rounders

Admission requirements

The following academic degrees exempt the holder from having to pass any further examinations for admission to the Master’s degree course: -A Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich, whereby the Faculty determines which types of the Bachelor's degree are required for admission to the respective Master's degree courses. - Corresponding degrees of Swiss and foreign universities which are generally recognized by the Faculty, or recognized by subject. In terms of paragraph 1, such degrees are reviewed according to the stipulations of § 3 of the Bologna guideline of the Swiss University Conference. Further possibilities for admission to a Master’s degree course: the Faculty assesses all other qualifications, in particular those from universities of applied sciences, according to its own criteria, whereby. The principle of equal treatment applies to assessing the equivalence of Bachelor's degrees The Faculty can require the fulfillment of additional conditions in form of evidence of academic achievement. The Faculty decides about the acceptance of academic achievements and credit points which were obtained elsewhere.

Branch of studies

Physics

Educational goals

The focus of the master’s program in Physics is in gaining experience in direct research. Depending on their field of specialization, students will deepen and extend the skills they acquired over the course of their bachelor.
1. Independent handling of a research problem – either experimentally in the lab, using modern measurement techniques, or through constructing a theoretical model of the process and using it to solve the problem.
2. Deepening their knowledge of physical concepts in accordance with their field of specialization.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Physics

Program structure

The single major study program Physics 90 at Master's level at the University of Zurich is offered in four specialized fields:

• physics of condensed matter
  
• elementary particle physics
  
• astroparticle physics and cosmology
  
• biological and medical physics
  

At least 35 ECTS Credits are earned through research seminars, lectures, exercises and practicals in the chosen specialist area. Individual specialization is possible through optional modules. The Master's thesis (50 ECTS Credits) is presented publicly as part of the Master's exam.

Part-time studies

Part-time studies are possible on account of the modular structure of the course. The duration of study can be prolonged with no problems. Specific models for part-time study are created individually

Major/minor subject combinations

The Master's study program in Physics 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module. Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English