Each specialisation profile consists of a number of elective courses and projects, which we recommend you choose from if you wish to specialise in the relevant research area.
To the extent possible, we aim to ensure that courses within the same area of specialization do not overlap in times of classes if you follow the recommended course of study within the standard time limits.
- Fundamental Physics
- Computational Physics
- Biophysics
- Optics and Laser Physics
- Physics and space
- Quantum science and technology
In fundamental physics, you can learn about the fundamental laws that govern the universe as a whole as well as its fundamental constituents.
We cover physics at the largest possible scales, for instance in General Relativity and cosmology, where we explore the universe as a whole. We cover physics at the smallest possible scales, for instance in Quantum Field Theory and astroparticle physics, where we discuss elementary particles and their fundamental interactions.
Moreover, we cover a most fascinating mystery in modern physics in Galactic dynamics and dark matter.
Relevant autumn courses
- FY803: Quantum Physics (10 ECTS)
- FY809: Quantum Field Theory (10 ECTS)
- FY812: General relativity and cosmology (5 ECTS)
- FY828: Advanced statistical physics (10 ECTS)
Relevant spring courses
- FY824: Quantum field theory in curved space (5 ECTS)
- FY825: Galactic dynamics and dark matter (5 ECTS)
- FY841: Particle physics (5 ECTS)
- FY842: Astroparticle physics (10 ECTS)
In computational physics, you can learn how to use computers as a method to do physics.
Physics models are mathematical equations that can describe everything from a molecule to the whole universe. You can learn how to solve such models numerically by implementing them in the form of software. Running the software, we can simulate a model and see what it does.
In fundamental physics, we often need to apply drastic approximations to a theory to mathematically derive its predictions. With simulations we can investigate more realistic models, and check the validity of such approximations. Just as in experimental physics, simulations produce lots of data, and you will learn how to apply physics and statistics to interpret data and turn it into useful and valuable knowledge.
Relevant autumn courses
- DM873: Deep Learning (10 ECTS)
- FY828: Advanced statistical physics (10 ECTS)
- FY843: Soft-condensed matter physics (5 ECTS)
- FY844: Introduction to Python, machine learning and data handling for the physical sciences (5 ECTS)
- KE820: Computational Quantum Chemistry (5 ECTS)
- MM837: Computational Physics (10 ECTS)
- CK-VA14: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) (5 ECTS)
- EK-SSP: Statistical Signal Processing 5 ECTS)
- RMMUST: Multivariate statistics (5 ECTS)
Relevant spring courses
- DM870: Data mining and machine learning (10 ECTS)
- DM887: Reinforcement learning (10 ECTS)
- FY835: Information theory, inference and learning algorithms (5 ECTS)
- KE824: Biomolecular Simulations (5 ECTS)
- KE829: Computational Quantum Chemistry II: Optical, electrical and magnetic properties (5 ECTS)
- CK-MPS: Multiphysics Simulation (5 ECTS)
- RM-SML: Statistical Machine Learning (5 ECTS)
- RMAI2: Tools of Artificial Intelligence (5 ECTS)
- TK-CPHY: Computational Physics (5 ECTS)
- VK-MA: Applied Machine Learning (5 ECTS)
In biophysics you can learn how the principles of physics determine the behaviour of living systems and soft materials.
Biological systems can often be modelled by well-known interactions and properties on a short scale, resulting in a complex emergent behaviour at a larger scale.
If mechanisms for biological processes can be identified, they can be used for treatment of diseases or development of new technological materials.
Examples of biophysical systems include live cells, cell membranes, liquid crystals, and polymers. The Biophysics profile involves concepts from Statistical Physics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Optics, Experimental methods, and Microscopy.
Particularly suggested autumn courses
- FY828: Advanced statistical physics (10 ECTS)
- FY843: Soft-condensed matter physics (5 ECTS)
Particularly suggested spring courses
- BMB825: Bioimaging (5 ECTS)
- FY827: Liquid crystals from nanotechnology to topology (5 ECTS)
- FY833: Biophysics (5 ECTS)
- FY835: Information theory, inference and learning algorithms (5 ECTS)
- KE824: Biomolecular simulations (5 ECTS)
The above list far from includes all relevant courses. Many of the courses from the other profiles will provide knowledge and skills that can be used to work with different aspects of biophysics
In optics and laser physics you can learn how light and matter interact, from the classical scale with ray and wave optics down to the scale where quantum mechanics govern the interactions of atoms and photons. You can also learn how this is applied in laser physics and through advanced microscopy techniques.
Additionally, you can learn how these techniques are used to study systems, such as biological cells and liquid crystals.
This profile in particular shares content with the Physics and Technology Engineering programme offered by the Faculty of Engineering, but following fundamental theoretical physics courses such as Quantum Physics is also relevant
Relevant autumn courses
- FY803: Quantum physics (10 ECTS)
- TK-ATOM: Atomic Physics (5 ECTS)
- TK-JCCS: Journal Club and Industrial Case Studies (5 ECTS)
- TK-LASE: Laser Physics and Technology (5 ECTS)
Relevant spring courses
- BMB825: Bioimaging (5 ECTS)
- FY827: Liquid crystals from nanotechnology to topology (5 ECTS)
- TK-APOP: Advanced Physical Optics (10 ECTS)
- TK-OSEN: Optical System Engineering (5 ECTS)
- Individual study activity on theoretical nano and/or quantum optics (contact Associate Professor Joel Cox at cox@mci.sdu.dk)
In the Physics and space profile, you can learn how observations from satellites, stratospheric platforms and drones are carried out and used to understand the environment and climate on earth. The profile focuses on the design of satellite, balloon and drone missions, the development of sensor systems and analysis of data from these systems.
The profile covers a broad range of topics from advanced optical systems over remote sensing and monitoring of the earths climate and environment, to the exploration of the universe. You can learn to design and develop new methods and systems for modelling and monitoring earth systems like sea currents and sea ice, glaciers and ecosystems.
You can choose to tailor the profile more towards the exploration of the universe, including exoplanets and black holes, dark matter and Big Bang.
Relevant autumn courses
- DM873: Deep Learning (10 ECTS)
- FY836: Astrophysics and Elementary Cosmology (5 ECTS)
- FY840: CubeSat 101 (5 ECTS)
- FY844: Introduction to Python, machine learning and data handling for the physical sciences (5 ECTS)
- NAT819: Climate symposia (5 ECTS)
- RM-SRS: Satellite Remote Sensing (5 ECTS)
Relevant spring courses
- BB849: Drone applications in nature, environment, climate and environmental technology (10 ECTS)
- FY842: Astroparticle physics (10 ECTS)
- Individual study activity within space projects such as DISCO, HEIMDAL or radioSTAR (5, 10 or 15 ECTS)
- RM-SRS: Satellite Remote Sensing (5 ECTS)
Quantum mechanics become more and more relevant as we study and manipulate things on smaller scales, for instance nanomaterials. It also provides a new paradigm for how computers can function, potentially allowing for some types of computations to be carried out more quickly than on classical computers.
In the Quantum science and technology profile we have collected a number of quantum courses, in particular from the new Master's degree programme in Quantum Computing.
Relevant autumn courses
- FY803: Quantum Physics (10 ECTS)
- FY809: Quantum Field Theory (10 ECTS)
- KE820: Computational Quantum Chemistry (5 ECTS)
- QC801: Introduction to Quantum Computing (10 ECTS)
- QC802: Quantum Information Theory (10 ECTS)
- QC803: Quantum Platforms and Programming (10 ECTS)
- TK-ATOM: Atomic Physics (5 ECTS)
Relevant spring courses
- FY824: Quantum field theory in curved space (5 ECTS)
- KE829: Computational Quantum Chemistry II: Optical, electrical and magnetic properties (5 ECTS)
- QC804: Quantum Algorithms (10 ECTS)
- QC805: Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution (10 ECTS)
- QC810: Quantum Machine Learning (10 ECTS)
- Individual study activity on theoretical nano and/or quantum optics (contact Associate Professor Joel Cox at cox@mci.sdu.dk)
Any questions?
The student counsellors at the Faculty of Science are ready to help you with your study-related questions.
Contact the student counsellors at the Faculty of Science