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Physics: Research in Physics, Quantum Matter and Optics

Programme Research in Physics, Quantum Matter and Optics

Below you will find the outline for the specialisation progamme Research Quantum Matter and Optics.

With regard to electives you have the option to choose electives from related study programmes. Always consult your Study Advisor Physics for advice.

There are a few electives that will be offered next year (with reservations).These electives can be found in the Course and Examination Regulations available on the menu on the right.

Study Plan

At the start of the Master’s programme, students are required to create a study plan: this plan includes a complete list of planned courses and projects for two subsequent academic years in consultation with the Study Advisor Physics

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Physics: Research in Physics, Quantum Matter and Optics

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Mandatory Courses (18 EC)

Quantum Information 3
Quantum Theory 6
Statistical Physics a 6
Academic and Professional Skills (Science) 3

Electives 42 EC - Elective courses from MSc Physics programme, with ≥ 12 EC from the list of courses presented below, and max. 6 EC from other MSc programmes

Advanced Optics 6
Complex Networks (BM) 6
Condensed Matter Physics 6
Econophysics 6
Effective Field Theory 3
Statistical Physics b 3
Applied Quantum Algorithms 6
Computational Physics (3 EC) 3
Computational Physics (6 EC) 6
Frontiers of Measurement Techniques 3
Physics and Classical / Quantum Information 6
Quantum Optics 6
Superconductivity 3
Theory of Condensed Matter 6
Topics in Theoretical Physics: Topological Order in Quantum Matter 6

Preapproved QMO courses offered by other departments:

Introduction to Machine Learning 6
Nanotechnology (Delft) 6

Research projects

Each project must be approved by the study advisor before the start. At least one of the two research projects has to be carried out in an experimental group. All research projects are performed under the responsibility of a LION staff member. Up to one project can be carried out outside LION.

Research Project 1 (24 EC):

First Research Project 20
First Research Project Thesis 3
First Research Project Presentation 1

Research Project 2 (36 EC):

Master's Research Project 30
Master's Research Project Thesis 4
Master's Research Project Presentation 2

Career Preparation

Career preparation at Leiden University

In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.

'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:
1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.

2. Transferable skills
These are skills that are relevant to every student and that you can use in all kinds of jobs irrespective of your study programme, for example: researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions, digital skills, collaborating, oral communication, written communication, presenting, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience.

3. Self-reflection
This concerns self-reflection in the context of your (study) career, including reflecting on the choices you make as a student during your studies, what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market?

In addition, reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development. Who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?

4. Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, projects, practical (social) assignments, which are integrated into an elective, minor or graduation assignment.

5. Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers and alumni experiences from the work field, career events within the study programme, the use of the alumni mentor network, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.

Employability in the curriculum of Physics

General
The MSc Physics program at Leiden University aims to provide you with the best possible preparation to enter the job market after graduation.

The major part of the MSc Physics programme involves the MSc Thesis projects. This is the moment where you learn to transfer your training of discipline-specific knowledge into practical skills to apply them to problems at hand. The program emphasizes that Science Research is always done as a team. The MSc Thesis project also teaches you to work in a professional environment and fosters the development of an extensive set of transferable collaborative and planning skills.

In addition, the required course (APS, 3 EC) focuses on the broader context in which the knowledge and training you received as part of your BSc and MSc physics training is useful and applied in professions outside of fundamental research. It includes the reflection back of this on your conscious choices for their own professional development and preparation for a successful start of their career on the job market.

Activities contributing to career orientation within the curriculum

First Year:

  • Physics Science Day

  • As part of the Course Academic and Professional Skills APS

    • Lectures by and discussion with alumni about their career development
    • Group work on a project that relates to physics education
    • Networking
    • Reflection on writing one's CV
    • Reflection on job interview preparation
    • Insights into teamwork (roles, rules, personal and interpersonal skills)

Second Year:

  • Multisession workshop “Applying for a job”

  • MSc Thesis project

    • Skills that are actual and linked to current research questions
    • Independence
    • Team work
    • Presentation skills
    • Networking
  • Company internship

Activities to prepare for the labour market co-curricular or outside of the curriculum

Every year, various activities take place, within, alongside and outside of your study programme, which contribute to your preparation for the labour market, especially where it concerns orientation towards the work field/the labour market, (career) skills and self-reflection. These may be information meetings on decision moments within your programme, but also career workshops and events organised by your own programme, the faculty Career Service or your study association.

Career Service, LU Career Zone and career workshops calendar

Faculty Career Service
The Career Service of your faculty offers information and advice on study (re)orientation and master's choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market and job applications.

Leiden University Career Zone Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) career. You can find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the area of (study) career planning, career possibilities with your study, job market orientation, job applications, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events and career services.

Workshops and events
On the course calendar you will find an overview of career and application workshops, organised by the Career services.