FISICA Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in FISICA
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7
Number of Years/credits
2 years; 120 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof. CHIARA MARIA ANGELA RODA
Email chiara.roda@unipi.it
Department of FISICA
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Riccardo Mannella
Email riccardo.mannella@unipi.it
Language of Teaching
Italian
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Assessment of competences acquired in First Cycle studies in related or un-related subject areas to determine admission by Degree Programme Council with possible assignment of extra work to be done before admission.
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.
General Information
Programme Profile
The Laurea Magistrale in Physics has the objective of preparing students with expertise to carry out scientific activities requiring advanced techniques and methodologies.
The programme is organised in several curricula, focusing on specialised topics:
Astronomy and astrophysics
Theoretical physics (including quantum field theory, nuclear physics, statistical physics)
Experimental physics of fundamental interactions (including astroparticles, physics at accelerators and colliders, gravitation waves)
Theoretical and experimental condensed matter (including atoms and molecules, solid state, physics at nano scales)
Plasma physics
Applied and medical physics
Key Learning Outcomes
Graduates are expected to be able to:
- develop models, theories and computational approaches;
- understand the underlying techniques and carry out accurate measurements in the broad subjects of matter, space, time, energy, electromagnetic radiation, and other phenomena involving physical, chemical physical and biophysical aspects;
- manage and process data, including techniques to carry out massive data processing;
- apply the scientific knowledge and methodologies to other fields such as industry, environment, healthcare, cultural heritage, finance, public administration.
- transfer scientific knowledge to industrial, technical and technological areas, as well as to the lay man.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
Approximately 35% of the graduates carry on their studies onto a PhD. Graduates who opt to leave their studies find occupation in the fields of electronics, information technology, biomedicine, manufacturing activities, finance, cultural heritage and environmental protection.
The degree prepares students for the profession of:
- Physicist and astronomer;
- Researcher in physical sciences;
- Technician in quantitative sciences, particularly physics and chemistry;
- Technician with expertise in optical, electronics and similar experimental apparatus.
Access to further study
The Laurea Magistrale degree in PHYSICS allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
Students are expected to write a dissertation (worth 45 ECTS) and to defend it in front of a board of department members. The dissertation must focus on a current physics problem, and it must contains some novel material. Prior the public defense, the dis