Studies in engineering physics create a basis for the technological applications of physics and open doors for different careers in industry, science, and research. A profound understanding of physics and mathematics can be employed in finding novel solutions to both present-day and future’s challenges.The study programme differs from a more classical university physics in its proximity to concrete, practical research questions. However, its connection to real-life problems is very strong. Graduates from the programme are associated to an enduring national brand, and typically work in a vastly broad spectrum of jobs ranging from fundamental research to global corporate leadership.

The focus areas in the programme range from experimental and theoretical materials physics to nanophysics and nanoscience, and to novel energy solutions.

Two majors with a different focus are offered in the Master's Programme in Engineering Physics:

Materials Physics and Quantum Technology

You can focus either in experimental physics, or theoretical physics and modeling with emphasis on technology applications or basic research. You can further specialize in nanomaterials, solid-state applications of quantum technology, or purely theoretical physics related to the most pressing questions in modern solid-state physics and quantum technology.

Advanced Energy Technologies

This major addresses the most pressing questions faced by the society in the near future: how to combat climate change and pollution by finding alternative energy sources. These include e.g. fusion, solar energy, and fuel cells.

Long major 

• Long major (65 ECTS)
• Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
• Elective studies (25 ECTS)

Compact major 

• Compact major (40 ECTS)
• Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
• Minor (20–25 ECTS)
• Elective studies (25–30)

In these two possible degree structures presented above, the extent of a major may not exceed 65 ECTS. Thus, the students will always have a choice of completely elective studies at minimum 25 ECTS.

In addition to learning advanced physics and mathematics, in the programme you will learn to think out from the box. This is what the Master's Programme in Engineering Physics is famous for. This will aid you finding the best ways to solve complicated problems in science and technology. In addition, seeing the big picture will make you able to quickly find simple solutions in everyday situations encountered in your career either at hands-on or at management level.

Concretely, graduates from the programme

• Are able to apply methods of physics, mathematics, and computer science in solving demanding problems in science and technology.
• Can see a technological or management situation in a wide perspective in order to find a comprehensive solution.
• Can work in industry both in engineering and management roles.
• Adopt a platform for post-graduate scientific studies.
• Are able to continuously develop their professional skills.

Professor in charge: Mika Sillanpää 
Extent: 40 cr (compact major), 65 cr (long major)
Abbreviation:  MaFyQT
Code: SCI3107

Objectives

The studies offered in the major follow topical research directions at the Department of Applied Physics, such as experimental and theoretical or computational materials physics and nanophysics, and quantum technology.

Materials is one of the focus areas of Aalto. In materials physics, one of the aims is to discover novel materials and structures and to find and apply new phenomena that often occur at a nanometer length scale. This covers studies based on electronic structure of solid matter, as well as statistical physics, nanomagnetism, nano-optics, and soft matter physics.

Quantum technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics to design physical systems with unforeseen functionalities that are impossible to attain in classical information systems or sensors. Quantum technology is right now experiencing a huge boom worldwide. Plenty of start-up companies are emerging in order to bring the findings out from research laboratories into the market. Time is right to step into the field. The studies on quantum technology offered in the major include advanced quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and nanoelectronics.

The Materials Physics and Quantum Technology major is offered as a long major, and as a compact major. The compact major forms the core content for the long major. The pertaining courses cover important topics for engineering physics, and methods from computational, theoretical, and experimental physics. The compact major includes also some choices for more detailed focusing on a certain subject.

The rest of the studies in the long major have a flexible structure, and provide the student with the possibility of focusing in physics, nanoscience, or designing a more cross-disciplinary content for the long major.

The content of the compact major is: Advanced Physics Laboratory (5 ECTS), Computational Physics (5 ECTS), and a Special Assignment (research or literature study, 10 ECTS), and four optional courses. The special assignment is often completed during the summer between the first and second year in the programme.

The compact major involves completing a minor subject (20–25 ECTS).

Compulsory courses (20 cr)

Optional courses (20 cr) 

Select four courses (20 cr) from the selection below:

^{* The mathematics courses on the MSc level are: MS-E1651  Numerical matrix computations, MS-E1652  Computational methods for differential equations, MS-E1653  Finite element method, MS-E1654  Computational inverse problems, MS-E2122 Nonlinear optimization,  MS-E1600  Probability theory, MS-E1461 Hilbert spaces} 

To complete a long major (65 ECTS), the student selects elective courses on top of the compact major (40 ECTS) listed above so that the extent of the major is 65 ECTS. All the courses listed in the tables above and below are acceptable.

The long major offers a chance of profiling the studies by a specialization in a topic. Examples of this are in-depth studies in experimental physics of materials or quantum technology, or theoretical/computational studies on similar topics. The course contents is flexible, and extends beyond the courses organized by the Department of Applied Physics. In case the student wishes to include other courses to the long major than the courses listed, the student may seek advice on the course selection with the professor in charge of the major or with his/her teacher tutor.

In the case of a long major (65 ECTS) the student is recommended to take 40 ECTS of the major courses and 20 ECTS of others during the first year. The special assignment can also be completed during the summer between the first and second year in the programme.

Select 25 cr from the selection below:

^{** Unless included in the core content.} 

Professor in charge: Peter Lund
Extent: 40 cr (compact major), 65 cr (long major)
Abbreviation:  Energy
Code: SCI3106

The M.Sc. Major in Advanced Energy Technologies deals with clean energy solutions, with high relevance to present grand challenges such as climate change and green economy. The major is supported by the high-level research pursued in this field at the Department of Applied Physics. The major provides a solid analytical competence to deal with a range of energy-related issues such as energy materials, energy systems, fundamental energy science, nuclear reactors, radiation safety, fusion, or renewable energy technologies such as solar energy, wind power or fuel cells. The major is defined through a strong multi-disciplinary thinking with solid physical sciences in its core.

The major contains both theoretical and applied science studies. The major is flexible to allow research intensive or more practice orientated foci. Courses from outside the PHYS-field are included to broaden the skill basis of the students.

The major offers career paths both for those interested in pursuing academic research and for those interested in industries and businesses. The clean energy field is one of the fastest growing fields with global outreach offering interesting and motivating jobs from technology development, analytics to management, among others in Finland and internationally. The major is also one of the main entries to nuclear engineering in which the Department of Applied Physics has a key national role to educate nuclear engineering experts. The Department of Applied Physics is also the key national organisation in European Fusion Energy Research, closely related to the ITER fusion project. The job prospects in energy industries are excellent.

The Advanced Energy Technologies major is offered as a long major and as a compact major. The compact major forms the core content for the long major. The pertaining courses cover the foundations for novel and clean energy sources, both from practical and computational perspectives. The compact major also includes options for focusing in a certain subject field.

The rest of the studies in the long major have a flexible structure, and provide the student with the possibility of focusing either in fission, fusion, or renewable energy sources, or designing a more cross-disciplinary content for the long major.

The content of the compact major is: Advanced Physics Laboratory (5 ECTS), Computational Physics (5 ECTS), and a Special Assignment (research or literature study, 10 ECTS) or a Company Internship (10 ECTS), and four optional courses. The special assignment or company internship is often completed during the summer between the first and second year in the programme.

The compact major involves completing a minor subject (20–25 ECTS).

Compulsory courses (20 cr)

Optional courses (20 cr) 

Select four courses (20 cr) from the selection below:

To complete a long major (65 ECTS), the student selects elective physics or other relevant courses on top of the compact major (40 ECTS) listed above so that the extent of the major is 65 ECTS. All the courses listed in the tables above and below are acceptable. 

The long major offers a chance of profiling the studies by a specialization in a topic, not just in certain subject areas, but also towards different career paths. Examples of topical fields include in-depth studies in nuclear engineering, fusion technology, or new and renewable energy sources, or a mix of these. The course portfolio is flexible, and extends beyond the courses organized by the Department of Applied Physics. Further courses relevant to this major can be found in the course listings of the Aalto Nuclear Safety Minor and Multidisciplinary Energy Studies Minor. In case the student wishes to include other courses to the long major, the student may seek advice on the course selection with the professor in charge of the major or with his/her teacher tutor.

In the case of a long major (65 ECTS) the student is recommended to take 40 ECTS of the major courses and 20 ECTS of others during the first year. The special assignment or company internship is often completed during the summer between the first and second year in the programme.

Courses in Nuclear Science and Technology

Internationally, students can take courses available through the European Nuclear Education Network ENEN (http://www.enen.eu). An additional benefit provided by ENEN is the European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering Certification EMSNE (requires a 300 ECTS-MSc-level degree where 60 ECTS are in nuclear science and technology, preferably engineering, including a MSc thesis project in the nuclear field, and 20 ECTS need to be earned in a country other than that of the home university).

Courses in New and Renewable Energy Technologies 

All students in the Master’s Programme in Engineering Physics may have a minor as part of their studies. You can choose to complete a minor subject instead of completing a more extended major. A minor can also be completed as part of the elective studies.

You can choose a minor from those offered by Aalto University, other Finnish universities or universities abroad. You are advised to discuss the matter with the professor in charge or other member of faculty. The minor is confirmed in the Personal Study Plan.

More information on Aalto University’s minor subjects:

• Minors 2020-2022

Students choose 25–30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete a minor and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities. Students can also participate in an international student exchange programme or do a practical training in Finland or abroad (max. 10 cr). The elective studies can also contain a minor. Please note that PHYS-E0442 Company internship and SCI.trai Practical Training are mutually exclusive. If a student chooses to do PHYS-E0442 Company internship to the major, practical training cannot be included in the elective studies.

For more information on internationalisation, Aalto University’s minor subjects or practical training:

• Minors 2020-2022
• Exchange studies
• Practical training

Compulsory language studies for students whose language of education is Finnish or Swedish are included as part of the bachelor’s degree. If the language studies have not been completed in the phase preceding master’s studies, they must be taken during the master’s degree studies. In this case, the student must take 2 ECTS in second national language and demonstrate both oral (o) and written (w) proficiency in one foreign language (3 ECTS) in order to fulfil language proficiency requirements. 

Students who have received their education in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or received their education abroad are required to complete only 3 ECTS in one foreign language (including both oral (o) and written (w) proficiency).

Students with excellent command of English (e.g. English as a first language) may apply for the exemption from the compulsory foreign language requirement and take 3 ECTS of Finnish courses instead. In this case, according to the Degree Regulations, the student has not demonstrated the requisite written and oral language requirement in a foreign language, which is reflected in the appendix of the degree certificate. Students may apply for an exemption in the beginning of each term (deadlines 15 September and 15 January) with an application form.

The language studies are included in student’s elective studies.

More information about language courses can be found on the Language Centre’s website.

Students are required to complete a master's thesis, which is a research assignment with a workload corresponding to 30 credits. The thesis is written on a topic usually related to the student's major, or in some special cases to the minor, and agreed upon between the student and a professor who specializes in the topic of the thesis. The supervisor of the thesis must be a professor in the University or for special reasons, the thesis supervisor may also be a university lecturer, or senior university lecturer of the school, whereas the thesis advisor(s) must have at least a master’s degree.

Master’s thesis work includes a seminar presentation or equivalent presentation. The student is also required to write a maturity essay related to the master’s thesis.

The master’s thesis is a public document and cannot be concealed.

For more information about the master's thesis process, please see https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=19277.