Master´s Programme in Physics, specialisation Atomic-, Molecular Physics and Optics
The Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (AMO) study path of the Master programme concentrates on the study of the interaction between light and matter on various scales, from atomic to molecular level, how to understand and manipulate atoms, molecules, and light in new ways, that were not possible just a few years ago.
The programme starts with foundations in relevant experimental and data analytical tools (detectors, programming for physicists, statistical methods, ...), and a deepening of selected theoretical concepts. It then offers the students the possibility to dive into the concepts and methods in atomic physics, molecular physics, laser physics and modern X-ray science as well as neighboring relevant areas and technologies such as accelerator physics and quantum chemistry.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department
Everyone admitted to a programme at the Department of Physics will receive a welcome letter with information from us via e-mail. If you have not receive an e-mail by August, please contact our Academic advisor! Unfold and read more.
Roll-call
All programmes at the Department of Physics starts with a mandatory introductory meeting (roll-call). You will receive more detailed information about the meeting via e-mail. If you are planning to start the programme but for some reason cannot participate in the meeting, contact our Academic advisor. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Elective courses within a programme
If you are admitted to a programme at the Department of Physics you will also automatically be admitted to the compulsory courses within the programme given during the autumn. The courses included in the programme are listed further down on this web page. You will also receive information about this via e-mail. If you have elective courses within your programme during the autumn, you need to choose courses at the start of the semester. Information about this is provided at the introductory meeting.
Registration
If you are admitted to a programme at our department you can register yourself to the elective courses within your programme using your university account. Registration normally opens two weeks before the course starts and you must have registered at the latest one week after the first lecture. If you have any problems with registration, contact our Student office. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted to a programme at the Department of Physics you need to contact our Academic advisor. Contact us as soon as possible, well before the the first course within the programme starts. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Applicants on waiting list
Are you placed on a waiting list to a programme at our department? You will always be contacted by e-mail if you are offered a place. Normaly we will not admit new students if more than 1 week has passed after the beginning of the term.
Find the Departmend of Physics
Most of the physics courses are held in the AlbaNova building, located between the Frescati campus and the Royal Institute of Technology (Tekniska högskolan, KTH). Courses in medical radiation physics are held at Campus Karolinska Hospital. A few of our physics courses are also given in collaboration with KTH or other departments. If this is the case it is clearly stated further down on this web page.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The programme starts with foundations in relevant experimental and data analytical tools (detectors, programming for physicists, statistical methods, ...), and a deepening of selected theoretical concepts. It then offers the students the possibility to dive into the concepts and methods in atomic physics, molecular physics, laser physics and modern X-ray science as well as neighboring relevant areas and technologies such as accelerator physics and quantum chemistry.
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Programme overview
The programme represents two years of full time studies (120 credits), out which 30, 45 or 60 credits are allocated to the master thesis project. Within the programme there is a lot of freedom to choose the courses that best suit your interests and your physics profile. There is also room for you to broaden your competence thanks to a large number of facultative and optional courses.
The AMO study path is proposed to guide you towards the corresponding emerging technologies and research, and makes you a good candidate for corresponding jobs or PhD student positions.
With a combination of mandatory, eligible and optional courses you acquire a solid base in analysis of data, experimental physics and experimental methodology. This is complemented by at least one theoretical course. The last phase of the programme consists of the master thesis project. We offer the possibility to carry out long projects, up to one year. Knowledge and skills acquired in the programme find applications in many areas of industry and research.
Here is a recommended planning for the courses to be taken during the four semesters:
Year 1
1st Semester
Programming techniques II, 7.5 credits, DA4007
Statistical Methods in Physics, 7.5 credits, FK7061
Eligible courses*, 15 credits2nd Semester
Eligible courses*, 30 credits
Year 2
1st Semester
Optional courses**, 0, 15 or 30 credits
(the Physics Degree Project could start already on the 1 semester)2nd Semester
Physics Degree Project, 45 credits, FK9002 (or Physics Degree Project, 30 credits, FK9001, or Physics Degree Project, 60 credits, FK9003).
*Eligible courses
At least one of the experimental courses:
Physical Measuring Techniques, 7.5 credits, FK7063
Detector Physics 7.5 credits, FK7056At least one of the theoretical courses:
Analytical Mechanics, 7.5 credits, FK7049
Elektrodynamics, 7.5 credits, FK7045
Statistical Physics, 7.5 credits, FK7058At least 22.5 credits among the following courses:
Advanced Quantum Mechanics, 7.5 hp, FK5027
Optics and Laser Physics, 7.5 credits, FK7046
Quantum Optics, 7.5 credits FK7047
Accelerator Physics, 7.5 hp, FK7055
Atomic Physics, 7.5 credits, FK7057
Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits, FK7066
Quantum Chemistry, 15 hp, FK7059
Modern X-ray Science: Theory and Applications, 7.5 hp, FK7067
**Optional courses:
In order to give you the ability to customise the programme to your interests and needs, you have the possibility to choose among a number of optional courses. The optional courses represent in total 7.5 to 45 credits, depending on the scope of the master thesis project. The optional courses can be chosen freely among all the physics courses proposed at Stockholm University.
Independent project
The master thesis project usually starts during the second year, but may start as soon as you have earned at least 45 credits of advanced courses in physics. The project is usually carried out in one of the research groups of the physics department. The master thesis project may also be carried out at a different university or in a company. During the master thesis project you are given the opportunity to participate to the activity and life of the research group. You work with a research question in a professional research environment where you are in contact with graduate students and researchers. While still a university environment, it provides a unique opportunity to dive deep into a professional environment and develop important soft-skills (independence, perseverance, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, troubleshooting...) before going further to industry or graduate studies.
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How to apply
Application is done through universityadmissions.se.
Please note that you need to apply to specific study paths (you can apply to several but have to rank your choices).
When submitting you application make sure you have uploaded all required documents. Read more here: https://www.universityadmissions.se/documents
We at the Department of Physics do not require any additional documents such as CV, letter of recommendation or motivation letter. You will be contacted by us if we need further documentation. -
Contact
Academic advisor at the Department of Physics:
Programme responsible:
Prof. Christophe Clement, e-mail: christophe.clement@fysik.su.se
