Background

Synchrotron radiation (SR) is high intensity electromagnetic radiation produced by particle accelerators in dedicated laboratories. The energy of the radiation can be chosen from a range extending from visible light to Xrays. The interactions between SR and the research targets, including atoms and molecules, liquids, clusters and solids, makes SR an ideal tool for studying the chemical composition and other properties of materials.

The Department of Physics at the university of Oulu has a long tradition in utilizing SR in physics research and members of the Electron spectroscopy group have participated in designing and building instruments for SR based spectroscopy at the MAX-laboratory (http://www.maxlab.lu.se/) in Lund, Sweden.

In addition to basic research, SR is widely used in applied sciences, such as materials science and medical research. The research targets range from surfaces to nanostructures and aerosols, as well as bio- and macromolecules. The use of SR is growing rapidly and more research laboratories are being constructed around the world.

Description of the programme

The first students in the programme started in the fall term 2010. The next application period (for students starting 2013) will be open in Dec 3 2012. This call applies for students who will get their BSc degree before Aug 1 2013. The master´s degree program comprises in total 120 ETC credit points. See the list below for available courses. It consists of mandatory studies (65 credit points), including the master´s thesis, at least 15 credit points in additional studies in the field, and extra courses which can include courses provided by the Lund university (MAX-laboratory) in Sweden. Individual courses provided by the Lund university make it possible to gain first-hand experience in working in the SR laboratory.

The total number of courses provided is larger than the minimum number required by the program´s completion, so the students can select a combination best suited for their needs and interests.

Goals

The goal is to give the students a broad training in synchrotron radiation based science. The advantage of the current master´s degree programme is in providing a unified and comprehensive education in many aspects of the field. The interdisciplinary nature of present-day research increases the need for expertise in widely applicable research methods. Upon completing the program the participants should have good knowledge about the properties of SR, the methods of its production and its use in basic research and applied sciences. The degree allows the students to apply for graduate studies in physical sciences.

Contact information

For more information about the master programme, contact Sami Heinäsmäki (e-mail firstname.lastname@oulu.fi).

See programme description according to ECTS criteria.