Computational Science and Engineering

In this programme of study you will learn about the development and use of modern IT-tools for analysing and solving problems in science and technology. We emphasize both concrete understanding and mathematical description of these phenomena.

For several hundred years, research scientists have developed mathematical models to help understand how nature functions and how we can create technical constructions. Oil production, mobile phones and television are just a few examples of things that would have been impossible without a deep insight into natural phenomena by means of mathematical modeling. Mathematical models often include complicated equations that may be impossible to solve with pen and paper. But with help from today’s powerful computers and newly developed methods, we can solve highly complicated mathematical models. In this way, we can gain increased insight and understanding of nature and advanced technology. For example, the Norwegian oil industry has extensively used computer simulation to discover how to increase oil production, and this has generated billions in increased income.

Computer simulations of natural phenomena and technological constructions have a central place in this programme. To develop good simulators and understand the phenomena being studied, we emphasise skills in mathematical modeling, mechanics and physics, and programming and visualisation.

The programme option Computational Science is an interdisciplinary study with particular emphasis on numerical calculations and large-scale simulations of a broad range of problems within physics, mathematics and engineering.

The duration of the Master’s programme is two years and consists of courses and thesis work. Should you choose a short thesis (30 ECTS), the first three semesters are assigned course work and the last semester is assigned thesis work.

Choosing a longer thesis (60 ECTS), is a more flexible solution to the execution of the programme. It is recommended that you take three courses during the first semester. In the second semester you can work on your Master’s thesis while taking one course consisting of 20 ECTS, and in the third semester you can take one course consisting of 10 ECTS while working on your thesis. The fourth semester is entirely assigned to thesis work.

General learning outcomes

• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of methods and techniques for analysis and problem solving within relevant fields of study.
• Good theoretical insight and the ability to apply theory to the development of methods and techniques for problem solving.

Target knowledge and understanding

• In-depth knowledge within a limited primary field covered by the programme.
• In-depth knowledge in fields adjacent to your chosen focus.
• Understanding of the connection between the description of a concrete problem and the mathematical model that describes it.

Target skills

• The ability to approach a complicated problem, reveal structures and clarify problems, discover suitable analytical and/or numerical solution methods and interpret solutions.
• Good practical skills in the use of relevant programming tools.
• The ability to collaborate with other academic specialists, including specialists from other disciplines.
• The ability to express yourself in a precise, academic manner in both spoken and written Norwegian and English.
• The ability to make active use of existing literature in order to gain insight into the work of others and support your own specific problems.
• The ability to conduct an independent evaluation of a mathematical model's suitability in the context of a specific problem.

Admission to this master's degree programme / study option requires:

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification and a completed bachelor's degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor's degree. Applicants with foreign education, please refer to the country list.
• a specialization defined by the programme/study option
• a minimum grade average of C (in the Norwegian grading scale) or equivalent from the specialization in your degree.
• Norwegian and English language requirement OR special enhanced requirement in English specified below:
  a) Passed examination in English foundation course (140 hours/5 periods per week) with a minimum grade of 4 in Norwegian upper secondary school (or an equivalent grade from a Nordic upper secondary school) or passed examination in English from second and/or third school year in Norwegian upper secondary school, or
  b) An internationally recognised English language proficiency test.

Required specialization

The Master’s programme in Computational Science and Engineering is based on the Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Informatics and Technology or the equivalent.

The grounds for admission to the Master’s programme in Computational Science and Engineering, programme option Computational Science, is a Bachelor’s degree where the following courses, or the equivalent, must be included:

• MAT1100 - Calculus
• MAT1110 - Calculus and Linear Algebra
• MAT1120 - Linear Algebra
• MAT-INF1100 - Modelling and Computations
• INF1000 - Introduction to object-oriented programming / INF1100 - Introduction to programming with scientific applications
• 10 ECTS INF/INF-MAT courses in addition to INF1000 - Introduction to object-oriented programming / INF1100 - Introduction to programming with scientific applications
• 20 ECTS in other scientific courses on 2000-level or higher

Engineers and candidates who hold either a Cand. Mag. or a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and natural sciences from other universities and university colleges may, after individual assessment, be granted admission if they hold courses that in content and in volume coincide with the specialisation above.

Documentation

You have to upload all required documents in UiO's online application portal.

If you have completed studies/courses outside the University of Oslo, you must also upload course descriptions. The course names and codes on the course descriptions must match the transcript of records.

No tuition fees

Candidates holding a Master’s degree in Computational Science and Engineering have a modern education with elements derived from mathematics, engineering, the natural sciences and informatics in various combinations, numerical calculations being the common factor.

During the programme, you will obtain a solid academic foundation and gain broad experience in advanced numerical calculations and in practical problem solving.

With this background you are qualified for modern, technology oriented research- and developmental assignments within a number of sectors.

You may find work in e.g.

• research institutions,
• oil companies and in
• high technology engineering firms.

The IT-sector is also a relevant market for graduates from the programme. There is also a need for people in education and administration.

The study programme provides the candidates with a solid theoretical and methodological foundation and is therefore relevant for further PhD studies (research education) and research.