Theoretical Physics and Applications (TPA)

The Master in Theoretical Physics and Applications is a two-years Master program fully taught in English, proposed by research teams of the Laboratoire de Physique Théorique et Modélisation (LPTM) of University of Cergy-Pontoise (UCP), located 20 miles north-west of Paris, France.

This master program has obtained the label of "International French-Spanish Master" (Master International Franco-Espagnol)

Description

This two-year Master Course aims at providing students with a high-level formation in Theoretical and Computational Physics, together with a deeper insight in one selected research field : Integrable Systems, or Complex Systems.

A broad spectrum of subjects is thus covered : from the mathematical accuracy of integrable models to the complexity of biological systems, social paradigms or communication networks. A wide horizon of applications is then open since these fields lie at crossroads to several domains of science : Mathematical and Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Biology, and in which concerns the specialty Complex Systems, even Economy and Sociology.

In addition to solid foundations in Fundamental Physics, the students will have acquired a reinforced formation in the domain they chose not only through the specialized courses they take during the third semester but also by the practical experience they will have obtained after six month of research work.

Diploma

Successful students following the MSc Theoretical Physics and Applications, will be awarded a French National Master diploma : "Mathematics, Physics and Applications (MPA), specialty Theoretical Physics and Applications (TPA), with the mention of the chosen orientation (Complex Systems, or Integrable Systems).

In addition, students integrating the French-Spanish international Master Program will also obtain the diploma : Master en Fisica y Tecnologias Fisicas from Zaragoza University.

Structure

The first year (semesters S1-S2) is devoted to the study of the general theories and the relevant mathematical and computational methods constituting the basis of a formation in fundamental Physics. Its role is two-fold : to allow for harmonization of a heterogeneous population of students and to provide for a first contact with the chosen specialization path. In fact this program aims at offering to students coming from different horizons a common general background and the powerful tools to start working in fundamental Physics, as well as opening to them a broad spectrum of domains.

During the first semester of the second year, students will study advanced fondamental Physics courses as well as specialization courses. The second semester will be devoted to the realisation of a research project in a research laboratory chosen wit the agreement of the pedagogical council of the Master program. This research work will yield a “master thesis” concluded by a written report and a public defense.

Program

Each year of this two-year Master program is structured in two semesters of 30 credits or ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) each. The first year is common to all the students. In the second year students may choose between two orientations : Complex Systems or Integrable Systems

1st Year (M1) : General Fundamental Physics

1st semester (S1)

• Quantum Mechanics (4 ECTS)
• Statistical Mechanics (4 ECTS)
• Condensed Matter Physics I (3 ECTS)
• Monte Carlo Methods (3 ECTS)
• Introduction to Symmetries in Physics (3 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics I : Differential Equations and Green Functions (4 ECTS)
• Lab Hours (3 ECTS)
• French for Foreigners / Scientific Communication in English (6 ECTS)

2nd semester (S2)

Compulsory courses :

• Condensed Matter Physics II (3 ECTS)
• Electrodynamics : a geometrical approach (4 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics II : Introduction to differential geometry, tensors (4 ECTS)
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics (4 ECTS)
• Computational Physics and Modelisation (3 ECTS)
• Introduction to Phase Transitions (3 ECTS)
• Project (3 ECTS)

2 Optional courses chosen among the following

• General Relativity and Cosmology (3 ECTS)
• Interaction Matter/Radiation (3 ECTS)
• Introduction to Quantum Information (3 ECTS)
• Soft Matter (3 ECTS)

2nd Year (M2) : Dynamical Systems ; exact and computational approaches (A) Complex Systems, (B) Integrable Systems

1st Semester(S3)

Common courses

Compulsory courses :

• Quantum Field Theory (3 ECTS)
• Advanced Statistical Mechanics (3 ECTS)
• Introduction to Dynamical Systems (3 ECTS)
• French for Foreigners / Scientific Communication in English(*) (3 ECTS)

Optional courses : 2 to be chosen amongst the following :

• Conformal Field Theory (3 ECTS)
• Transport Phenomena (3 ECTS)
• Quantum N-body Systems (3 ECTS)
• Graph Theory (3 ECTS)
• Renormalization Group (3 ECTS)

Specialization Courses :

Speciality "Complex Systems" :

• Complex Systems I : (3.5 ECTS)
• Complex Systems II : (3.5 ECTS)
• Simulation of Complex Systems (2.5 ECTS)
• Advanced Monte Carlo Methods (2.5 ECTS)

Speciality "Integrable Systems" :

• Non-linear Systems, Soliton Theory (3 ECTS)
• Quantum Integrable Systems (3 ECTS)
• Hamiltonian Dynamical Systems (3 ECTS)
• Lie Algebras and Lie Groups (3 ECTS)

2nd Semester(S4)

The student will choose a research subject among those proposed by our laboratory or any research institution approved by the Master Pedagogical Committee. This work will yield a written report and public Master thesis defense (30 ECTS).

P.S :

(*) Proposed to improve English skills of French speaking students

A level corresponding to 180 ECTS (3 or 4 years in a higher education institution) will be required for all students. The Master Pedagogical Committee (MPC) will determine equivalences for the non-EU students.Students are encouraged to describe exhaustively the programs of their previous university degrees together with the corresponding marks, rank, certificates, etc.Candidates finishing their 180 ECTS degree in spring or summer may apply conditionally. They should provide certificates concerning the previous years and the partial marks obtained in the current academic year.Though no particular certificate is required, a good mastering of English Language is essential to follow the lectures. Students for whom a visa is required will have to produce a certificate justifying of their English level to the Campus France agency. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)

Financial Aid

"Bourse de la Région Ile de France" (merit scholarship)

UCP receives funding from the "Ile de France Region" to provide scholarships for outstanding foreign students at M1 and M2 level (applicants obtaining the scholarship for M1 are prioritary for a renewal under certain conditions).

The amount of the scholarship is 10,500 €/yr plus some help for accommodation.

Interested applicants should have excellent records and should inform one of the academic contacts on due time (see details for this academic year).

"Bourse d'excellence de l'UCP" (merit scholarship):

In addition, UCP proposes a merit scholarshipbat the M2 level, for candidates with outstanding curriculum. The amount of the scholarship is 7000€/yr plus registration fees exemption. This grant is devoted to student interested in pursuing their Ph.D. in a domain of interest of one of the UCP's research team.