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Courses at Bachelor's level

The language of instruction in all courses at bachelor's level that are presented here is English.

Introductory courses to Physics

Four courses are included in the introductory module of the bachelor's programme in physics:

  1. Introduction to University Physics, with Mechanics, FYSA22
  2. Introduction to University Physics, with Electromagnetics, FYSA23
  3. Introduction to University Physics, with Optics, Waves and Quantum Physics, FYSA13
  4. Introduction to University Physics, with Thermodynamics, Climate and Experimental Methodology

During the spring semester, the courses are given in English. During the autumn semester, the courses are given in Swedish.

More information about the courses is seen below.

Read more about the bachelor programme in physics here.

Course is given: study period 1

Previous course code: FYSA12

The course in brief

The course is compulsory at the undergraduate level for a Bachelor of Science in Physics. It provides an introduction to university physics, as a basis for further studies in physics. Special emphasis is placed on basic mechanics and electrical engineering as a foundation for other physics.

Read more about the course Introduction to University Physics, with Mechanics and Electromagnetics on the web-based learning management system Canvas.

Course coordinators

Magnus Borgström (autumn)
Professor

Elizabeth Blackburn (spring)
Professor

Rikkert Frederix (spring)
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 1

Previous course code: FYSA12

The course in brief

The course is compulsory at the undergraduate level for a Bachelor of Science in Physics. It provides an introduction to university physics, as a basis for further studies in physics. Special emphasis is placed on basic mechanics and electrical engineering as a foundation for other physics.

Read more about the course Introduction to University Physics, with Mechanics and Electromagnetics on the web-based learning management system Canvas.

Course coordinators

Johan Zetterberg (autumn)
Senior lecturer

Jan Knudsen (autumn)
Senior lecturer

Christian Brackmann (spring)
Lecturer

Joachim Schnadt (spring)
Professor

Course is given: study period 2

The course in brief

The course is compulsory at the undergraduate level for a Bachelor of Science in Physics. It provides an introduction to university physics, as a basis for further studies in physics. The course aims to provide basic knowledge in optics, wave science and quantum physics, as well as their applications in research and society.

Read more about the course Introduction to University Physics, with Optics, Waves and Quantum Physics on the web-based learning management system Canvas.

Course Coordinators

Elna Heimdal Nilsson (autumn)
Senior Lecturer

Vincent Hedberg (spring)
Senior Lecturer

Pablo Villanueva Perez (spring)
Associate senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2

The course in brief

The course is compulsory at the undergraduate level for a Bachelor of Science in Physics. It provides an introduction to university physics, as a basis for further studies in physics.

The course aims to provide basic knowledge in thermodynamics and the Earth's climate as well as practice in performing, interpreting and describing the results of physical experiments (experimental methodology).

Read more about the course Introduction to University Physics, with Thermodynamics, Climate and Experimental Methodology on the web-based learning management system Canvas.

Course coordinators

Anna-Lena Sahlberg (autumn)
Associate Senior Lecturer

Thi Kim Cuong Le (spring)
Associate Senior Lecturer

Basic courses – autumn semester, 1st study period

Course is given: study period 1, autumn. 

The course in brief

The aim of this course is that you should learn classical mechanics starting from the principal least action with emphasis on symmetries and conservation laws as well as and special relativity with emphasis on relativistic kinematics. In the course you will learn how to use the Lagrange formalism, get an introduction to the Hamilton formalism, the use of constraints and Lagrange multipliers, a general treatment of the two-body problem and Kepler's laws, Lorentztransformations, four vectors and relativistic kinematics.

This course is mandatory only for bachelor students with the specialisation Theoretical physics.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, litterature and schedule for the course Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity, FYTB14, please visit the course website in Canvas

Course coordinator

Malin Sjödahl
Researcher

Course is given: the entire autumn semester, 25% study pace. (From 2024 during autumn semester only.)

The course in brief

The course includes theory (3 credits) and a project (4.5 credits). The purpose of the theory part is to give course participants the opportunity to become acquainted with the terminology of gender studies, its subject and research. During the project, the goal is to give the student the opportunity to examine some part of their own education or teaching from a gender perspective.

The course is a result of a collaboration between Department of Physics, Science Faculty, Engineering Faculty and Center for Gender Studies.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about the course Gender in Science and Technology, MNXB02, such as syllabus, literature and schedule, please visit the course webpage on Canvas.

Course coordinator

Tomas Brage
Professor

 

Course is given: study period 1, autumn.

The course in brief

The course is aimed at students in the master's program in astrophysics, who lack previous astrophysics studies.

The course provides an overview of modern astronomy, its research methods and results, where physical laws are placed in their context to provide an overall picture of our contemporary perception of the universe, its origin and development.

The course deals with different sub-areas of astronomy, such as astronomical instruments and observation methods, the properties of stars, motion, star formation and development, the planetary system and its origin, the Milky Way and other galaxies, theories of universe evolution.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Introduction to astrophysics, ASTB01, please visit the course website in Canvas.

Course coordinator

Thomas Bensby
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 1, autumn

Previous course code: MNXB01

The course in brief

This course covers broad programming aspects essential for scientists. The following will be addressed:

  • Use of UNIX-based operating systems, such as Linux
  • Overview of the use of programming in various scientific fields (Data analysis, simulation, etc.​)
  • Overview of common programming languages such as C ++ and Java
  • Basic concepts of object-oriented software design
  • Basic Software Engineering with a language (C ++), use of Standard software construction tools in a UNIX-based environment, such as Linux (Gmake, gcc)
  • Practical exercises in data analysis and simulation
  • Basic methods for software development in cooperation with others
  • Redistributed data processing​

How to apply

You find the course description and prerequisites for Introduction to Programming and Computing for Scientists, MNXB01, at Lund University's central web pages (in Swedish).

Course website in Canvas

Visit the course website for Introduction to Programming and Computing for Scientists, MNXB11 in Canvas for more information about course syllabus, literature and schedule.

Course coordinator

Oxana Smirnova
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 1, autumn 

The course in brief

In the course you will learn about different types of accelerators for the production of photons and neutrons for research.

You will learn about methods of producing photons with highly relativistic electron beams in combination with special magnets called undulators and the method of producing neutrons by letting a relativistic proton beam hit a target.

You will also learn about the experimental stations, the experimental methods, and the different kinds of research that can be carried out with neutrons and photons.

Course syllabus

Link to course syllabus for  Photon and Neutron Production for Science, MAXC11.

Course coordinator

Francesca Curbis
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 1, autumn.

The course in brief

The purpose of this course is to provide fundamental knowledge about fabrication and characterization of semiconductor devices on the nanometer scale. The focus is set on modern materials and processing techniques with nanotechnology as a main theme. Most of the processes are general and are applied in traditional Si based IC technology as well as in advanced III-V technology and MEMS/NEMS fabrication.

Read more about the course Processing and Device Technology, FYSD23, on the online learning tool Canvas.

Course coordinator

Claes Thelander
Senior lecturer

 

Course is given: study period 1, both autumn and spring semester.

The course in brief

The student will learn how central concepts in solid-state physics can be applied to model physical effects. Examples of the course content are:

  • Chemical bonding in solids
  • Crystal Structure and diffraction
  • Lattice vibrations and phonons
  • Band structure, metals, semiconductors, and insulators with applications
  • Magnetism
  • A brief survey of superconductivity.

Read more about the course Solid State Physics on Canvas.

Course responsible

Claudio Verdozzi
Senior lecturer

Other courses

Course is given: study period 1, autumn.

The course in brief

In this course you will study and discuss various types of texts in English, both facts and fiction. You will also learn more about academic writing in English and practise giving oral presentations in English.The knowledge and the skills you get by taking this course will be useful to you both in your studies in the faculty of science and in your future careers, for instance when you compete for the best jobs.

Syllabus, schedule and more:

Read more about English for the Natural Sciences, ENGF01 at the course web page at the Lund University Centre of Languages and Literature website.

Course coordinator

The course is given by the faculties of Humanities and Theology.

Basic courses – autumn semester, 2nd study period

Course is given: study period 2, autumn semester

Previous course code: ASTC01

The course in brief

This multi-diciplinary course treats the question of life in the universe. Where can life have developed? Must it be on a planet similar to Earth? How does life on a planet develop and evolve? Under what extreme circumstances can life persist? We discuss these and similar questions from physical, biological and social perspectives.

In the course we treat methods to find and explore planets around other stars (exoplanets) and the search for intelligent life in the universe. We also discuss any consequences, philosophical and other, in the event of discovering intelligent life in the universe.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Astrobiology - Conditions and possibilities for life in the Universe, ASTC11, please visit the course website in Canvas

Course responsible

Jens Hoeijmakers
Associate senior lecturer

Course is given: period 2, autumn semester (From 2024 the course will be given only during autumn semesters.)

The course in brief 

This is an introductory course in quantum mechanics. You will start with a brief historical background and discuss the basic ideas and postulates of quantum theory. Schrödingers wave equation will then be introduced and you will learn how to solve it for potentials in one dimension, such as wells and barriers. This is followed by concepts and formalism of operators, observables and measurements in quantum mechanics. 

The course ends by discussing the quantum model for an harmonic oscillator and introducing the hydrogen atom as a basic example of "round", three dimensional quantum mechanics.

Read more about the course Basic Quantum Mechanics on Canvas.

Course coordinator

Peter Samuelsson
Professor

Course is given: study period 2, both autumn and spring semester.

Previous course code: FYTB13

The course in brief

The aim of this course is that you should learn electromagnetism based on Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force. In the course you will learn how to apply and solve Maxwell's equations, the potential formulation, how to treat polarisation and magnetisation phenomena, energy transport, boundary conditions, and electromagnetic waves. You will also learn some basic vector analysis and related integral theorems needed to solve electromagnetic problems.

The course is mandatory for students at the bachelor programme in physics.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Electromagnetism, FYSC20, please visit the course website in Canvas

Course coordinators

Korinna Zapp (autumn)
Senior lecturer

Rikkert Frederix (spring)
Senior lecturer

Johan Rathsman
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2, autumn.

The course in brief

In this course, you will learn about the properties of the Milky Way and galaxies of different kinds regarding structure, chemical evolution and the interplay between stars and the interstellar medium. You will learn methods for determining distances and masses. The course also includes subjects such as: dark matter, the Hubble law and the expansion of the Universe, observations and model descriptions of active galectic nuclei in particular quasars, the mass density and geometry of the Universe, nuclear synthesis in the early Universe, cosmological background radiation, and dark energy.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Galaxies and Cosmology, ASTA33, please visit the course website in Canvas.

Course coordinator

Thomas Bensby
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2, autumn.

The course in brief

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the most important materials analysis tools for nanostructures - to understand how each technique works, what information it can give an how to interpret the information. The focus is on techniques that give morphological, structural and composition information. 

At present the course is divided into two parts: the first and larger cover electron microscopy analysis, including both SEM and TEM and associated methods. Topics include fundamental principles in electron microscopy; imaging and how to understand and interpret images; electron diffraction principles, interpretation and acquisition; and compositional analysis in electron microscopy using X-ray and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. 

The second part of the course introduces surface analysis techniques, with emphasis on the benefits and uses of different types of techniques, and how to interpret the results.

Read more about the course Materials Analysis at the Nanoscale on Canvas.

Course coordinator

Reine Wallenberg
Professor

 

 

 

Course is given: study period 2, autumn semester (from 2024, only in autumn)

The course in brief

The course provides you with an opportunity to practice the use of mathematical and numerical methods, and to study problems in classical physics. Special focus is placed on the complex Fourier transform and on differential equations, with applications to different systems.

Read more about the course Mathematical Methods for Vibrations, Waves and Diffusion, FYSB21, on Canvas.

Course responsible

Andreas Wacker
Professor

 

Basic courses – spring semester, 1st study period

Course is given: study period 1, spring semester (from 2024, only given in spring)

The course in brief

This course will give you fundamental knowledge of the structure of atoms and molecules and their interactions with electromagnetic radiation. The course illustrates the role of quantum mechanics as the fundamental theory for the description of the microscopic world.

In the experimental part you will work with modern spectroscopic techniques. We also want to show atomic physics as a very large, active and wide research area in Lund.

The course will also train your problem-solving skill and your ability to write scientific reports.

Read more about the course Atomic and Molecular Physics, FYSB24, on Canvas.

Course coordinator

Tomas Brage
Professor 

Course is given: study period 1, spring

The course in brief

This course will introduce you to the essence of statistical mechanics, starting from a microscopic description of matter. The central concept of entropy is introduced, a connection with thermodynamical quantities is established, and ​paradigmatic systems such as the ideal (quantum and classical) gases are studied.

The overall topic is truly fascinating, since it shows in a beautiful way how what we experience in everyday life naturally emerges from the behavi​our of matter down at the fundamental space, time, and energy scales.

Read more abou the course Basic Statistical Physics and Quantum Statistics, FYSB23, on Canvas.

Course coordinator

Erik van Loon
Associate senior lecturer

Course is given in 25% study pace during the entire spring semester

The course in brief

The aim of the course is that the student, on completion of the course, should have acquired an introduction to a gender perspective on physics with a focus on the research and education of the university level.

For more information about the course Physics and gender, MNXB03, such as syllabus, literature and schedule, please visit the course webpage on Canvas.

Apply to the course

You will find the application details, course description and prerequisites for the course at Lund University's central web pages. Please note that you might need to visit the Swedish website to see if the course is open for application.

Course coordinator

Tomas Brage
Professor

Course is given: study period 1, spring

The course in brief

The course deals with fundamental areas in radiation and plasma physics necessary for the understanding of the radiation emanating from the outer parts (atmospheres) of stars. Astronomical observations cover the electromagnetic spectrum from X-rays to microwaves.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Radiation Processes and Stellar Atmospheres, ASTA34, please visit the course website in Canvas

Course coordinator

Nils Ryde
Professor

Course is given: study period 1, both autumn and spring semester.

The course in brief

The student will learn how central concepts in solid-state physics can be applied to model physical effects. Examples of the course content are:

  • Chemical bonding in solids
  • Crystal Structure and diffraction
  • Lattice vibrations and phonons
  • Band structure, metals, semiconductors, and insulators with applications
  • Magnetism
  • A brief survey of superconductivity.

Read more about the course Solid State Physics on Canvas.

Course syllabus

Link to the course syllabus for Solid State Physics, FYSC23.

Schedule

Upcoming schedule for the course Solid State Physics, FYSC23, in the schedule software TimeEdit.

Course responsible

Claudio Verdozzi
Senior lecturer

Basic courses – spring semester, 2nd study period

Course is given: study period 2, spring.

The course in brief

The course covers basic questions about what constitutes science and the scientific method; what are the differences between true science and pseudoscience, from charlatanism and fraud; the relationship between faith and reason, religion and science; anthropocentricity and gender perspectives in science; and the connection between natural science and other creative activities such as painting, sculpture and composition.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, litterature and schedule for Exploring the Scientific Method, MNXA19, please visit the course website in Canvas.

Course coordinator

Leif Lönnblad
Professor

Course is given: study period 2, both autumn and spring semester.

Previous course code: FYTB13

The course in brief

The aim of this course is that you should learn electromagnetism based on Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force. In the course you will learn how to apply and solve Maxwell's equations, the potential formulation, how to treat polarisation and magnetisation phenomena, energy transport, boundary conditions, and electromagnetic waves. You will also learn some basic vector analysis and related integral theorems needed to solve electromagnetic problems.

The course is mandatory for students at the bachelor programme in physics.

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, literature and schedule for the course Electromagnetism, FYSC20, please visit the course website in Canvas.

Course coordinators

Korinna Zapp (autumn)
Senior lecturer

Rikkert Frederix (spring)
Senior lecturer

Johan Rathsman
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2, spring

The course in brief

The course covers basic vector analysis and fluid dynamics, with focus on large systems and fluids in rotating systems. Examples and applications are mainly picked from meteorology and astronomy. 

Course website in Canvas

For more information about syllabus, litterature and schedule for the course Fluid Dynamics, FYTA14, please visit the course website in Canvas

Course coordinator

Oscar Agertz
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2, spring.

The course in brief

This course aims at providing the basics for understanding combustion phenomena. This includes thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, ignition, fluid dynamics and the formation of pollutants. From the knowledge in these areas it is possible to reach an understanding for energy related and environmental problems connected to real life combustion. ​

Read more about the course Fundamental Combustion on the online learning tool Canvas.

Course syllabus

Link to course syllabus for Fundamental Combustion, FYSD11.

Schedule

Latest schedule for the course  Fundamental Combustion, FYSD11 in the schedule software TimeEdit.

Course coordinator

Alexander Konnov
Professor

Course is given: study period 2, spring (from 2024, only in spring).

The course in brief

In the course you will develop an understanding of the atomic nucleus based on macroscopic and microscopic models. Assessing success and limitations of various models used to describe the many facets of atomic nuclei as well as their excitations and decays is a key learning outcome of the course. Generic quantum mechanical concepts are being exemplified on behalf of atomic nuclei.

Supported by the experimental part, you will understand the origin and relevance of nuclear radiation and detection in science and society. This part is supported by lectures on ongoing research topics in basic or applied nuclear physics in Lund.

Read more about the course Nuclear physics on Canvas.

How to apply

You find the course description and prerequisites for the course Nuclear Physics, FYSC22, at Lund University's central web pages.

Course coordinator

Luis Gerardo Sarmiento
Senior lecturer

Course is given: study period 2, spring (from 2024, only in spring)

The course in brief

The overall goal of the course is to give you a broad perspective of the field and to highlight some surprising and intriguing aspects of particle physics such as anti-matter, neutrino oscillations, quark confinement, and the Higgs mechanism. At the end of the course, there is the chance to visit the international particle physics laboratory DESY in Hamburg. The visit will be guided by scientists working at the laboratory and will show some real-life examples of particle physics research.

Read more about the course Particle Physics, Cosmology and Accelerators, FYSC24, on Canvas.

How to apply

You find the course description and prerequisites for the course Particle Physics, Cosmology and Accelerators, FYSC24 at Lund University's central web pages.

Course coordinator

Alice Ohlson
Senior lecturer

Degree Projects and Applied Work