Where can I find the module descriptions for the modules I have successfully completed?
The module descriptions for the individual courses can be found here.
Is it permissible to take lectures in mathematics, computer science, or physics as “free electives”?
Yes, all credit units from the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Physics and Astronomy can be taken as free credits, provided that no double counting occurs. This means that you can have a mathematics, computer science, or physics lecture counted as a free credit only if you have not already attended it and are studying the Free Credits module.
Is attendance at lectures compulsory in the Department of Physics and Astronomy?
As a rule, attendance at lectures is not compulsory. However, lecturers may make participation in course assessments conditional upon coursework completed during the semester (such as exercises, participation in practica, etc.).
Which lectures in the first semester depend on each other, or which lectures should not be spread across different semesters?
It is important to take lectures from the major and minor modules of your field of study from the very beginning, whenever possible. The most important lectures in the first year of study are:
- Physics I and II
- Mathematical Methods in Physics I and II (for most Physics minor variants)
- Analysis I and II and Linear Algebra I and II (if you are also studying Mathematics as a major or minor)
Is there detailed information on the days of the week and times at which the first-semester lectures (PMM I, Analysis I, Linear Algebra I, Astronomy I) for Physics and Astronomy majors take place in the fall semester?
All information on courses and assessments can be found in the KSL (core teaching system). Current lecture information is available here. In addition, the Department of Physics and Astronomy organises an information event each year on the first day of the semester. The purpose of this event is to help students get started with their physics studies by providing general information about the degree program.
How and where can I apply for a Bachelor's degree?
To apply for a bachelor's degree, you can find the information here.
Within what time frame must the Bachelor’s thesis be submitted to avoid compulsory de-registration?
The grade for the Bachelor’s thesis must be entered into the grade management system (KSL) by week 8 or week 38.
Is it mandatory to follow the recommended course sequence outlined in the supplementary documents (e.g. Mathematical Methods III after Mathematical Methods II in the spring semester), or can courses such as Electrodynamics be taken without having completed Physics I and Physics II?
As the lectures are highly demanding and build on one another, it is strongly recommended to follow the study plan and to attend lectures and exercise sessions regularly. Experience has shown that this is an important prerequisite for being able to follow the lectures, complete the exercises, and successfully pass examinations and assessments.
Can performance assessments be repeated?
Performance assessments at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level that have been graded as unsatisfactory may be repeated once. If a repeated assessment is again graded as unsatisfactory, the grade obtained in the repeat attempt will be recorded as the final grade.
Are all lectures offered every semester?
Most lectures are offered on an annual basis, although this does not apply to all special lectures offered in higher semesters.
Is it possible or advisable to work during the first two semesters?
Studying requires a workload of approximately 40 to 50 hours per week. This already represents a considerable amount of effort.
Is it possible to extend the duration of the degree program from the outset in order to combine studies with paid employment?
The standard period of study may be extended for subsequent semesters, provided that valid reasons are demonstrated before the end of the regular study period. Students who are continuously engaged in paid employment of more than 25% are permitted to exceed the standard period of study by up to two semesters.
Is it possible to take courses from both the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the same time?
Yes, you can take lectures from both the Bachelor's and Master's programs at the same time, but studying for both degrees in parallel is only permitted for a maximum of one semester; after that, you must complete your Bachelor's degree. The credits you have already earned will be recognized as credits in your Master's program once you have received your Bachelor's degree.
Is it necessary to complete the “Laboratory Course II” before starting the Master’s thesis?
Yes, you must complete Laboratory Course II before you can begin your Master's thesis. (Physics study plan, Appendix 2a).
I obtained my Bachelor’s degree at a foreign university. Is it possible to transfer to the University of Bern to pursue a Master’s degree in Physics?
Admission to the faculty’s Master’s programs requires a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study from a recognised university, obtained no more than ten years prior to application (RSL, Art. 43, para. 2). Admission to the Master’s program in Physics further requires a Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Astronomy from a Swiss university or an equivalent recognised university degree (Study Plan Physics, Art. 14, para. 2).
