Research Practice in Physics at CERN

Objectives:

The student gains practical experience with research as a process and a working method in an

international research environment. The student will plan, carry out, and communicate their own work. The

student develops a better understanding of the nature of research and its contributions to society.

Content:

As a technical student at CERN, the student will conduct an independent research project lasting from 6 to

12 months. The student is integrated into a research group at CERN, and the project is carried out under

academic supervision. The topic is chosen in consultation with the academic supervisor at CERN, and a

preliminary study report is to be submitted early in the project. The student is required to give a mid-term

presentation to the academic responsible at UiB. A project report must be written in a scientific format, and

the research question and results will be presented in a final presentation after the stay at CERN has been

completed.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of

knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of research ethical norms, guidelines, and best practices in the field of research
• can thoroughly delve into a new physics problem and relevant working methods
• can explain the principles behind and the purpose of the research activities included in the project
• can contextualize their own data and findings within an academic framework

Skills

The student

• can plan, conduct, and report the results of a research task in line with the field's standards
• can find, summarize, and use relevant scholarly literature for the project
• can explain and justify how the results in the project assignment can be interpreted and evaluated
• can evaluate their own results in relation to new knowledge in the field
• has experience with methods and practices in an international research collaboration

General Competence

The student

• develops professional identity, role understanding, and an understanding of the nature and contribution of research in society
• can collaborate with others in a research community and ensure the progress of a defined project
• can communicate their own work and results to different audiences through reports and presentations
• can apply knowledge in physics to critical thinking and responsible reflection