Research Practice in Physics at CERN

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

ECTS Credits

30 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring/fall

Place of Instruction

CERN - Geneva-Switzerland
Required Previous Knowledge
PHYS101 or similar
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
PHYS117 (10 ECTS reduction)
PHYS299 (10 ECTS reduction)
Access to the Course

Access to the course requires admission to a programme of study at The Faculty of Science and Technology.

Admission to the course requires being accepted into the Technical Student Program at CERN. The student is personally responsible for this application process. The student must also meet the qualification requirements for the Technical Student Program:

  • The student is a citizen of a CERN member state or associate member state.
  • The student has completed at least 18 months of their bachelor's studies at the time of the next student selection.
  • The student is registered as a full-time student during the internship.
  • The student has a good command of English or French.
Teaching and learning methods
Brief preliminary study report describing the project and a work plan. Midterm presentation where the student presents the status of their own project. Writing of the project report in a scientific format. Oral presentation of the project work.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
None
Forms of Assessment

Approved portfolio in written format that contains the following:

  • A brief preliminary study report
  • A midterm presentation
  • A project report in scientific format
  • An oral presentation that conveys your own results

All elements must be approved to pass the course

Grading Scale
Pass/fail
Assessment Semester
Spring/fall
Reading List
Not relevant
Course Evaluation
The course is evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee in Physics is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator

You can find the course responsible and the administrative contact person by contacting

studie.fysikk@uib.no

Course Administrator
The Faculty of Science and Technology and the Department of Physics and Technology are administratively responsible for this course.