Advanced research methods in physics

a) Knowledge - According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the learning outcomes related to qualification level 7, corresponding to university master's studies, require highly specialized knowledge and their critical awareness, some of them being at the vanguard of the level of knowledge from a field of work or study, as a basis for original thinking and/or research:

• to know the advanced notions in the field of Physics, which involves a critical understanding of theories and principles;
• to know the methods of analysis and the criteria for choosing the appropriate solutions to achieve specific performances;
• to know the working formulas for calculations with physical quantities using properly the principles and laws of physics;
• to know the language specific to the field;
• to know physical phenomena and interpret them by formulating hypotheses and operationalizing key concepts and the appropriate use of laboratory equipment;
• to know the constructive and operating principles of the equipment for obtaining and characterizing materials and to explain how to use it;
• to know the basic concepts from related fields (chemistry, biology, biochemistry, informatics) in order to use them appropriately in complex teams.

b) Skills - According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the learning outcomes related to qualification level 7, corresponding to university master's studies, assume specialized skills for solving research and/or innovation problems, for the development of new knowledge and procedures and for the integration of knowledge from different fields:

• correctly apply the methods of analysis and the criteria for choosing the appropriate solutions to achieve specific performances;
• deduce working formulas for calculations with physical quantities using the principles and laws of physics appropriately;
• to compare the theoretical results provided by the specialized literature with those of an experiment carried out within a professional project;
• to deduce the working formulas for calculations with physical quantities, using appropriately the principles and laws of physics;
• describe physical systems using specific theories and tools (experimental and theoretical models, algorithms, schemes, etc.);
• to apply the principles and laws of physics in solving theoretical or practical problems, under conditions of qualified assistance;
• correctly apply the analysis methods and the criteria for choosing the appropriate solutions to achieve the specified performances;
• to use the computer and calculation programs for the numerical simulation of the physical processes;
• to acquire a coherent and functional system of fundamental knowledge in the field of science;
• to elaborate and present reports on the physical principles in front of an informed public;
• to write and present scientific reports in the field of Physics;
• to make connections between knowledge in the field of material physics and related fields (chemistry, biology, informatics) in order to obtain new materials useful for various applications.

Specific for Theoretical physics track:

• Describe and explain the fundamental principles of physics, including those of: Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, Standard Model, Quantum fields and particles, Cosmology;
• Use high-level mathematical skills to solve conceptual and quantitative problems in physics;
• Apply the fundamental principles of physics to solve problems, including those likely to be encountered in future careers. Such problems may involve ambiguity and uncertainty and require the application of multiple principles;
• Describe critical experiments in the history of physics and explain how they led to revisions of our theoretical descriptions of nature;
• Analyze physical systems and provide order-of-magnitude estimates of quantities. This includes a knowledge of basic physical constants and key equations.

Specific for Physics of advanced materials track

• use numerical modeling to optimize crystal growth facilities;
• to use the computer to control some experiments or processes and to acquire data;
• to compare the results given by numerical models or simulations of physical phenomena with data provided by literature and/or experimental measurements;
• to identify the most appropriate methods to develop new materials with well-defined properties;
• to characterize the specific properties of some materials taking into account the field in which they are used;
• to use the necessary equipment to obtain monocrystalline materials and nano-microsystems;
• to use experimental techniques for obtaining and characterizing materials through optical and spectroscopic methods;
• to use methods of investigating the structure of materials.

c) Responsibility and autonomy - According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the learning outcomes related to qualification level 7, corresponding to university master's studies, involve the management and transformation of work or study situations that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches, by taking responsibility to contribute to professional knowledge and practices and/or to review the strategic performance of teams:

• to manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, by assuming responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable study situations;
• assumes responsibility for managing professional development;
• participated in some concrete physics experiments;
• to present scientific seminars and to popularize some notions of physics;
• to critically analyze a specialized report, scientific communication with a medium degree of difficulty in the field of physics;
• to be autonomous in the context of handling laboratory equipment, including in situations requiring an interdisciplinary approach;
• to autonomously use information sources and resources for communication and assisted professional training (Internet portals, specialized software applications, databases, online courses, etc.) both in Romanian and in a language of international circulation;
• to carry out research internships in various production/research units in order to become familiar with and operate modern equipment, obtain interesting results and prepare reports on the activity carried out.