Target level of study
BAC +5
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training structure
Faculty of Science
Language(s) of instruction
French
Presentation
The Master's in Fundamental Physics and Applications (PFA) at the University of Montpellier offers a highly diversified training program covering different areas of physics - from astrophysics to particle physics, nanotechnologies and quantum technologies - and its interfaces with materials chemistry, biology and computer science.
For more information on how to apply: https: //master-physique.edu.umontpellier.fr/presentation/candidatures/
Objectives
The wide range of career opportunities offered by the Master's program ensures that its students are well placed to enter the world of work.
Organization
Knowledge control
MCC consultation
https://mcc.umontpellier.fr/ lists all the teaching units (UE) and their assessment procedures.
Program
Select a program
Physics and Materials Engineering for Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies (PHYMATECH)
Become an expert in materials and technologies used in micro-, nano- and opto-electronics!
The Phymatech pathway offers a broad-based training program for physicists, focusing on the fields of micro, nano- and opto-electronics. In this context, skills in quantum mechanics, condensed matter, electromagnetism and micro- and nano-fabrication are developed to understand, model and simulate the various processes involved in the manufacture and operation of micro- and nanometric components and devices.
This course is open to apprentices in the second year (M2), for students who so wish.
The work-study schedule and examples of companies that have taken on apprentices are available on the "Apprenticeship and work-study" page of the master's website: https://master-physique.edu.umontpellier.fr/apprentissage-et-alternance/
In addition, the Phymatech pathway offers the possibility of a double degree in "Technology and Systems Management", in partnership with the IAE, within the University of Montpellier.
Cosmos, Fields and Particles (CCP)
The CCP pathway lies at the intersection ofastrophysics, cosmology and particle physics, commonly known as astroparticles. Cosmic ray sources and their detection techniques, the accelerated expansion of the Universe, the cosmological background, future large-field cosmological surveys, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy, the study of the Standard Model of particle physics and its extensions in colliders are all facets of this fast-growing international research program, which opens up new windows on our universe. Recent discoveries in particle physics, astroparticles and cosmology are generating a strong flow of theses in laboratories in France and abroad. Students in this program are destined for careers as university lecturers and researchers in major national (CNRS, CEA, CNAP) or international (CERN) organizations. The skills acquired during this course are also particularly appreciated by the business world, especially in the fields of research and development or computer science(big data, artificial intelligence, etc.).
Physics and Engineering of Living Matter (PhIMV)
Become a Living Matter Physics researcher!
Biological phenomena and systems represent a new paradigm of complex, active and self-regulating matter, governed by laws that are, for the most part, still unknown. To study them, we need to employ the most innovative physical principles, methods and techniques. The PhIMV program will prepare you for fundamental and applied research in the physics of living matter.
Physique Numérique (PhysNum)
The Digital Physics / Computational Physics Master's program is unique in France. It offers :
- Dual skills in physics and computer science
- A specialization inComputational Physics.
This program is aimed at students with an initial background in Physics, who wish to acquire a dual competence that will open up professional opportunities at bac+5 level. Graduates are specialists in "Numerical Physics", which deals with modeling and simulation in physics, and is a specialty developed in many Anglo-Saxon Masters programs. This branch of physics covers all computer applications for scientific calculation, design and optimization of physical systems.
With the development of computer performance, the field of simulation has grown in importance in companies and research organizations alike. Digital simulation makes it possible to carry out experiments on a computer, accelerating the development of new concepts and devices, and ensuring significant savings by avoiding long and costly manufacturing and experimental stages.
Astrophysics
After a bachelor's degree in physics, this course enables students to specialize in astrophysics in two years, with a view to pursuing a doctoral thesis.
This course offers a comprehensive and innovative astrophysics training program, in the form of a joint course with the Physics Master's program at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University and the Fundamental Physics and Applications Master's program at Montpellier University.
The first year is specific to each Master's program, providing advanced knowledge in fundamental physics and the beginnings of a specialization in astrophysics. The second year is common to both sites and is entirely devoted to astrophysics.
Nanosciences and Quantum Technologies (NanoQuant)
The NanoQuant pathway offers high-level fundamental training in Nanosciences and Quantum Technologies.
On completion of the course, students can go on to complete a thesis in an academic research laboratory in France or abroad.
Although the NanoQuant pathway is aimed more at thesis students, students can also choose to branch out from the academic world, and take up a position as an R&D engineer in industry.
General Physics (PhysGen)
The aim of this course, which only exists in Master 1, is to prepare students to enter a M2 Agrégation (i.e. preparation for the Physics-Chemistry Agrégation, physics option) at another university, or a Ecole Normale Supérieure.
From a pedagogical point of view, this course, like the others, is built around the fundamentals of modern physics. It covers quantum mechanics, radiation-matter interaction, second quantization, statistical physics, condensed matter, experimental training, fluid dynamics and the basics of astrophysics (see program below). It also includes a refresher course in chemistry.
The major difference with other courses is that "General Physics" encompasses all the generalist UEs in the master's program, and provides a relatively comprehensive grounding in modern physics. It therefore provides the foundations needed to prepare for the agrégation in physics. Instead of the specialized UEs of the other courses, it offers an experimental UE in Physics from the MEEF master's program (preparation for setups), in which students learn to set up experiments and present them. It also offers a Chemistry UE from the MEEF-Physics-Chemistry master's program, to bring students up to speed in preparation for the competitive examination.
Physics of Complex and Disordered Matter (SoftMat)
Become an expert in Complex and Disordered Matter: foams, gels, liquid crystals, glass, plastics, sludge, paints, cosmetics, food, adhesives, rubber, biological matter....
Despite their diversity, these materials share common physico-chemical properties, such as a multi-scale organization governed by weak interactions. They are susceptible to strong reorganization under the effect of weak environmental stresses (temperature, pressure, concentration, mechanical stress, pH, electric field....).
The physics involved, known as soft matter physics, is therefore intermediate between the physics of liquids and the physics of solids. The relevant size scales are mesoscopic (between nanometers and micrometers), and interfaces play a fundamental role.
This training will enable you to pursue an academic or industrial thesis with potential outlets in major research organizations, universities and companies (cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, etc.).
IDIL - Modeling Biological and Environmental Systems - Mention PHYSIQUE
The aim of the "Modelling Environmental and Biological Systems" (MoBiEn) Master's program is to train students in the quantitative and theoretical investigation of complex phenomena in living systems emerging at several scales: from the single molecule to living organisms, as well as their interaction with their environment.
The Master MoBiEn brings together scientists from different laboratories and professors from our 4 departments: Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science. In this sense, it offers a coherent multidisciplinary program that makes MoBiEn a unique training program whose core disciplines are Statistical Physics, Stochastic Processes, Biomechanics, Numerical Simulations, Statistical Methods, Advanced Data Analysis Techniques, and Artificial Intelligence.
Examples of teaching units :
- Stochastic processes
- Biological physics
- Finite element simulation
Component physics and technology
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
8 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
66h
This module is devoted to the basics of semiconductor component physics and technology. Most of the EU is devoted to component physics. Based on the equations that describe material properties, the main cases of junctions are examined (p/n, metal/SC, MIS). Based on this knowledge, the operation of elementary components (diodes, transistors) is explained. In the second part, the first building blocks of component manufacturing process technology are presented.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Modeling and Simulation in Physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.
Condensed Matter Physics 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is designed for students interested in solid state physics.
Following on from "Condensed Matter Physics 1: structural properties", this course covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic levels and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.
Data acquisition and processing 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16,5h
Today's experimental physics generally requires the implementation of a more or less complex acquisition chain involving different types of instruments: sources, sensors, actuators, etc. and controller (computer type). The aim of this course is to familiarize students with this type of problem, so that they can set up such a data acquisition system. The controller part will be implemented in Python (in particular with the PyVisa library).
- Overview of the most common communication interfaces/ports: serial (RS-232, USB), parallel (GPIB) or network (Ethernet) (CM).
- Implementation of simple examples of communication, device parameterization and data acquisition (TD).
- Development of a more complete acquisition chain, via projects (TP).
Optics and microelectronics physics and technology + SB
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
66h
This module focuses on the physical understanding of light emission and absorption processes in semiconductor devices, and on the technologies used to manufacture such devices. These issues are put into practice in the cleanroom project, with the production and characterization of an optoelectronic component.
Data acquisition and processing 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Knowing how to acquire and process data is an essential skill in a professional scientific and/or technical context. The aim of this course is to address three types of know-how that are standard in the professional environment:
- Advanced use of spreadsheets (MS EXCEL, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical applications
- Network interconnections: infrastructures, TCP-IP protocol suite, security
- Introduction to relational databases (MS ACCESS, LO-BASE) - concepts & vocabulary, query creation, graphical reports, forms.
M1 Phymatech internship
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Introductory research internship in a university laboratory
Dates: May-June
Duration: 7 weeks minimum, extendable in July
Prior to the internship, the analysis of an article suggested by the internship tutors prepares the student for the theme of the internship, and for in-depth reading of scientific publications.
After the internship, as part of a peer review process, students submit their written report and oral presentation to the critical eye of other students, who are responsible for improving them before they are submitted to the internship jury.
Simulation of quantum structures
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
This course is designed to give students skills in the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation in order to simulate complex quantum well structures. The course begins with the study of situations where the solution is analytical, followed by situations where the solution is semi-analytical, before tackling the finite-difference method DF. Different DF schemes are proposed, each time with an evaluation of convergence as a function of various key parameters (domain truncation, number of samples, etc.). Finally, examples of concrete physical applications are studied.
Component technology and industrial process simulation
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
8 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
63h
The third and final part of the course is devoted to processes for the production of micro-, nano- and opto-electronic devices. The latest technological building blocks not covered in previous semesters are presented in detail. The modeling and simulation of technological processes is a key aspect, as an introduction to TCAD solutions. Finally, all these lessons are synthesized in a concrete way, with the sequence of all these technological stages leading to the production of discrete and integrated components, from wafer to packaged device.
Physics of nanostructures
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
7 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
54h
This EU course presents the physical properties of various nanostructures such as quantum wells, 1D photonic crystals, carbon nanotubes and graphene. Electronic (structure and transport), vibrational and optical properties are covered, as well as radiation-matter interaction.
The aim is to describe the development of low-dimensional materials, the associated electronic, photonic and phononic structures, and to study transport phenomena, electron-photon and electron-phonon couplings, excitons, and the absorption, emission and scattering of light.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Corporate knowledge
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16h
This module is an opportunity for students to discover the specifics of the world of work and prepare to enter it under the best possible conditions, notably through experience-sharing with speakers from the professional world. Students learn how to put together a successful job application, optimizing the analysis of the job offer, writing a targeted CV and cover letter, and preparing for the job interview (role-playing, simulations).
Design of experiments
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
Design of experiments is part of the quality approach. It's a time- and money-saving method of conducting tests and analyzing data. That's why it's so useful in industry.
The emphasis is on understanding the basics.
It's an interactive course, with a hands-on approach.
Materials testing techniques
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
M2 Phymatech internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
25 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
End-of-course internship in a company or university laboratory
This significant professional experience (up to six months) is intended to demonstrate the student's ability to take up executive-level positions (engineer or doctoral researcher), or to pursue a thesis, in the areas of expertise covered by the course.
Start date: February
Duration: four to six months, ending before August 31.
End-of-course internship in a company or university laboratory
This significant professional experience (up to six months) is intended to demonstrate the student's ability to take up executive-level positions (engineer or doctoral researcher), or to pursue a thesis, in the areas of expertise covered by the course.
Start date: February
Duration: four to six months, ending before August 31.
Nano-characterization and nanotechnology
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course provides experimental training in the main nanocharacterization and nanotechnology techniques:
- AFM
- MEB
- Photoluminescence
- X-ray diffraction
- Ellipsometry
- Optical Microscopy
- Sourcemeter
- Capacimeter
- Cleanroom micro-device manufacturing processes
Astroparticles 2
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
The course describes the various detectors and physical processes involved in particle detection in high-energy physics. We then describe the operation of the main particle gas pedals used in high-energy physics, as well as in many other fields such as medicine, industry, materials science, archaeology, etc.
The course gives a detailed description of the physical processes and experimental techniques involved in the detection of charged and neutral particles in detectors, which are the basis of all physical measurements.
A detailed description of the different types of radiation and particle-matter interactions will be given.
We will describe the systematics associated with these processes and their statistical processing.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Radiation Transfer and Stellar Atmospheres
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
This course covers the essentials needed to understand the physics of stellar atmospheres and winds. The essential elements of radiation transfer theory are covered, both at ETL (local thermodynamic equilibrium) and outside ETL, as well as the description of the gas (equation of state) and its interaction with the radiation field (opacities). Modern models and simulations are presented, along with their application to the determination of stellar parameters, in particular chemical composition, via spectroscopy. The different types of stellar wind (pressure, radiative, hybrid) are described by comparing theories with observations.
Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
30h
During the Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2, students are required to carry out all the stages of an observational astrophysical study. From defining the spectroscopic or photometric observations to be made during a 4-night stay at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, to the modeling and critical discussion of their measurements and the writing of a scientific report, students play an active role in this course.
Interstellar environment
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
Interstellar medium: physico-chemical processes - phases - radio astronomy.
This course covers the physico-chemical processes that are important for the interstellar medium (dynamic, thermal and chemical processes), as well as the associated observational diagnostics (molecular spectroscopy, radio astronomy). The main phases of the interstellar medium (ionized, atomic and molecular phases) are also presented.
Particle physics 2
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This course offers a complete description of the Standard Model of Particle Physics. We'll start by studying the Dirac equation, a quantum description of the dynamics of a ½ spin particle. Then we'll see how to describe electromagnetic interactions with the theory of quantum electrodynamics. Then we'll tackle weak interactions and their unified description with the electromagnetic interaction through electroweak theory. Finally, we'll study the gauge theories and their spontaneous break-up to expose the complete theory of the Standard Model of Particle Physics. Finally, we give a brief overview of theories beyond the Standard Model.
Quantum field theory
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This course is an introduction to relativistic quantum field theory and its applications in particle physics. Using the example of a scalar field, the formalisms of canonical quantization and path integral quantization will be developed, before introducing perturbation theory and some notions of renormalization. The quantization of spin 1/2 and spin 1 fields will be discussed, ending with a discussion of quantum electrodynamics.
Cosmology
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course is an introduction to the theoretical and phenomenological aspects of the Standard Model of Cosmology. It focuses on the inflationary hot Big-Bang model. It is based on the M1 course on general relativity and cosmology.
Practical work CCP
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
20h
Practical work involves the detection and measurement of cosmic rays (muons).
The aim is to familiarize students with an acquisition chain dedicated to measuring cosmic rays (mainly muons). Students will need to understand how the various components of the acquisition chain work together (power supplies, photomultipliers, scintillators, discriminators, oscilloscopes, etc.), and then build their own acquisition system using these components. One of the objectives of the device could be to determine the mass of the muon, but other purposes are possible and left to the imagination of the students.
The students will then have to take data from their device and analyze the data, taking into account the systematic and statistical errors in the data set.
Black matter
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
This course describes the theoretical and observational foundations of the cosmological dark matter problem. Cosmological dark matter manifests itself through gravitational effects at different astrophysical scales, from galactic to cosmological (the observable universe as a whole). It makes up around 85% of the total matter in the universe, and it is excluded that it is composed of the elementary particles that characterize known ordinary matter. The course will focus on potential solutions to this problem, connecting the infinitely small (elementary particles) to the infinitely large (large-scale universe).
M2 CCP internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
21 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A 3 to 6-month laboratory internship (21 ECTS) designed to immerse you in the world of research and prepare you for your thesis. This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad. It runs from March1 to May 31, when the written report is due. An oral defense takes place at the beginning of June. The internship can be extended to August 31, in order to go straight on to the thesis. Topics cover a wide spectrum, from theoretical physics (cosmology, particle physics and astroparticle physics) to experimental physics (LHC experiments, the search for gravitational waves or dark matter, large-field cosmological surveys, etc.).
High Energy Astrophysics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
This course is an introduction to the acceleration, propagation and radiation mechanisms of energetic particles in astrophysical media. It will introduce the fundamental concepts.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Biological physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The course aims to give a general introduction to cellular and molecular biology, and to put into context the use of modern physics, with its quantitative methods and approaches, to describe biological systems and their complexity from the molecular to the cellular and tissue scales.
Quantifying phenomena, their physical interpretation and physico-mathematical modeling are also fundamental aspects of the course. The course opens up to philosophy and to the whole range of themes of this Master's program, centered on the study of the physical principles of the organization and dynamics of living, complex matter.
Modeling and Simulation in Physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
M1 PhIMV internship
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A 7-week laboratory internship designed to immerse you in the world of fundamental and/or applied research.
This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory or technical platform in France or abroad.
Microscopies and spectroscopies for biology
Study level
BAC +4
Component
Faculty of Pharmacy
Surfaces, Interfaces, Colloids
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course presents the concepts, foundations and orders of magnitude of the physics and physical chemistry of interfaces, which govern the mesoscopic scale of matter, and ultimately determine the behavior and properties of everyday objects: soil, milk, cheese, paints, inks, cosmetics, adhesives, lubricants, etc., as well as numerous technological processes and biological cells and membranes.
Data acquisition and processing 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Knowing how to acquire and process data is an essential skill in a professional scientific and/or technical context. The aim of this course is to address three types of know-how that are standard in the professional environment:
- Advanced use of spreadsheets (MS EXCEL, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical applications
- Network interconnections: infrastructures, TCP-IP protocol suite, security
- Introduction to relational databases (MS ACCESS, LO-BASE) - concepts & vocabulary, query creation, graphical reports, forms.
Sensors and Image Processing
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Structural Biochemistry
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Biomimetics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
The word "biomimicry" comes from the ancient Greek: bios (bios), life, and mimesis, imitation.
This term refers to the study of extra- and intracellular biological phenomena using in vitro experimental techniques designed to reproduce, i.e. "imitate", qualitatively and quantitatively the aspects characterizing these phenomena.
The biomimetic method approaches biological complexity "by subtraction": by re-assembling minimal systems (with a small number of parameters) under highly controlled conditions using abottom-up approach; by identifying essential quantities; and by controlling system parameters.
Physical modeling of living systems
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
The course presents and develops different methods for modeling biological systems: from the physics of the individual molecule to the physical study of systems and populations of objects (e.g. proteins) or organisms (bacteria).
These methods (both analytical and numerical) are mainly derived from statistical physics, stochastic process theory and non-linear physics.
Examples of studies are also proposed on the basis of the teachings of other modules in M1 and M2 to contextualize the various examples to physical theory and quantitative experimentation on living matter.
Polymer Physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Polymer physics, of which this course is an introduction, is concerned with the physical properties of covalent assemblies in chains of tens to millions of elementary molecules: polymers or macromolecules.
These synthetic or natural molecules can be observed in solid, liquid, solution or colloidal form, or confined to an interface.
Their very specific physical properties have led to the development of specific theoretical tools and the emergence of this new branch of physics with numerous applications.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Corporate knowledge
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16h
This module is an opportunity for students to discover the specifics of the world of work and prepare to enter it under the best possible conditions, notably through experience-sharing with speakers from the professional world. Students learn how to put together a successful job application, optimizing the analysis of the job offer, writing a targeted CV and cover letter, and preparing for the job interview (role-playing, simulations).
Complex fluids and active matter
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course provides an introduction to the field of complex fluids and active matter, with applications in both the physical chemistry of soft matter and the physics of living organisms and biological objects.
It is common to the 2 PhyMV and SoftMat courses.
M2 PhIMV internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
30 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A minimum 5-month laboratory internship designed to immerse you in the world of fundamental and/or applied research, and prepare you for your doctoral thesis. This internship can be carried out in research laboratories and technical platforms in France or abroad.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
Information systems and databases
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
M1 PhysNum + Immersion tutored project
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A 10 ECTS tutored project during which groups of students work on developing software for research or teaching.
This project is designed to give students their first semi-professional experience by working in groups of (>2) on a fairly large project generally proposed by fellow researchers wishing to develop and/or extend software intended for research work or the general public.
Supervision is provided by fellow physicists and, where appropriate, computer scientists. Students deliver a code with instructions. A report is written and an oral defense is given.
Condensed Matter Physics 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is designed for students interested in solid state physics.
Following on from "Condensed Matter Physics 1: structural properties", this course covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic levels and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.
Data acquisition and processing 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16,5h
Today's experimental physics generally requires the implementation of a more or less complex acquisition chain involving different types of instruments: sources, sensors, actuators, etc. and controller (computer type). The aim of this course is to familiarize students with this type of problem, so that they can set up such a data acquisition system. The controller part will be implemented in Python (in particular with the PyVisa library).
- Overview of the most common communication interfaces/ports: serial (RS-232, USB), parallel (GPIB) or network (Ethernet) (CM).
- Implementation of simple examples of communication, device parameterization and data acquisition (TD).
- Development of a more complete acquisition chain, via projects (TP).
Data acquisition and processing 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Knowing how to acquire and process data is an essential skill in a professional scientific and/or technical context. The aim of this course is to address three types of know-how that are standard in the professional environment:
- Advanced use of spreadsheets (MS EXCEL, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical applications
- Network interconnections: infrastructures, TCP-IP protocol suite, security
- Introduction to relational databases (MS ACCESS, LO-BASE) - concepts & vocabulary, query creation, graphical reports, forms.
Mathematical Methods for Computational Physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
Teaching mathematics for numerical physics. Introduction of tools for studying partial differential equations (distributions, variational formulation, Sobolev spaces).
Introduction to integral methods and their numerical implementation. Applications to diffraction problems in the harmonic regime.
Simulation of quantum structures
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
This course is designed to give students skills in the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation in order to simulate complex quantum well structures. The course begins with the study of situations where the solution is analytical, followed by situations where the solution is semi-analytical, before tackling the finite-difference method DF. Different DF schemes are proposed, each time with an evaluation of convergence as a function of various key parameters (domain truncation, number of samples, etc.). Finally, examples of concrete physical applications are studied.
Atomistic simulation of materials
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
39h
This course lays the foundations for using 'atomistic' simulation tools, i.e. those based on microscopic interactions between constituents. In particular, it lays the foundations for 'Molecular Dynamics' and 'Monte Carlo' simulations.
It covers the underlying theoretical concepts, in order to build a good understanding of the methods, as well as the practical implementation of the corresponding codes.
The critical and reasoned use of data is also discussed.
Image Processing in Physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This course provides a no-obligation introduction to scientific image processing, in the context of both physics and the medical sciences.
Starting with the basics of digital image coding, we will introduce the main techniques for improving the quality of image data, and then extracting quantitative data. Deconvolutions, denoising, then thresholding, segmentations, Fourier transforms and wavelets will be on the program.
We will conclude with the specific problems posed by image sequences (films) or 3D images such as MRI data in a medical context.
The tool used will be the Matlab/Octave programming environment.
Introduction to artificial intelligence for physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
15h
This course is an introduction to artificial intelligence for physicists. It aims to discover the uses of deep learning using the TensorFlow and Keras libraries. It includes a presentation of examples of use in physics.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Corporate knowledge
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16h
This module is an opportunity for students to discover the specifics of the world of work and prepare to enter it under the best possible conditions, notably through experience-sharing with speakers from the professional world. Students learn how to put together a successful job application, optimizing the analysis of the job offer, writing a targeted CV and cover letter, and preparing for the job interview (role-playing, simulations).
Electromagnetic simulation
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
30h
This teaching unit deals with solving electromagnetic problems on the computer. Based on Maxwell's equations, it shows how to simulate the behavior of electromagnetic waves in different media. It includes a detailed implementation of simulations based on the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method.
An introduction to diffraction problems in the harmonic regime by a bounded obstacle will be given for the case of 2D and 3D scalar waves.
Advanced atomistic simulations
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
39h
This module introduces advanced atomistic simulation methods, and Molecular Dynamics in particular.
It thus includes an extension of the methods already acquired, both in terms of physics (ab initio simulations, density functional theory) and in terms of implementation (optimization, parallelization) and application (introduction to the practice of simulations in a high-performance computing environment).
Tutored project M2 PhysNum
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A 5 ECTS tutored project during which students work individually on developing software for research and development and/or teaching.
This project completes the experience acquired during the tutored project already carried out in M1. This time, students work individually, which is a different experience from the M1 group project. The student is commissioned to produce a software program to a set of well-defined specifications, and is required to deliver functional code.
M2 PhysNum internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
25 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Six-month M2 internship (25 ECTS) with a company or public body (research laboratory, national agency, etc.).
The internship must focus on a physics problem with a numerical computing component.
Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
The Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1 is an introduction to the observational study (photometry or spectroscopy) of astrophysical objects (stars, nebulae) at M1 level. Students carry out all the steps involved, from planning and carrying out observations at the Faculty of Science's astronomical observatory, to calibrating and analyzing the data obtained. This module is designed as a preparation for the M2 module Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2 (HAP905P).
General relativity and cosmology
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
In this course, we study the theory of general relativity, i.e. the modern description of universal gravitation. After a few reminders of special relativity, we'll familiarize ourselves with the basic concepts of general relativity, based on a few particular accepted solutions of these equations in well-identified physical contexts: weak field at the Earth's surface, geometry around an isolated spherical star, large-scale universe. This will enable us to generalize our understanding and build the theory, then deduce the field equations, i.e. Einstein's equations. The course will conclude with a discussion of black holes and gravitational waves.
Astrophysics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
The aim of this course is to provide basic notions of astronomy and astrophysics, which will be useful in the other astrophysics courses in the Master's program. It also illustrates the application of physics concepts to the description of astrophysical objects. Most of the concepts covered will be developed further in the2nd year courses.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Modeling and Simulation in Physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.
Astroparticles 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This course provides an introduction to astroparticle physics (cosmic gas pedals, gamma rays, multi-messengers, experimental techniques, etc.).
The course builds on knowledge acquired in L3 to provide students with a brief introduction to astroparticle physics. After a description of the general context, two examples of gamma-ray astronomy detectors will be detailed, followed by an introduction to the physics of multi-messenger astrophysics (in particular via the detection of gravitational waves). The course then turns to the physics of cosmic rays (CRs), the problems of CR acceleration and propagation, and the hypothesis of Supernova remnants as galactic CR gas pedals (description of the first-order Fermi acceleration mechanism).
The course will conclude with a description of the cosmological challenges of future large-field ground and space surveys (LSST and Euclid in particular).
Advanced quantum physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
The aim of this course is to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics needed to understand the physical processes describing the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. It will also cover second quantization and the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, which provide the ideal framework for the development of quantum field theory and its various applications (e.g. high-energy physics, condensed matter physics).
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
Particle physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This course is an introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics. First, we'll take an inventory of elementary particles and their interactions. Then we'll see how to use Lie group theory to classify these elementary particles. Finally, we'll look at the notion of electromagnetic interactions for charged but spinless particles (scalar electrodynamics theory).
Fluid dynamics in astrophysics and cosmology
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16,5h
Fluid mechanics is a fundamental tool for the sciences of the Universe: from the Earth and giant planets to stars, accretion disks and the interstellar medium, it is an essential approach for studying astrophysical objects. The "Fluid Dynamics in Astrophysics and Cosmology" course is an extension of the "Hydrodynamics" course, organized around 3 central themes in astrophysics: rotating fluids, thermal convection and magnetohydrodynamics.
M1 Astro-CCP internship
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
This 7-week internship (usually from ~ end of April to end of June) (10 ECTS) will give students their first contact with the world of astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics research. Internships at the intersection of these disciplines, more commonly known as "astroparticles", are also offered. Internships may be more theoretical or more experimental, depending on the choices made by students and supervisors.
This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad. Traditionally, however, it takes place in one of the two UMRs at Montpellier 2 University, the Laboratoire Univers et Particules de Montpellier (LUPM, IN2P3) or the Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C, INP).
The internship will enable students to interact with a research team (national and/or international) and begin to discover the research topics they will prefer to develop in their future studies.
Star formation and planetary systems
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course will outline the formation of stars and planetary systems in two parts of equal length. Star formation will cover the stability of clouds in equilibrium and stability, the collapse of dense cores, protostars and their evolution, and the impact of young stars on their environment. Planetary formation will draw on solar system constraints and extrasolar planet detections to address the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks, and the formation of telluric planets and giant planets.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Radiation Transfer and Stellar Atmospheres
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
This course covers the essentials needed to understand the physics of stellar atmospheres and winds. The essential elements of radiation transfer theory are covered, both at ETL (local thermodynamic equilibrium) and outside ETL, as well as the description of the gas (equation of state) and its interaction with the radiation field (opacities). Modern models and simulations are presented, along with their application to the determination of stellar parameters, in particular chemical composition, via spectroscopy. The different types of stellar wind (pressure, radiative, hybrid) are described by comparing theories with observations.
Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
30h
During the Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2, students are required to carry out all the stages of an observational astrophysical study. From defining the spectroscopic or photometric observations to be made during a 4-night stay at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, to the modeling and critical discussion of their measurements and the writing of a scientific report, students play an active role in this course.
Observational Cosmology
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
The aim is to present the various observations and associated theoretical concepts - known as cosmological probes - that have enabled the so-called "concordance" ΛCDM cosmological model to be accredited. The EU is divided into chapters of roughly equal size. It is supplemented by a series of seminars presented by students (flipped classroom) and delving into more observational and technical aspects (based on a publication from a major collaboration).
Interstellar environment
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
Interstellar medium: physico-chemical processes - phases - radio astronomy.
This course covers the physico-chemical processes that are important for the interstellar medium (dynamic, thermal and chemical processes), as well as the associated observational diagnostics (molecular spectroscopy, radio astronomy). The main phases of the interstellar medium (ionized, atomic and molecular phases) are also presented.
Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course lays the foundations for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, from the astrophysical processes involved in small-scale star formation to environmental effects on very large scales. A two-pronged approach will be used, with both theoretical and observational aspects.
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
18h
A large part of our understanding of the Universe relies on the understanding and accurate modeling of stars. Stars make up a very important part of the integrated light of galaxies, and are major contributors to the chemical and dynamical evolution of galaxies. In this course, we will look at the physics describing stellar structure, and study how this structure evolves over time in the case of isolated stars.
M2 Astro internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
21 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
A 4-month laboratory internship designed to immerse you in the world of research and prepare you for your thesis.
This internship can be carried out in a research laboratory in France or abroad.
Astrophysics Instrumentation
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course introduces astrophysical instruments and the signal processing tools used to operate them.
The focus is on high angular resolution and high contrast instruments (interferometry, adaptive optics, coronography, etc.).
In addition, this course introduces the basics of digital signal processing and presents a general methodology, based on the modeling of instrumental effects, for image reconstruction and the optimal use of measurements.
Digital astrophysics project
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Astrophysics research is based on a variety of approaches (observations, theory, modeling, simulation), all of which have advanced numerical tools in common.
In order to prepare M2 Astrophysics students for a research activity, this module offers them the opportunity to carry out individual digital work on a project proposed by a tutor, involving the use and/or development of professional-level code to answer a specific astrophysical question.
Component physics and technology
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
8 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
66h
This module is devoted to the basics of semiconductor component physics and technology. Most of the EU is devoted to component physics. Based on the equations that describe material properties, the main cases of junctions are examined (p/n, metal/SC, MIS). Based on this knowledge, the operation of elementary components (diodes, transistors) is explained. In the second part, the first building blocks of component manufacturing process technology are presented.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Modeling and Simulation in Physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.
Advanced quantum physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
The aim of this course is to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics needed to understand the physical processes describing the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. It will also cover second quantization and the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, which provide the ideal framework for the development of quantum field theory and its various applications (e.g. high-energy physics, condensed matter physics).
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
Condensed Matter Physics 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is designed for students interested in solid state physics.
Following on from "Condensed Matter Physics 1: structural properties", this course covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic levels and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.
M1 NanoQuant internship
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Internship supervised by a teacher-researcher/researcher in the field of nano-physics and quantum physics.
Dates: May-June
Duration: 7 weeks minimum, extendable in July
Data acquisition and processing 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Knowing how to acquire and process data is an essential skill in a professional scientific and/or technical context. The aim of this course is to address three types of know-how that are standard in the professional environment:
- Advanced use of spreadsheets (MS EXCEL, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical applications
- Network interconnections: infrastructures, TCP-IP protocol suite, security
- Introduction to relational databases (MS ACCESS, LO-BASE) - concepts & vocabulary, query creation, graphical reports, forms.
Mathematical Methods for Computational Physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
Teaching mathematics for numerical physics. Introduction of tools for studying partial differential equations (distributions, variational formulation, Sobolev spaces).
Introduction to integral methods and their numerical implementation. Applications to diffraction problems in the harmonic regime.
Simulation of quantum structures
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
This course is designed to give students skills in the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation in order to simulate complex quantum well structures. The course begins with the study of situations where the solution is analytical, followed by situations where the solution is semi-analytical, before tackling the finite-difference method DF. Different DF schemes are proposed, each time with an evaluation of convergence as a function of various key parameters (domain truncation, number of samples, etc.). Finally, examples of concrete physical applications are studied.
Physics of nanostructures
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
7 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
54h
This EU course presents the physical properties of various nanostructures such as quantum wells, 1D photonic crystals, carbon nanotubes and graphene. Electronic (structure and transport), vibrational and optical properties are covered, as well as radiation-matter interaction.
The aim is to describe the development of low-dimensional materials, the associated electronic, photonic and phononic structures, and to study transport phenomena, electron-photon and electron-phonon couplings, excitons, and the absorption, emission and scattering of light.
Introduction to artificial intelligence for physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
15h
This course is an introduction to artificial intelligence for physicists. It aims to discover the uses of deep learning using the TensorFlow and Keras libraries. It includes a presentation of examples of use in physics.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Electromagnetic simulation
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
30h
This teaching unit deals with solving electromagnetic problems on the computer. Based on Maxwell's equations, it shows how to simulate the behavior of electromagnetic waves in different media. It includes a detailed implementation of simulations based on the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method.
An introduction to diffraction problems in the harmonic regime by a bounded obstacle will be given for the case of 2D and 3D scalar waves.
Materials testing techniques
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
Quantum technologies
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
This UE is specific to the NanoQuant pathway and offers a high-level fundamental training in the field of Quantum Technologies, i.e. current and future realizations of new technologies based on concepts such as quantum coherence and entanglement, enabling functionalities and sensitivities that surpass their classical analogues.
M2 NanoQuant internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
25 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Internship of at least five months in a laboratory, supervised by a teacher-researcher or researcher in the fields of nano-physics or quantum physics.
Nano-characterization and nanotechnology
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course provides experimental training in the main nanocharacterization and nanotechnology techniques:
- AFM
- MEB
- Photoluminescence
- X-ray diffraction
- Ellipsometry
- Optical Microscopy
- Sourcemeter
- Capacimeter
- Cleanroom micro-device manufacturing processes
Astrophysics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
The aim of this course is to provide basic notions of astronomy and astrophysics, which will be useful in the other astrophysics courses in the Master's program. It also illustrates the application of physics concepts to the description of astrophysical objects. Most of the concepts covered will be developed further in the2nd year courses.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Advanced quantum physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
The aim of this course is to introduce and develop several fundamental concepts and tools of non-relativistic quantum physics needed to understand the physical processes describing the interactions between the elementary constituents of matter and radiation. It will also cover second quantization and the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, which provide the ideal framework for the development of quantum field theory and its various applications (e.g. high-energy physics, condensed matter physics).
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
Condensed Matter Physics 2
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties" is designed for students interested in solid state physics.
Following on from "Condensed Matter Physics 1: structural properties", this course covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic levels and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.
Preparing for PFA physics fixtures
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
13 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
- Pedagogical approach
Students train by carrying out experimental tests under competition conditions to reinvest experimental knowledge and skills and develop effective communication.
- Main training contents
The topics covered are taken directly from the list of physics fixtures on the current CAPES physics-chemistry entrance exam syllabus (published each year in the Bulletin Officiel de l'Education Nationale).
- Digital presence
Acquisition (with computer interface) of physical data from an experiment (Orphy_Lab and Orphi_GTI cards, Caliens camera).
- Analysis of a physics problem (mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetism, wave optics) using data processing software (Regressi).
- Elementary coding and algorithmic practice using the Python language (possibility of using offline editors e.g. EduPython or online editors e.g. Jupyter). Display and use of experimental data.
Application to the solution of simple differential equations in physics.
- Link with other EUs
This module and its beginning in semester 3 reinvest the content covered in the first year's "Teaching Physics" courses.
Students also make use of teaching situations encountered during internships, as well as content covered in the "Didactic and pedagogical support for internships" (S1, S2, S3 and S4) and "Didactics, Epistemology and History of Science" (S2) courses.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
English M1 PFA
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English for students in the Master 1 Physics program, who are aiming for professional autonomy in scientific English.
Atoms, Molecules and Radiation
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course is part of the foundation of modern physics. It provides a foundation of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics courses, since it lays the foundations for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum elements such as two-level systems, atoms and molecules. It also provides the teaching needed to understand LASER, modern optical devices and spectroscopic methods and analyses.
Experimental physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
The aim of this module is to enable students to compare experimental reality with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is paid to writing up results and presenting them orally. Work is organized in eight-hour sessions, for which students choose a theme. They record their results and analyses in an experimental notebook modelled on the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students choose a theme, which they develop in the form of a final report that they present orally. This course prepares students for the internships they will undertake during their studies.
Examples of experiments available: optical spectroscopy (IR, Visible), gamma spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...
The range of experiments on offer covers the areas of physics taught in the different Physics courses. Students are encouraged to choose the experiments that best match their interests. A major effort is made to integrate new data acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experiment and theory.
Condensed matter physics 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Using two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how to model the physical properties of a solid. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials, but particular attention will be paid to periodic systems (from linear chains to protein crystals, via graphene and silicon). Associated with this periodicity will naturally appear the notion of reciprocal lattice.
Biological physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The course aims to give a general introduction to cellular and molecular biology, and to put into context the use of modern physics, with its quantitative methods and approaches, to describe biological systems and their complexity from the molecular to the cellular and tissue scales.
Quantifying phenomena, their physical interpretation and physico-mathematical modeling are also fundamental aspects of the course. The course opens up to philosophy and to the whole range of themes of this Master's program, centered on the study of the physical principles of the organization and dynamics of living, complex matter.
Modeling and Simulation in Physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This UE includes a refresher and a deepening of programming techniques as well as an introduction to numerical physics. We'll start with a review of procedural programming with the Python 3 language. Then we'll take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical numerical analysis algorithms and applying them to physical problems.
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
M1 SoftMat internship
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Carry out a research project in an academic or industrial laboratory.
Dates: May-June
Duration: 7 weeks minimum, extendable in July
Thermal and mechanical properties of materials
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
20h
The mechanical and thermal properties of materials are at the heart of many applications in the field of materials for energy. After an introduction to these different fields of application, this course aims to define the different concepts needed to master both the mechanical and thermal properties of materials, with a focus on bulk materials.
Hourly volumes* :
CM: 11H
TD : 9H
Surfaces, Interfaces, Colloids
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course presents the concepts, foundations and orders of magnitude of the physics and physical chemistry of interfaces, which govern the mesoscopic scale of matter, and ultimately determine the behavior and properties of everyday objects: soil, milk, cheese, paints, inks, cosmetics, adhesives, lubricants, etc., as well as numerous technological processes and biological cells and membranes.
Data acquisition and processing 1
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Knowing how to acquire and process data is an essential skill in a professional scientific and/or technical context. The aim of this course is to address three types of know-how that are standard in the professional environment:
- Advanced use of spreadsheets (MS EXCEL, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical applications
- Network interconnections: infrastructures, TCP-IP protocol suite, security
- Introduction to relational databases (MS ACCESS, LO-BASE) - concepts & vocabulary, query creation, graphical reports, forms.
Sensors and Image Processing
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
Durability-aging of materials
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
3 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
20h
One of the major problems linked to the use of various materials in our daily lives is their durability and therefore their degradation. In this course, we'll look at the issues surrounding the durability of materials (resources, reserves, criticality of materials, etc.) as well as the methodologies for studying durability (types of surface/volume aging, temporal extrapolation, multi-scale, combination of effects, experimental representation and industrial validation). This will then enable aging kinetics to be modeled using different models.
The different types of degradation affecting polymers will then be analyzed.
Finally, the ageing of different types of materials will be illustrated by various concrete case studies (concrete, ceramics, metals and elastomers).
Timetable*: 11h CM :
9h TD
Polymer Physics
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
24h
Polymer physics, of which this course is an introduction, is concerned with the physical properties of covalent assemblies in chains of tens to millions of elementary molecules: polymers or macromolecules.
These synthetic or natural molecules can be observed in solid, liquid, solution or colloidal form, or confined to an interface.
Their very specific physical properties have led to the development of specific theoretical tools and the emergence of this new branch of physics with numerous applications.
SoftMat project
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Bibliographical study on a research theme associated with the course and possibly related to the M2 internship topic.
80 hours of personal work spread over the first semester of M2. Several project progress meetings will be scheduled with the course's expert supervisors and scientific coordinators.
English M2 PFA
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
21h
TD courses in English, for students in the Master 2 Physics program, who want to work in English in a contemporary context.
Corporate knowledge
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
16h
This module is an opportunity for students to discover the specifics of the world of work and prepare to enter it under the best possible conditions, notably through experience-sharing with speakers from the professional world. Students learn how to put together a successful job application, optimizing the analysis of the job offer, writing a targeted CV and cover letter, and preparing for the job interview (role-playing, simulations).
Divided environments
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
42h
This course gives a general introduction to 1) the physics and mechanics of divided media and 2) their modeling using discrete methods (DEM). The multi-scale character of a divided material is discussed from the microscopic scale (contact interactions) to the macroscopic scale (structure scale). A phenomenological description of macroscopic behavior and microscopic properties are discussed for static, quasi-static and flowing states of granular media. Micromechanical models and change-of-scale approaches based on adimensional analyses, averaged quantities, stress transmissions and the existence of anisotropies are introduced. The influence of particle properties and contact interactions on the microstructure is also discussed. Discrete Element Methods (DEM), regular (Molecular Dynamics) and non-regular (Contact Dynamics) numerical approaches are presented. In particular, the Contact Dynamics method will be implemented on simple examples using the LMGC90 computational code.
Materials testing techniques
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
5 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
The aim of this module is to teach the operating principles of the main techniques for characterizing the structure (volume and surface) and properties (optical, electronic, etc.) of condensed matter:
- X-ray and electron diffraction techniques
- optical spectroscopy techniques (absorption, reflection, luminescence)
- local probe microscopy
Complex fluids and active matter
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
36h
This course provides an introduction to the field of complex fluids and active matter, with applications in both the physical chemistry of soft matter and the physics of living organisms and biological objects.
It is common to the 2 PhyMV and SoftMat courses.
M2 SoftMat internship
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
30 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Carry out a long-term research project (6 months) in an academic or industrial research laboratory.
Stochastic processes
Component
Faculty of Science
The first part of this course deals with complements to probability theory: conditional expectation, Gaussian vectors. The second part presents one of the main families of discrete-time stochastic processes, Markov chains. These are sequences of dependent random variables, whose dependency relationship is relatively simple, since each variable depends only on the preceding one. They are also a very powerful modeling tool. We will study the main properties of these processes, as well as their behavior in long time and the estimation of their parameters.
Hydrodynamics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
Fluids are all around us all the time, on every scale. To understand fluid mechanics is to understand the mechanics of what surrounds us: air and water in particular. As such, hydrodynamics is an essential part of any physicist's background.
EU Hydrodynamics provides an introduction to incompressible perfect (Euler) and viscous Newtonian (Navier-Stokes) fluid mechanics. Classical flows are presented, as well as the notion of boundary layer, instability and turbulence. Emphasis is placed more on physical ideas than on advanced mathematical or numerical resolution methods.
Personal project: research project + English
ECTS
10 credits
Component
Training and University Life
Research Project
ECTS
8 credits
Component
Faculty of Law and Political Science
UE French as a foreign language
Component
Faculty of Law and Political Science
UE NON-CORE TRAINING UNITS IDIL (CHOICE)
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Plant health 2.0: a global war
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Challenges in chemistry for health and environment
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Pharmacy
Why democracy is hard?
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Law and Political Science
Innovations in clinical biomarkers, biotechnologies for pers
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Medicine
Mediterranean Terrestrial Ecosystems
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Scientific openness to earth and water issues under global c
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Introduction to quantitative Biology
Component
Faculty of Science
This EU aims to provide a broad overview of emerging quantitative interdisciplinary fields in the biosciences, ranging from cutting-edge experimental techniques in microscopy and synthetic biology, to systems approaches.
In an innovative way, these methodological aspects will be presented in the context of biological and biophysical concepts such as the robustness and optimality of biological systems, gene regulation and the fundamental principles underlying membrane and genome organization.
The main topics will first be introduced with traditional lectures and will be developed through individual or team projects where students will learn to apply specific techniques through examples, and see how these can be used to explore specific biological questions. These projects will involve bibliographical studies, the use of existing code or the development of new code (depending on the student's experience) and will make up half of the final assessment.
Mediterranean Aquatic Ecosystems
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Inferential statistics
Component
Faculty of Science
The importance of statistical science in the process of scientific discovery and industrial advancement is that it enables the formulation of inferences concerning phenomena of interest, to which risks of error or degrees of confidence can be associated. The calculation of these risks of error is based on probability theory, but the principles and methods for associating these risks with inferences constitute a theoretical corpus that serves as the basis for all statistical methodologies.
This module is intended to provide a fairly comprehensive presentation of these basic principles and of the mathematical tools, results and theorems used in inferential statistics. It covers the notions of point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing and fundamental concepts such as exponential families, the maximum likelihood principle and the use of p-value.
To implement certain applications, we will present the tools adapted from R software.
Sustainable management basics
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Montpellier Management
Hourly volume
20h
Biological physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
33h
The course aims to give a general introduction to cellular and molecular biology, and to put into context the use of modern physics, with its quantitative methods and approaches, to describe biological systems and their complexity from the molecular to the cellular and tissue scales.
Quantifying phenomena, their physical interpretation and physico-mathematical modeling are also fundamental aspects of the course. The course opens up to philosophy and to the whole range of themes of this Master's program, centered on the study of the physical principles of the organization and dynamics of living, complex matter.
Transversal training units IDIL
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Training and University Life
In-Lab
Study level
BAC +5
ECTS
2 credits
Component
Training and University Life
Statistical physics
Study level
BAC +4
ECTS
6 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Hourly volume
49,5h
Introduction to advanced statistical physics: grand canonical set; quantum statistics; quantum fluids (Bose-Einstein condensation, thermal radiation; Sommerfeld theory); phase transitions; Ising model; mean-field theory; dynamics of complex systems.
Research Internship - Physics-Modeling Biological Environne
ECTS
24 credits
Component
Faculty of Science