Program
In the first six months of the PhD programme the students attend some basic courses (many body physics, statistical mechanics, solid state physics, electronic structure), and some topic courses focused on the the “hot” research issues in the sector. In the rest of the first year, students start also some research project, to be discussed in the final first year exam (called magister philosophiae). The last two years are mainly devoted to research, leading to a final PhD thesis. This thesis is defended in the final exam before an international committee. It is permitted to finish in four years when justified.
Exams
First-year students should take and pass the exams for:
- all fundamental courses
- at least three of the topical courses
Duration of courses
All of the course work will be completed by the end of March of the 1st year so that a substantial time is left entirely for research.
Examination procedure
Exams on each course consist either of ‘homework’ assignments (exercises, essays, etc.) given during the course or of an oral exam at the end of the course or a combination of the two.
Research and Supervisors
After completion of the course work, first-year students start a research project under the supervision of a member of the sector or a closely associated scientist. The supervisor is finally assigned by the Sector Council, taking into account the student’s will.
A list of the active research lines in the sector can be found here.
First year final examination
At the end of the first year (around mid October), students should pass a final examination where their profit in the individual exams and progress in the research project are discussed. An oral presentation of the research work is made in the presence of the members of a Committee, composed of at least three staff members appointed by the Sector Council. This examination also serves as a qualifying for students admitted in the spring preselections.
Magister Philosophiae
First-year students who submit a short thesis (a progress report) on their research project at their first-year examination can obtain the diploma of Magister Philosophiae.
Continuation
At the end of each academic year the Sector Council will decide whether each student should or should not be permitted to proceed further with his/her PhD programme.
