NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Appendix III
Description of a degree programme in
physical sciences at the University of Oulu
Sources: Opinto-opas, Luonnontieteellinen tiedekunta 1996-97, Oulun yliopisto; University of Oulu, Information package,
ECTS/European Community course credit transfer system, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Sciences 1996-97.
The Department of Physical Sciences conducts research on and offers degree courses in biophysics, physics and theoretical
physics, which can each be chosen as a major in the degree programme of physical sciences. The degrees offered (according
to the new degree system) are luonnontieteiden kandidaatti (Bachelor of Science), filosofian maisteri (Master of Science),
filosofian lisensiaatti (an optional licentiate degree) and filosofian tohtori (Doctor in Philosophy).
The five alternative lines of study for the degrees (options for the major subject in brackets) are biophysics (biophysics),
physics (physics), physics and information technology (biophysics, physics, theoretical physics), theoretical physics,
(theoretical physics) and teacher education (physics, theoretical physics). The alternative study line can be chosen freely,
except for teacher education where an aptitude test is used; the curriculum during the first two years is similar in all the other
alternatives.
Filosofian maisteri with physics as the main subject
Structure and content
The studies for the Master’s degree start with an orientation course, and students also participate in tutor groups. Besides
studies in the main subject, the curriculum always contains mathematics, information technology and languages. Additional
courses (e.g. in geophysics and astronomy) or a practice period (two credits) may also be included in the degree.
Studies consist of lecture courses, calculation exercises, laboratory work, project work, essays and seminars. All studies
belong to some study unit, the extent of which is from two to six credits (opintoviikko, literally ‘study weeks’, approximately
40 hours of work). Study units are compulsory or optional; some of the optional units can be chosen from other departments,
faculties or universities. The units are classified, according to their level, into basic, intermediate or andvanced studies.
In the degree programme of physical sciences (160 credits, minimum) students usually take a 15-credit module of basic
studies during their first academic year. For the students studying physics as their major subject, 20 or 21 credits of
intermediate studies are scheduled in the second year and the autumn term of the third year. The extent of advanced studies,
including the Master’s thesis, is 27 to 51 credits, and studies are completed during years three to five. The advanced courses
are related to the main fields of research of the Department of Physical Sciences; the selection varies from year to year. In
addition, there are some compulsory general physics courses.
Assessment
In basic and intermediate studies students can usually choose between two types of examinations. They can take two or three
examinations (three hours) during the studies. In this case the final examination is optional: if the student wants to improve
his/her final grade, she/he can take the final examinations. Alternatively they can take only the final examination (four hours).
They can retake the final examination in order to improve their grades. Final examinations are usually set a couple of times
per term for each course. In advanced courses students usually have to take a final examination. The marks are given on the
scale three (highest) to one.
An example of a curriculum for a student majoring in physics
First year