Methods that promote multidisciplinary studies
The Civil Engineering Physics Master’s programme is interdisciplinary, positioned at the interface between physics and materials science. It consists of a versatile core designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of major applied physics fields, hands-on training, cutting-edge research, and a range of options in various disciplines of physics and materials science: nanotechnology, materials science, photovoltaics, fundamental and applied physics, and light-matter interaction. There is also an option to explore management through courses in business management and the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme includes a significant number of courses labelled PHYS (or PHY), as well as some MATH, INMA, and MECA courses, reflecting its transdisciplinary approach. Additionally, students can select up to 40 credits of elective courses from UCLouvain’s exact sciences or medical sciences programmes, and up to 6 credits of humanities courses, allowing them to tailor their studies to their personal interests and goals.
Various Teaching Strategies
The teaching approach in the Civil Engineering Physics Master’s programme is a continuation of that used in the bachelor’s in engineering sciences: active learning, a balanced mix of group work and individual work, and a significant emphasis on the development of non-technical skills. A key feature of the programme is the immersion of students in the research laboratories of the programme’s instructors (through didactic labs, case studies, projects, and the dissertation). This allows students to familiarise themselves with advanced methods in the relevant disciplines and to learn through the inquiry inherent in research. An optional 10-credit internship (or 5 credits if combined with the dissertation), carried out over at least 9 weeks in a research centre or company, further enhances the programme by offering motivated students the opportunity to engage with the professional world.
Diverse Learning Situations
Students will be introduced to a variety of teaching methods adapted to the different disciplines, including lectures, projects, exercise sessions, problem-based learning sessions, case studies, experimental laboratories, computer simulations, the use of educational software, industrial or research placements, study trips, group work, individual work and seminars including lectures by external scientists, as well as exposure to cutting-edge research. This diverse range of activities helps the student to build their knowledge iteratively and progressively, while also developing autonomy, orgasitional skills, time management, and communication abilities across different formats.