Physics - Master Studies

The goals of the study program of master's academic studies in Physics are aimed at acquiring professional competencies and academic skills in specific areas of applied, experimental and theoretical physics, with the use of modern teaching methods, tools and technologies for learning. The primary goal is to develop creative abilities, analytical and critical thinking and approaches to solve practical problems, achieve professional maturity, implement methods to further expand knowledge and develop skills to successfully overcome future professional challenges.

The goal of the study program is for the student to reach the qualification of master physicist, which requires:

• possession and improvement of knowledge from basic academic studies of physics and possession of abilities for their professional application in solving physical problems in multidisciplinary fields;
• ability to teach in primary schools, gymnasiums and secondary vocational schools, in terms of clear transfer of knowledge and ways of reasoning;
• ability to independently plan and conduct research and critically assess the significance of the results obtained;
• knowledge of the principles of work but also the use of modern apparatus, instruments and accessories necessary for the study of various disciplines of physics, as well as knowledge of the principles of measuring and processing the obtained data;
• understanding of modern trends in the field of physics and training for the use of professional literature and modern information and communication technologies in acquiring knowledge in the field of physics, ie. preparation for further self-improvement;
• developing students' awareness of the necessity of permanent education, development of society as a whole and providing professional academic education in order to develop awareness of the values of modern society.

The goals of the study program are achieved through:

• extended education in key concepts and methods that physics studies: mastering the content and understanding of theoretical, experimental and applied physics, their role and interrelationships;
• providing systematic expanded and deepened knowledge of modern physics, necessary for successful work in the profession or continuing education in doctoral studies;
• developing the ability to understand and formulate problems, study new models, technology techniques and methods for modeling processes in order to solve practical problems;
• Encouraging communication and teamwork that will be helpful in developing communication with other experts in other fields.

The study program defines methods for acquiring competencies and academic skills:

• Generation and understanding of knowledge is achieved through lectures, various forms of exercises and practical classes whose purpose is to follow, explain and emphasize the practical importance of the content of lectures. Independent learning and progress is monitored through seminar papers and consultations with students. The student acquires maturity and self-confidence to pursue the profession according to their own affinities and ambitions.
• Communication through oral and written presentations, use of information technologies, group or individual work affects effective learning, logical and critical reasoning and the development of creative thinking in students. Continuous work with permanent upgrading of knowledge develops motivation for acquiring accompanying competencies necessary for work in the profession.
• By integrating theory and practice, using methods of analysis and synthesis, and an interactive approach to solving physical problems, the student is stimulated to actively make original solutions and conclusions when monitoring all forms of teaching.

The goals of the study program are harmonized with the basic tasks and goals of education of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Prishtina in Kosovska Mitrovica, the National Qualifications Framework (NOKS) and are in line with modern requirements of the labor market and economic development.

Upon completing the study program, the students will acquire the following skills:

• ability to analyze, synthesize and predict solutions and results;
• mastering the complex methods, procedures and processes of professional communication research and teamwork;
• ability to think critically and self-critically; forming hypotheses and drawing conclusions;
• permanent self-improvement and education;
• practical application of their knowledge;
• working individually and as part of a team;
• developing communication skills, and cooperation with both a narrow and international social environment;
• evaluation of personal and others’ work;
• organizing, managing and handling work;
• professional ethics.

By mastering the study program, the student acquires the following general and subject-specific abilities:

• thorough knowledge and understanding of the nature and manner of research in physics;
• solving concrete problems through making analogies with other known problems;
• linking fundamental physics knowledge and delving into the newer areas of the domain;
• introducing innovation and improvement into the teaching process of physics;
• understanding modern physics and improving the relevant methods;
• developing the skills necessary to use the mathematical, numerical and computer sciences
• modelling;
• finding and using professional literature for further frowth;
• data processing through the use of modern information and communication technologies.

Learning outcomes are described according to the descriptors of learning outcomes of the national qualifications framework.

The outcome of the study program is the acquisition of all necessary competencies for the education of highly educated professionals. Experts of this profile are trained for independent work, problem solving within the field of physics and related disciplines, as well as for a creative approach in performing tasks. The title that acquired upon completing this level of study is Master Physicist. This allows a successful implementation of all forms of physics teaching in primary schools, gymnasiums and secondary vocational schools. Academically educated physicists are deemed competent both in Europe and worldwide, and have the possibility of finding employment in scientific research institutions with the possibility of continuing their studies through specialist and doctoral studies in the country and abroad.

The study program Physics of Master of Academic Studies contains in its curriculum all the basic elements relevant for the field of physical sciences, and as such is performed at almost all higher education institutions of this type in the world.

All elements of the study program, such as the academic title, duration of studies, ECTS, courses names and content, exams, learning outcomes and teacher competencies are in accordance with most European higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the curriculum of this program is influenced by the positive experience of those institutions which have successfully implemented the Bologna reform, working in the domain of higher education in physics.

To achieve this compatibility with the corresponding study programs in Europe, a detailed analysis and comparison was performed. The compatibility is made possible by maintaining the enrollment requirements as well as the structure and the content of the program. The quality, contemporary character and the compliance of this study program with corresponding international study programs implemented at foreign higher education institutions is evident.

A comparison of the programs according to main individual groups of subjects shows a significant degree of harmonization, while minimal deviations can be found among elective subject groups. Additionally, many subjects of the proposed and comparable study programs have similar contents, but their names differ to an extent.