Bachelor of Science in Physics

Physics deals with the macroscopic and microscopic constituents of the world around us, as well as their interactions, in order to reduce complex natural phenomena to simple laws which can be expressed quantitatively. The principal objective of physics is gain a fundamental understanding of nature. However, many of its discoveries have resulted in technological applications, such as television, computers, telecommunications and new materials, as well as high-tech apparatus used in modern medicine, the Web, GPS and lasers.

The course offers an excellent grounding in physics (general physics and methodology) and helps students develop critical thinking, objectivity, creativity and sound reasoning:

• Basic subject knowledge: physics, mathematics and practical work, with a choice of supporting programmes;
• Advanced learning: quantum mechanics, mechanics and electrodynamics, atomic physics, thermodynamics, condensed matter, relativity and cosmology, laboratories and placements, mathematical methods, numerical methods.

• Profile and Options

  This programme of study teaches general physics and physics' methodology and provides a broad view of the subject. By studying complex natural phenomena, their interactions and the laws which govern them, students of this subject are able to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

  The study plan encompasses basic knowledge and more advanced topics: quantum mechanics, mechanics and electrodynamics, atomic physics, thermodynamics, condensed matter, relativity and cosmology, laboratories and placements, mathematical methods, numerical methods. Students also have the possibility of working with top-level research groups from their third year onward.
  The physics course at the University of Fribourg offers great freedom in the choice of minor study programmes.

• Academic and Professional Career Opportunities

  Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

  • Acquired skills: by the time you obtain your Bachelor's degree, you will have consolidated your basic scientific know-how and acquired general subject knowledge and a broader vision of physics. You will have developed your ability to synthesise information and a critical way of thinking, which will enable you to proceed to more advanced studies or to specialise in your chosen field;
  • Bilingualism: thanks to the bilingualism which is part and parcel of the course, you will enrich your specialist vocabulary in both languages and learn to dialogue in an academic context with specialists both in French and German.

  Physicists' skills are highly sought-after in the field of high-tech.
  A Bachelor's degree in Physics constitutes a sound basic qualification and opens the way to a variety of career options. For example, you can put your knowledge to good use in the field of patents or consulting, or undertake further studies leading to a Master's degree. With a Master in Physics, you will have access to various professional activities in research, teaching, industry, economics or administration.

• The Fribourg advantage

  Live in Fribourg

• Organisation and Admission

  Structure of studies

  150 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits in a minor study programme freely chosen, 6 semesters

  Admission

  The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

  • Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
  • Swiss professional Maturity Certificate in conjunction with the supplementary exam certificate from the Swiss Maturity Commission
  • Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH) or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)

  A complete list of all further recognized Swiss school-leaving certificates is to be found on the webpages of  Swissuniversities.

  Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education. Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other, in accordance with the following list:

  1. First language (native language)
  2. Second language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law)
  6. Elective (an additional language or an additional subject from category 4 or 5)

  The general admission requirements to the Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg for holders of foreign school-leaving certificates as well as the admission requirements for individual countries are to be found on the webpages of  Swissuniversities.
  In addition, foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.

• Choice of Minor Study Programmes

   Minors at the Faculty of Science and Medicine

  Study Programme	ECTS
  Mathematics for Physicists	30
  Informatics	30
  Chemistry	30
  Earth Sciences	30
  Geography	30
  Biologie A	30
  Biochemistry	30
  Environmental Sciences	30
  Sport Sciences and Motor Control	30

   

  List of available minor programmes