Physics and Astronomy is a 3-year Dutch-taught Bachelor's programme at the Faculty of Science of Radboud University. The programme offers exploration and deepening in major physics and astronomy questions. You develop a broad physics foundation, both in theory and practice.
There are new developments in physics and astronomy every day! Physical laws such as the conservation of momentum and energy are already known, but their impact on materials, our environment, and a quantum mechanical description of gravity remain unsolved. How do you solve the unsolved? In this Bachelor's programme, you delve into these questions and develop the skills to investigate and solve them.
Curriculum
Curriculum year 1
In the first year, you establish a broad foundation with physics subjects such as mechanics and electricity & magnetism, and essential mathematics and programming skills. Additionally, relativity theory and quantum mechanics are covered, and you learn to experiment in the lab course.
In the second year, you deepen your knowledge in the subjects from the first year. The different research themes of the programme are also introduced. These are Astrophysics, Neurophysics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and High Energy Physics. You choose which competencies you want to develop.
In the third year, there is a lot of freedom to choose courses that align with your interests. You complete your studies with a Bachelor's internship at a research department in the Netherlands or abroad. Here you have the opportunity to be a part of cutting edge research and experience what it's like to work on an unsolved problem.
A special challenge at Radboud University is a double Bachelor's programme. In this programme, you will study Physics and Astronomy & Mathematics in a combined programme. A double Bachelor's is intended as a challenge for motivated students who can complete the programme in 3 years without significant study delay. With an additional effort of 25%, you will obtain two Bachelor's diplomas.
This study programme consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) per year. At the end of the first year you will need to have accumulated a minimum of 39 ECTS in order to receive a positive BSA to continue your studies in the second year. Failing to meet this minimum requirement and receiving a negative BSA means that you are no longer allowed to continue with your studies. Of course, we will consider outstanding circumstances such as sickness or other personal factors. Your study advisor or mentor will regularly discuss your study results with you so that you are not faced with any surprises.
Study abroad
During your Bachelor's programme, you will have the opportunity to go abroad for your studies, internship and/or thesis. You will learn to look at things from the perspective of a different culture and you will meet new people; it is an experience that will enrich your life. What’s more, it will look great on your CV. Please see the Radboud International web page for information about meetings, scholarships, internships and other practical information.
Additional challenge
Do you want an extra challenge during your studies? Do you find it interesting to think about current, social themes from different academic perspectives? Discover what the Radboud Honours Academy has to offer to achieve your maximum potential during your time as a student.
Minor
In the third year of your Bachelor's programme, you have the opportunity to take a minor - a combined package of courses worth 15-30 EC in a field that interests you. This can be within your programme's field of study or outside it. Options include psychology, computing science, or the teacher-training minor which provides a (limited) secondary school teaching qualification. You can also compose your own minor. Check the minor guide to see which minors you can take.
