Advanced Practical Training (QST)

The Advanced Practical Training (APT) involves completing a selection of tasks offered and supervised by the experimental and theoretical research groups participating in the QST Master’s program. The APT offers opportunities for gaining some familiarity with the research interests of the associated research groups, thus facilitating future decisions regarding choices of specialization or topics for Master's theses.

Depending on its topic and scope, a task is worth either 1 or 2 units. The corresponding contact hours are 10 hours and the total workload are 30 hours per unit. Students have to complete tasks with a combined value of 6 units. At least 2 units must stem from experimental tasks and at least 2 from theoretical ones.

After participation in the Module the student is able to:

1. Understand and describe the physical, mathematical or computational principles underlying the chosen tasks.

2. Perform independent measurements or computations using the methods employed during the execution of the chosen tasks.

No prerequisites beyond the requirements for the Master’s program in Quantum Science and Technology.

The module consists of three to six tasks, comprising a total of 6 units.

For each task, introductory material will be made available in the form of notes or references to pertinent books or publications. Supplementary material will offer guidance for executing experimental or theoretical tasks. Supervisors will offer assistance where needed. Some tasks can be performed only individually, others also in groups of two or three students.

Every task involves four parts:

1. Preparation – studying introductory material.

2. Execution – performing an experimental or theoretical task.

3. Report – summarizing the main methods and results in writing.

4. Discussion – answering questions posed by an examiner.

Blackboard, presentations (slides), handouts.

For each task, a set of introductory and supplementary notes will be made available, including references to relevant books and publications.

The module is examined by a laboratory assignment in form of a pass/fail requirement consisting of three to six tasks. Depending on its topic and scope, a task is worth either 1 or 2 units. Students have to complete tasks with a combined value of 6 units. At least 2 units must stem from experimental tasks and at least 2 from theoretical ones.
Every unit involves four parts:

1. Preparation (insufficiently prepared participants may be rejected due to safety reasons).
2. Execution (20 %).
3. Report (5-10 pages, 60 %).
4. Discussion (duration: 15 minutes, 20 %).