Master's Thesis (QST)
Module PH1086
Basic Information
PH1086 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered every semester.
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 900 h | h | 30 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH1086 is Alexander Holleitner.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
The master’s thesis is part of the research phase, in which students work on a current problem in the field of quantum science and technology (QST). The topic and methodology of the master's thesis are characterized in a special way by the subject-specific qualification profile of the master’s program. Possible topics are based on the research focus of the departments, schools or groups participating in the Quantum Science and Technology Master's program. Topics include experimental and theoretical work on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, quantum simulation, quantum sensing, quantum metrology, and quantum materials.
In the module Master's Thesis, students perform research on a specific scientific topic. The module involves performing experiments or/and simulations/calculations, writing a thesis, and orally presenting its main results in a Master's colloquium.
The Master’s thesis describes the methods chosen and the results obtained therewith. Moreover, it discusses and evaluates the results within the scientific framework of the current state of research.
Learning Outcome
After completing the module the student is able to:
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Independently work on a problem from the field of quantum science and technology within a given period of time according to scientific methods.
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Apply theoretical and/or experimental background knowledge to a specified problem in order to get new results.
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Analyze the results obtained and assess their significance relative to the current state of the art in the chosen subject area.
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Summarize and present the methods used and results obtained in a written thesis and an oral presentation.
Preconditions
The completion of the modules Master's Seminar (QST), PH1066, and Master's Work Experience (QST), PH1076, as well as the certificate of mentor counseling.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Learning and Teaching Methods
Students work independently on a specific scientific research topic, i.e. they conduct literature research, carry out scientific experiments or theoretical calculations and evaluate the results independently. Finally, they summarize their results and conclusions in a Master’s thesis and present it within the Master’s colloquium. They receive the necessary support through regular discussions with their advisor and other members of their research group.
Media
Scientific measurement setups, use of own recordings, subject- and subject-specific media, computers
Literature
Current literature on the specific topic, depending on the specific topic.
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
The module Master’s Thesis comprises the practical and/or theoretical treatment of a scientific topic, resulting in a thesis (type of assessment: research paper, 70%), and its oral presentation within the Master's Colloquium (30%).
The thesis includes:
- An exposition of the state of the art, based on a literature search.
- A description of the experiments or the simulations/calculations which were performed.
- A presentation of the results obtained.
- An assessment of the significance of the results within the scope of the chosen subject area.
Students have to demonstrate the ability to perform independent research on a scientific topic and to properly assess the significance of their results.
After submitting the thesis, its main methods and results are presented orally in the context of the Master’s colloquium. It consists of a presentation (30 minutes) and an ensuing discussion (30 minutes), covering both the topic of the Master’s thesis and other related subject areas. The colloquium is evaluated by an examiner and an expert assistant. Students have to demonstrate the ability to discuss their results with experts and to assess their significance in the context of the chosen subject area.