Incoming student from France

Forum van 1ste Master en 2e Master Fysica.

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AlexisPrel
Posts: 2

Incoming student from France

Post#1 » Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:40 pm

Hi everyone !

First of all sorry if I chose the wrong section of this forum, I am not familiar with Dutch yet.

I am a 3rd year physics student from University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris and I'm considering applying to the University of Antwerp through the exchange master program nanomat (here).

I would like to know if some of you went through or are pursuing this program.
  • What would say about it? Do you feel like it's challenging enough?
  • I've heard you don't make distinctions between 1st and 2nd year classes, is that true?
  • Is there any class you would particularly recommend?
  • What about the internship ? How long does it last? Does it has to be done within the university?
Also, I'd like to know more about the city. Are the transportation efficient ? I've heard you guys use bikes everytime.

That's a lot of questions, thank you all if you have any answer!
Alexis

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ben
Prosenior
Posts: 1356

Re: Incoming student from France

Post#2 » Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:30 am

Hi Alexis

I followed most (mainly the theoretical) courses of the nanomat master and I think the answer to your answer depends on what you're looking for. As it is a master programme, the quality of it depends on the research that is done by the professor that teaches the particular course. As for Antwerp, we're mainly focussed on condensed matter (both theory and experiment (although also our empirical elementary particles and visionlab group are interesting)), so if you're looking for astrophysics, general relativity, string theory, you'll be better of elsewhere.

But because the nanomat programme is about condensed matter, you're quite at the right spot. The professors that give the (optional) courses use their content everyday in their research. Just click on their names and check out what research they do, if you think it is interesting, it is already a very good parameter of what to expect from these courses. About the compulsory ones, these are the standard ones that you'll find everywhere.

Answers to your questions:

1) Challenging is something you make it yourself. There are about 20 students in the total master (so for about 40 professors), so in projects/thesi, you will be pushed if you're looking for it. If you want to be challenged in problem solving, look for courses of Jacques Tempère. He's style is: no exams, but assignments by which you explore the course yourself! Very interesting, but tiresome!

2) Are you planning to do your full two years of master in Antwerp, or are you only coming for one semester (or one year)? In the former case, it is advised to take up the compulsory courses in the beginning since they are necessary for the other courses, in the latter, just shop around in the optional ones and come to Antwerp in the second or third semester after you've done all the necessary compulsory things in Jussieux. You can take up the courses in the order you prefer, so in that sense there is no distinction between first or second year, just think and plan a bit ahead and don't forget that you also have a master thesis to finish, but that's obvious.

3) So, this really depends on what you're looking for. Theoretical things from Jacques, so both the path integral ('t Hooft once called Antwerp "Mekka of the path integral", so apparently we're good at it), the superfluidity and the solid state physics course. I didn't do experimental courses, but electron microscopy is something we're also good at.

4) For the internship, this changed a couple of times since I did it (at UPMC btw ;-) ) and I know that there is some discussion about it whether foreign students are allowed to do it in the university (Belgian students are not allowed since we're supposed to leave for at least 12 credits). Check with prof. Milorad Miloscevic, the coordinator of the programme, for the details, but you could do it outside the university for sure (and they will help you find it) if you want to, but I think you could also do it inside, but I'm not sure. It's 12 credits and lasts 6 weeks.

Antwerp is a very nice city, but as everywhere in the world (except Paris), they've put the scientists outside of the centre, at about 15 min by bike from the central station. Everyone rides the bike, although public transport is also ok, but don't expect fast metros every 2 minutes, nowhere it is as good as with you. The big advantage of a bike is that you can use it also after 1 am and after some very nice Belgian beer ;-).

Voila, if you've got any more questions, feel free to ask!

Cheers

Ben

AlexisPrel
Posts: 2

Re: Incoming student from France

Post#3 » Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:34 pm

Hi Ben,

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. :)

I'm mainly interested by condensed matter physics and photovoltaic applications. I've seen a few research on that topic from different faculty member of the program, which is very encouraging to come!

I have yet to meet Massimiliano Marangolo who is in charge of the program for France and discuss what is possible, but I would really like to atend the whole year in Antwerp (a priori not the second though).

About the master thesis, I must admit I had not think about that. How is it organised? I guess you have to find an advisor that is willing to work with you, is it among proposals from the master program or are you supposed to ask faculty members you are interested in if they have time for you?

On the rest, I belive your answers were everything I wanted to know, thank you again!

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