Master of science in Physical Engineering

The Physics Engineering curriculum provides a thorough understanding of the physical phenomena at work in the most advanced technologies. This in-depth approach not only aims at understanding these technologies, but also at improving them through innovation, both at the academic and industrial levels. Curriculum participants are given a strong grounding in microscopic physics, which involves studying quantum physics and its applications in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid state physics. Other major fields of physics such as photonics are also covered, as are advanced mathematics and information technology. The curriculum has a broad approach, typical of University Engineering studies in Belgium, so that successful graduates can seek employment in a wide diversity of fields.

The programme includes a number of lecture classes that make up around half of the total hours. The other half is split between assignments, lab work, and projects. The practical component evolves between the 3rd year of the Bachelor and the 2nd year of the Master, gradually giving students more independence with a mandatory individual project (5 credits) in the 1st year of the Master, then an optional work placement (10 credits) in the 2nd year. One of the goals of this progression is for students to gain a number of essential skills that will help them complete their dissertation: this is an initiation to scientific research, whether at the Brussels School of Engineering or in another institution (research centre, private company, other faculty of university, etc.). The dissertation counts for 20 credits, may be related to the 10 credit work placement, and may be the beginning of a PhD thesis.

Several courses include visits to research centres (nuclear energy research centre in Mol, CERN, etc.) and companies (nuclear power plants, etc.). Opportunities for Erasmus exchanges (for one term or a full year), as well as for a joint degree, are the same as in other programmes offered by the Brussels School of Engineering.

This programme gives graduates a strong polytechnic background—enabling them to work as as as generalist engineers in any field of applied sciences—, along with solid knowledge of physics—paving the way for a PhD in fundamental or applied physics. The nuclear engineering programme is specific to ULB, and graduates are very sought after both in Belgium and abroad. Students in this program can complete the 2nd year of the Master in France, at the National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology.

ULB's Master in Physical Engineering is based on advanced knowledge of the physical phenomena upon which cutting-edge technologies are built as well as on advanced applied mathematics. In the first year of the Master, in addition to general courses on applied mathematics, such as numerical methods, reliability and safety, introductory classes on atomic and nuclear physics are given alongside more applied classes such as on laser physics, microscopy, plasma or nuclear reactor physics. Students also complete a project in a company or a research laboratory. The second year of the Master lets students pick between four options (photonics, medical radiophysics, mathematical modeling of systems, quantum applications), which can be  combined with each other,and they may also do a internship in a company and choose a large number of elective courses. Lastly, the master thesis lets them venture into fundamental and applied research in a wide range of areas (industrial applications, experimental physics, etc.).