Program and structure

Physicists focus on the laws of the universe from the infinitely small to the infinitely large. Employment opportunities are quite broad. For example, we have former students working in university research institutions and industrial research centres, while some are teachers in upper secondary education or higher education.

During the course, students learn how to use measuring instruments to observe natural phenomena, and study the theories that model the laws of nature with great precision. Instruction is given by research professors from UMONS who often work in international settings and provide students with a very stimulating learning environment.

The Bachelor’s provides general training in physics with complementary courses in mathematics, chemistry and computer programming, as well as in quantum mechanics, relativity, electromagnetism and astronomy, among others. To facilitate students’ transition to the university curriculum, first-year (Block 1) students are offered basic mathematics courses and remedial sessions. Languages are also an integral part of the Bachelor’s curriculum.

78 hours of English, the preferred language of communication among scientists, are taught in the second and third years (Blocks 2 and 3). Overall, this course provides an excellent basis for the Master’s degree in Physics.

It should be noted here that physics studies in Mons are also designed as research-based training. As such, from Block 3 onwards, students must complete an assignment in a university laboratory which is directly linked to their future profession.

Teaching profile

The programme description defines the expected learning outcomes at the end of the cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.). The programme description defines the expected learning outcomes, i.e. what the student should know, understand and be able to achieve at the end of a learning activity, a teaching unit or a study cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.). Learning outcomes are defined in terms of knowledge, expertise and soft skills.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of the subject.
• Communicate information clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate and work in a team.
• Develop personally and professionally.
• Have a rigorous scientific approach.

For more information, consult the course description for this study cycle below.

Opportunities

The Bachelor's in Physics and does not lead to a professional career. It is a transitional programme, with graduates of this degree generally continuing their studies in this field to Master level and beyond.
Due to a certain compatibility between the subjects taught and the credits acquired (108 credits out of the 180, i.e. 60%), the teaching decree in force allows final year Bachelor students to transfer to the second cycle at another university in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
In more specific cases, transferring from physics to a different discipline is still possible, provided that a new programme (PAE) is drawn up, which may include additional credits. In this case, each application is treated individually and the corresponding PAE is submitted to the relevant board for approval.