Open problems in Advanced Matter and Energy Physics

3 EC

Semester 1, period 3

5354OPIA3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. L.S. Dreissen
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

Open Problems in Advanced Matter and Energy Physics introduces students to various aspects of scientific research. Students are helped with interpreting results in articles and looking critically at scientific claims. Social and ethical aspects in science are also discussed and diversity is considered. Students learn to effectively read articles themselves and give a presentation on them

Study materials

Syllabus

Objectives

  • Clearly articulate the key points and issues of a journal paper.
  • Get an understanding of different ethical aspects in the modern scientific process.
  • Learn to participate in live, scientific discussions.
  • Learn to read, critique and analyze research papers.
  • Design effective presentations.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study
  • Presentation/symposium

In the lectures students are provided with tools to articulate key points and issues of journal articles, learn about ethical aspects of modern scientific processes and impact of research on science and society. They will get assignments which will teach them to participate in scientific discussions and learn how the critique and analyse research papers. During the symposium each student will present their own paper and address the points that were addressed during the course.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

8

Werkcollege

8

Self study

68

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Assignments

    The students will get 6 assignments of which they have to complete at least 5 to pass the course. The assignments cary from group assignments to individual assignments and are handed in via canvas.

    1: the students have to pick a paper to study that meets the criteria set in the syllabus

    2: the students have to discuss in their team about the main finding of the paper, the other students give feedback

    3: The students have to watch a recorded lecture by Prof. Dr. Ray Goldstein and answer questions about the video

    4: The students are asked to reflect on ethics in science in a discussion with their team mates and summarise their findings 

    5: The students have to discuss and reflect on data visualisation and summarise their findings

    6: the students have to discuss and reflect ons societal and scientific relevance of their chosen paper

     

    In order to pass the course it is mandatory for the students to hand-in a final report using the guidelines given in the template on canvas and they have to give a presentation on their paper.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Introduction and data visualization Syllabus assignment 1&2
    2 Ethics Syllabus assignment 3&4
    3 Scientific impact in science Syllabus assignment 5&6
    4 societal impact in science Final report & presentation

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. L.S. Dreissen