Physics

Why Physics?

Physicists take both a qualitative and a quantitative approach to understanding the world around us. Physics is an indispensable part of today’s society. Modern life would be entirely different without computer chips, lasers, MRI screening and all the other benefits of physics research. The Master’s programme in Physics provides you with plenty of opportunities to study and engage in groundbreaking fundamental research and its applications.

Within the programme, you can choose one of the following specializations:

• Advanced Matter and Energy Physics
• Particle and Astroparticle Physics
• Physics of Life and Health
• Science for Energy and Sustainability 
• Theoretical Physics

You will learn to test, explain and develop theories of physical phenomena, and to analyse and solve problems using a scientific approach.

Who is the Master's for?
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Physics or have you successfully completed at least three years of physics at university level? Are you curious about how nature works? Are you willing to tackle experimental or theoretical physics problems and dig deep to find solutions? Are you interested in one of the physics research themes at VU University Amsterdam? If your answer is 'yes', then we would like to welcome you to our department as a Master's student!

Selection of research topics

Through the looking glass
Certain metals dramatically change their optical properties when brought into contact with hydrogen gas. A thin yttrium hydride film, for example, changes from a shiny mirror to a transparent yellow window. Our Condensed Matter research group investigates the potential of these metal hydrides in energy-related applications such as hydrogen sensors, smart windows, hydrogen purifiers and hydrogen storage materials.

Neutrinos as a gateway to new physics
Neutrinos are the most intriguing of all known elementary particles, due to their extraordinary properties. These almost massless particles barely interact with matter. Recent measurements of neutrino masses and neutrino mixing point to a new physics, beyond the Standard Model. Our Theory group is exploring possible new theories and their predictions

The physics of DNA repair
DNA is the carrier of genetic information in all organisms. In a cell, DNA is constantly being damaged by forces such as UV light or reactive chemicals. Cells contain complex mechanisms to repair this damage and prevent cell death or cancer. Our Physics of Complex Systems group uses optical tweezers in combination with fluorescence microscopy to study the mechanism of DNA repair at the level of single molecules.

What can we learn from plants?
Photosynthesis is a remarkably efficient and robust mechanism which not only works in very bright sunlight but also at low levels, when plants are in the shade or under cloud cover. Our Biophysics research group is studying the mechanism plants use to protect themselves from excessive sunlight. This knowledge can be used to develop a new generation of bio-based solar cells.

How constant are physical constants?
How do we know if the mass of a proton is the same today as it was just after the Big Bang? Measuring and exploring new theories involving the fundamental physical constants is one of the areas you can explore at VU University Amsterdam’s internationally renowned LaserLaB Amsterdam.

Working with extremely low temperatures
Temperature can have a startling effect on matter. At the LaserLaB Amsterdam, helium atoms are cooled to temperatures around one millionth of a degree above absolute zero. At these extremely low temperatures the wave-like nature of matter manifests itself.

Mapping the sky
Mankind has been using electromagnetic radiation to study the universe for centuries. If Einstein’s theory of general relativity is correct, then the VIRGO detector near Pisa, in which VU University Amsterdam participates, will soon be mapping the sky using gravitational waves.

Further information

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