The MA single major study programme Physics was adopted by the Senate of the Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, on 18 April 2006 and by the Senate of the University of Maribor on 16 May 2006. On the basis of Article 49 of the Law on Higher Education (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 119/06-UPB3) and on the basis of the Measures for the Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions and Study Programmes (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 101/04), the Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Higher Education at their 16th meeting on 8 Dec. 2006 gave consent to the implementation of the study program. On the basis of the Decree on Changes and Amendments to the Decree on the Transformation of the University of Maribor (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 36/06), and based on the articles of the Statute of the University of Maribor (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, no. 75/06 - Statute of the University of Maribor UPB2), the above study programme is carried out by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Maribor. Changes and additions in the study program were confirmed by the Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Higher Education on 26 Oct. 2009 and on 17 Nov. 2011.

A student advances to the second study year if they collect at least 45 ECTS credits by completing first year obligations, and if they completed all laboratory work. A student who has collected less than 45 ECTS credits may exceptionally be granted enrolment in the second study year by the Postgraduate Study Commission, upon agreement of the Department of Physics, and at the candidate’s request. Such enrolment may be granted to a student who has fulfilled at least half of the prescribed obligations from the first year, or who has been unable to fulfil the obligations for justified reasons, as defined by the Statute of the University of Maribor.

Graduates can continue studies at the PhD level in accordance with the terms defined by the higher education institution offering the PhD program.

The graduate acquires broad knowledge in physics and skills for its use in dealing with complex systems, particularly their dynamics and complex responsiveness of systems to a number of external parameters. Due to the breadth of the absorbed topics in physics instructing the students also on issues in other related areas, and due to an acquired in-depth specific knowledge in the field of physics, the graduate is qualified for effective professional and scientific-research communication and work in interdisciplinary teams as well as for independent work in a number of interdisciplinary fields of biophysics, environmental physics, medicine, biotechnology, econophysics, information-communication technologies, etc. In all these various areas, the graduate is qualified also to be professional collaborator in scientific research work of applied and basic research. The graduate acquires the ability of profound reasoning, autonomous reasoning and problem solving, and of various types and methods of approaches to problem solving. With the knowledge of physics applied to different topical areas of physics of the 21st century (with an emphasis on the physics of complex systems), the graduate gains job opportunities in enterprises, institutions, research and development institutes and higher education institutions. An option is also a wide range of possibilities in the area of self-employment. The graduate can take working positions for which general and course-specific competences he/she has gained with the study program. The competences are presented and defined in section 4.2. In the following we specify job descriptions suitable for the MA graduate in physics. The descriptions are made according to samples of job descriptions, compiled from calls by the Employment Service of Slovenia. The graduate can be employed for/as: - consultant for the use of sophisticated measuring equipment and its maintenance in hospitals and health care facilities; - consulting on the purchase of sensitive measuring equipment and its maintenance in industry, in pharmaceuticals and in healthcare; - operator of diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, especially in the fields of magnetic resonance imaging and radiology and computer tomography; - calculation of doses and energies of radiation radiotherapy or radiation diagnostics; - development and simulation of models for testing pharmaceutical products, particularly medicines, and the prediction of potential side effects; - professional associate in research projects in the field of physics and interdisciplinary research projects in the fields of pharmacy, biomedicine and other natural sciences; - introduction and development of measurement techniques in industry, and running of the measuring processes supported by modern communication, information and computer systems; - experimental work in industrial laboratories for quality control of products and materials; - sampling and optimization of test measurements for quality assurance of production; - consultant for the optimization of production, the rational use of energy and material resources in production; - advanced calculating of heat losses in buildings, modelling thermal conductivity in facilities, and the prediction of financial effects of applying different insulating materials; - development associate in the field of statics and dynamics of materials; - programming of industrial robots; the assessment of still permissible tolerances in production processes in the control of production processes in cybernetics; - advanced physical measurements in the environment and modelling of the dynamics and development of systems with risk assessments of individual interventions in the environment, particularly prediction of the possible adverse effects of man on the environment, as well as financial implications; - biophysical measurement for the purpose of genetic engineering, measurement and research of metabolism and biological processes in living beings; - modelling of the dynamics and responsiveness of complex business systems in economy, banking and insurance, and cooperation in groups dealing with the management and administration of these systems; simulation of adverse effects which may result from thoughtless actions in complex economic systems; for example: development of models for numerical simulations of damage claims, assessment of degree of risk and prediction of the expected returns on capital markets; - planning of sales, product marketing, market trends.

The summations provide the average values of hours to study the program. Inconsistencies in the numbers are the result of choice of elective courses. Independent student work amounts to 2725 hours.

The study program does not provide for a mandatory working practice.

Examination and assessment of student learning outcomes is performed in accordance with the criteria and methods defined in the Rules on the Examination and Assessment of Knowledge at the University of Maribor: https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/Dopolnitve2013/Pravilnik%20o%20preverjanju%20in%20ocenjevanju%20znanja%20na%20UM%20-%20NPB3,%20AVGUST%202019doc.pdf. Knowledge examination and assessment methods at the University of Maribor are regulated by the Statute of the University of Maribor and the Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor, No. A4/2009-41AG (University of Maribor Journal, No. XXVII-6-2009); Amendments to the Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor, No. A4/2009-41AG (University of Maribor Journal, No. XXVIII-7-2010); Amendments to the Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor, No. A4/2009-41AG (University of Maribor Journal, No. XXX-2-2012); Amendments to the Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor, No. A4/2009-41AG (University of Maribor Journal, No. XXXII-5-2014); Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor – unofficial consolidated text (2015); Amendments to the Rules on Examinations and Grading of the University of Maribor, No. A4/2009-41AG (2019): https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/Dopolnitve2013/Pravilnik%20o%20preverjanju%20in%20ocenjevanju%20znanja%20na%20UM%20-%20NPB3,%20AVGUST%202019doc.pdf. Forms and methods of assessment are defined in Article 5 of the Rules on Examinations and Grading. Criteria and methods for knowledge assessment of individual subjects are part of the Subject Specification, and are publicly available on the faculty’s website: https://www.fnm.um.si/index.php/predstavitev-tudija/podiplomski-tudijski-programi/.

The post-graduate study program Physics allows candidates to acquire comprehensive knowledge, skills and working methods in order to be able to analyse and quantitively consider the dynamics and evolution of complex systems across crucial areas of contemporary life which are currently developing or emerging. The objective of the study programme is for the graduate to acquire in-depth knowledge in the most fundamental applicative aspects of physics: analysis of the dynamics of complex systems and econophysics, computer physics, biophysics, physics of soft matter and environmental physics. These fields are in line with the latest market needs and the vision of the development of needs in the future, which gives the study program a mark of an application-oriented contemporary programme, adapted to wider market needs. In addition to educating students for academic positions, graduates will be equipped to find employment in industrial applicative research, development and implementation of new technologies, process techniques, control systems, cybernetics, automatization, industrial development projects, applications of econophysics in the field of managing and controlling complex enterprise systems in economy, banking and insurance. Graduates will also be able to take part in interdisciplinary projects from the fields of present-day telecommunication and information systems, and participate in the research of complex systems in medicine, diagnostics, and pharmacy. Each of the study units of the program has its specific objectives to be acquired by the students. The achievement of learning objectives is verified by means of written and oral exams, practical skills testing, seminar presentations, individual work (problem-based learning), and by means of laboratory work logbooks in practical laboratory work, where the adequate performance of laboratory work is also verified.

- the ability of systemic thinking which allows the graduate integration into and management of interdisciplinary teams to address complex systems in various areas of natural sciences, banking, insurance, solving environmental problems, - bility to analyse complex systems, which is the basis for understanding the functioning of systems in nature, the environment and in society, - the ability of qualitative and quantitative description of the structure and dynamics of a complex system with a view to predicting the further development of the system, which allows anticipation of the consequences resulting from different influences on the system and thus actual problems in nature, the environment and in society, - thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of physical systems and the application of these skills in other areas - ability to use the knowledge in practice, - solving professional and work problems through seeking sources of knowledge and the use of scientific methods, - knowledge of experimental and other methods of testing scientific theories, - professional criticism, responsibility, initiative and autonomy in decision-making and management of more demanding work, - cooperation and work in teams (also internationally).

- in-depth knowledge and understanding of physical systems, - knowledge and understanding of the basic physical concepts and their use in the interpretation of natural phenomena and developments in the environment, - knowledge of the relationships between physical systems with other systems in nature and society, - understanding and solving complex physical problems at the qualitative and quantitative level, - application of approaches of scientific thinking into quantitative problem solving in nature, the environment and in society, - capacity for safe field and laboratory experimentation, ability of risk assessment, knowledge of security regulations and conduct in accordance with those regulations, - display and interpretation of experimental data and connecting them with theory, assessment of accuracy of the measured quantities, - developing computational problem-solving skills and the ability of assessing order of sizes and units of results, - organization and management of projects, team and laboratory work, - integration of macroscopic and microscopic interpretation of phenomena, - knowledge and understanding of the impact of physics on the development of technology and engineering, - understanding of environmental issues and the importance of physics in the prevention and reduction of pollution.

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Physics: - A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: physics (0533), teacher training with subject specialisation – only physics (0114), or earth sciences – only meteorology (0532). - A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: engineering and engineering trades (071), chemistry (0531), earth sciences – other than meteorology (0532), or building and civil engineering (0732). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall fulfil the following study obligations corresponding to 15 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: the Modern Physics (8 ECTS) and System Dynamics Modelling (7 ECTS) courses. - A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in the following fields: biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), mathematics and statistics (054), or Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (061). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall fulfil the following study obligations corresponding to 41 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: the Mechanics (7 ECTS), Thermodynamics (5 ECTS), Electromagnetism (7 ECTS), Oscillation and Waves (7 ECTS), Modern Physics (8 ECTS), and System Dynamics Modelling (7 ECTS) courses. - An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: physics (0533) or earth sciences – only meteorology (0532). - An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: engineering and engineering trades (071), chemistry (0531), earth sciences – other than meteorology (0532), or building and civil engineering (0732). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall fulfil the following study obligations corresponding to 15 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: the Modern Physics (8 ECTS) and System Dynamics Modelling (7 ECTS) courses. - An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), mathematics and statistics (054), or Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (061). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall fulfil the following study obligations corresponding to 41 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: the Mechanics (7 ECTS), Thermodynamics (5 ECTS), Electromagnetism (7 ECTS), Oscillation and Waves (7 ECTS), Modern Physics (8 ECTS), and System Dynamics Modelling (7 ECTS) courses. - An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: physics (0533), teacher training with subject specialisation – only physics (0114), or earth sciences – only meteorology (0532). Candidates are typically awarded up to 60 ECTS credits and may enrol in the second year of study provided they satisfy the transfer criteria laid down in the accredited study programme. - A specialisation following an undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: physics (0533) or earth sciences – only meteorology (0532). Candidates are typically awarded up to 60 ECTS credits and may enrol in the second year of study provided they satisfy the transfer criteria laid down in the accredited study programme.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of available positions, candidates shall be ranked according to grade point average (100%).

According to the Criteria for transitions, a transfer to the 2nd Cycle Study Programme Physics is possible for candidates enrolled in the study programmes from the fields of Physics, Educational Physics, Physics and Astronomy, Meteorology, and Biophysics, who ensure the acquisition of comparable competences at the end of their studies, and for whom at least half of the ECTS obligations from the first study programme are recognised according to the Criteria for recognition, whereby these obligations are related to the obligatory courses of the second study programme.

Students of 2nd Cycle Study Programmes can obtain full recognition of the knowledge and skills acquired through various forms of formal education before enrolment, which the student demonstrates with relevant qualifications (certificates, degrees, diplomas and other documents). The recognition process shall take into account the following criteria: the assessment of the achieved knowledge and skills must be based on the educational goals of the study program; the relevant skills must be properly documented and at an appropriate level of complexity; the acquired knowledge and skills are recognized regardless of where and when the student acquired them. The process of identification, verification and recognition of knowledge and skills entails the submission of an application, amendments to the application, consideration of the application at the competent authority of the member faculty, the issuing of a decision, and the procedure for the appeal of a candidate against the issued decision. The faculty recognises the knowledge and skills of the candidates if, in terms of their scope, content and complexity, these correspond fully or partially to the general or subject-specific competences determined by the study programme in which the candidates wish to enrol or are enrolled. Recognition of knowledge and skills is defined in the RULES ON THE RECOGNITION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN THE STUDY PROGRAMMES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARIBOR No. 012/2019/2: https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/GlavniDokumenti2013/Pravilnik%20o%20priznavanju%20znanj%20in%20spretnosti%20v%20%C5%A1tudijskih%20programih%20UM%20%C5%A1t.%20012-2019-2.pdf.

The student completes his/her studies once they have completed their obligations laid down with the curriculum, written and successfully defended their master's thesis, and collected a total of at least 120 ECTS.