The Curriculum for Master of Science in Engineering (Physics and Technology)

The purpose of the master's programme is to

• extend students' professional knowledge and competences and increase their theoretical and methodical qualifications and level of independent work beyond the level attained at the bachelor level.

• provide students with the opportunity for in-depth academic study via the use of advanced elements of the disciplines and methods of the academic area, including training in scientific work and methodology to develop the student's competences to perform more specialised vocational functions and participate in scientific development work, and

• to qualify the student for further education, including PhD programmes, cf. the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at Universities.

The master's programme is an independent, complete educational programme, which extends the competence and insights acquired by the student during the bachelor programme.

The master's programme aims to qualify the student to solve complex technical problems, design and implement complex technological products and systems in a social context. The contents of the master's programme aim to provide the student with advanced professional competences within the chosen discipline of engineering and options for further specialisation.

The master's programme is a full-time programme which is rated at 120 ECTS points, corresponding to the work of a full-time student for 22 months; for programmes starting in the spring semester, however, the duration is 24 months. The programme consists of constituent course elements related to the programme's specific professional competences and identity, elective courses and a Master's thesis. 

Graduates with a bachelor degree that includes knowledge and competences similar to those acquired vi a bachelor programme in technical science or engineering are entitled to use the Danish title of civilingeniør, cand.polyt., followed by the title of the specific programme. The English version of the title is Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering - followed by the title of the specific programme.  

The Engineering Education Model of the University of Southern Denmark (DSMI)

The bachelor and master's programmes within the scientific area of engineering are research-based full-degree programmes which qualify the students to independently perform vocational functions on the basis of knowledge and methodical skills within their professional area.

All programmes at the University of Southern Denmark are structured in accordance with the university's leading principles for programmes. For engineering programmes, the principles are put into practice in the educational concept 'The Engineering Education Model of the University of Southern Denmark' or, in Danish, 'Den Syddanske Model for Ingeniøruddannelser', in the following referred to by its official abbreviation, DSMI.

By offering and implementing engineering programmes based on DSMI, the university ensures that engineers who have recently graduated from the university have a high professional standard, based on their mastery of a range of core skills which are in high demand on the labour market as well as in the research community.

A summary of the main points of the education concept is shown below - the complete description of DSMI is available in electronic form at the Faculty's website.

Content and Competences

• Professional skills are at the centre of the educational activities, and all engineering programmes at the University of Southern Denmark are therefore rooted in research and development environments of a high international standard. Research and development-based tuition is provided at all programme levels to accommodate both the needs of fundamental research and the requirements of practical applied science in close collaboration with business and industry.

• The programmes aim to foster modern, dyed-in-the-wool engineers. The learning and evaluation environment is therefore based on activating tuition and active learning that stimulates students to think and work in a problem-focused, project-oriented and cross-disciplinary manner. Assignments are accomplished both in teams and independently, and the focus is on innovation and reflection.

• The programmes are designed to mature students to perform assignments in an international context. During the course of their studies, students experience an environment characterised by international teachers and researchers and fellow students from many countries. The programme framework is organised in such a way as to provide good opportunities to study abroad and students enrolled on study programmes offered in Danish, will be required to attend courses conducted in English.

• Bachelors from the University of Southern Denmark will have worked in project groups across language and cultural differences.

• To enhance the graduates' labour market value immediately after graduation, the study programmes incorporate a high level of business relevance. Collaboration with private organisations guarantees that the students' professional competences are put to regular use in a concrete, contemporary context.

• In the course of their studies, Bachelors from the University of Southern Denmark will have performed project work in collaboration with external organisations.

• All students are encouraged to think and practise entrepreneurship via a learning and evaluation environment designed to stimulate student enterprise, creativity and responsibility. 

• Corporate and business understanding are integral elements of the teaching of the Bachelor programmes at the University of Southern Denmark.

• Bachelors from the University of Southern Denmark have participated in interdisciplinary collaboration projects organised on the basis of a principle of 'Experts in Team Innovation'. This means that the student collaborates with students from other engineering disciplines or other study programmes on the solution of a complex, interdisciplinary problem in close collaboration with an external organisation.

Structure and Learning Environment

• In the practical planning of the programme content, significant emphasis has been placed on ensuring that the forms of tuition and examination are both relevant and contemporary and support students' acquisition of core skills. In doing so, efforts are made to proviede a highly dynamic study environment, where each individual student is expected to play an active role and assume responsibility for his or her own learning. The student will 'learn to learn' so that he or she will later be able to quickly embrace new and complex problems, just as the student will be encouraged throughout the programme to practise both independent and co-operative thinking. 

• In order to strengthen both the professional contemplation and application of acquired skills as well as the individual's continued motivation for developing professionally and personally on a labour market characterised by rapid change, the educational concept deliberately seeks to integrate both specific technical and broader general engineering skills. 

• With DSMI, the University of Southern Denmark offers an attractive and relevant study programme with good immediate work prospects. The keywords are activating tuition and active learning put into practice through project-oriented collaboration and problem-based learning. The purpose is to foster dyed-in-the-wool engineers with a high level of professional skills and the optimum basis for continued personal and professional development.

• BSc in Engineering (Physics and Technology) – University of Southern Denmark

The university has assessed that the below degrees qualify for admission:

• BSc in Physics – University of Southern Denmark

If your degree is not on the above lists, please refer to the specific entry requirements in the below paragraph. 

To be considered for admission applicants must have a relevant bachelor of science degree, bachelor of science in engineering degree, or bachelor of engineering degree. 

For a degree to be relevant it must be in the subject area of electrical engineering, mechatronics or physics and cover the below criteria: 

• Basic subjects in mathematics (mathematics, statistics and signal processing): minimum 30 ECTS 
  
• Basic subjects in physics and technology (mechanics, electronics, electro magnetism, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, optic): minimum 45 ECTS

Note that for specific courses to be included in the assessment, they must have been passed as part of or during the bachelor’s degree. Should the constituent courses of the bachelor’s degree not meet all the entry requirements, it is possible to acquire the necessary skills during the bachelor’s degree through elective courses (either as part of your degree or simultaneously with your bachelor’s degree). It is also possible to meet the requirements through supplementary courses after completing the bachelor’s degree. You can supplement your bachelor’s degree with up to 5 ECTS during the first semester of the master’s programme and up to 10 ECTS before study start. For details, please refer to the below paragraph. 

Admission with a foreign degree 

Language requirements 

English B from a Danish High School with a minimum grade of 2.0 (Danish 7 point grading scale) or an IELTS or TOEFL test with a minimum result of 6.5 in the IELTS test or a minimum result of 88 in the TOEFL test.

Applicants from a country within the European Union or the EEA may not be required to pass an IELTS or a TOEFL test, if they can document that their level of English corresponds with English at B level. The course must be passed with a grade equivalent to a minimum of 2.0 on the Danish grading scale.

For further details, please refer to the University website.

Supplementary courses passed before completing the bachelor’s degree

Other supplementary courses 

Topics

The programme consists of the following academic topics

Optics

• Laser Physics and Laser Technology
• Advanced Physical Optics
• Optical Systems Design
• Nanooptics

Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering

• Solid State Physics
• Quantum Engineering
• Micro- and Nanofabrication
• Computational Physics
• Atomic Physics, Light-Matter Interaction and Spectroscopy

Sensor Technology

• Statistical Signal Processing
• Sensor and Measurement Technology
• Mechanical Vibrations
  

Structure of the Programme

4th semester: Master's Thesis*

3rd semester: Microtechnology, Quantum Technology, Nanooptics, thesis preparatory electives and opportunity for In-company Project

2nd semester: Nanofabrication, Advanced Physical Optics, Optical Systems Design, Computional Physics, and elective course

1st semester: Statistical Signal Processing, Vibrations and Sensor Technology, Laser Technology, Atomic Physics, Solid State Physics

 * If the master’s thesis is experimental, the student may choose to spend the 10 ECTS electives on the 3rd semester on the thesis work. The master’s thesis will then be extended to 40 ECTS. 

Description of the semesters

1st semester 

SEMESTER THEME

Statistical Signal Processing, Vibrations and Sensor Technology, Laser Physics and Technology, Atomic Physics, Solid State Physics.

VALUE ARGUMENT 

A common frame of reference for graduates in Physics and Technology is to, on a scientific basis, analyse and model physical systems and measurement data in relation to design and realisation of sensor systems. In addition, the understanding and application of coherent laser lights and atomic physics is a significant precondition for the study of optical sensors and systems.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

Students can: 

• explain and apply knowledge of stochastic processes as the basis of practical application and scientific analysis
• experimentally determine characteristics of a sensor system including signal adaption circuits and data acquisition hardware
• characterise and design sensor devices with specified properties, which are optimised by, e.g., the use of statistical signal processing. 
• perform optical experiments using laser technology, including understand the critical laser parameters important in practical applications
• explain and describe vibrations of complex mechanical systems as well as perform computer based modelling and analysis of mechanical vibrations
• apply the formalism of quantum mechanics to describe atomic and photonic systems and their interactions
• quantum mechanically explain theoretical models for the characteristics of condensed matter as well as apply these models to calculate mechanical, thermodynamic and electrical characteristics of condensed matter

MODULES

The semester includes the following constituent, compulsory modules, 30 ECTS: 

• Statistical Signal Processing (T470036101) (5 ECTS)
• Vibrations and Sensor Technology (T470022101) (10 ECTS)
• Laser Physics and Technology (T470005101) (5 ECTS)
• FY541: Atomic Physics (N500041101) (5 ECTS)
  
• FY837: Solid State Physics (N510048101) (5 ECTS)

STRUCTURE

Together the modules provide the basis for further studies on the second semester.

The courses T470022101, T470005101 and N500041101 include experimental studies which are carried out in project groups.

2nd semester

SEMESTER THEME

Advanced Physical Optics, Optical System Engineering, Computational Physics, Nanofabrication Technology and elective course.

VALUE ARGUMENT 

A common frame of reference for the master students in Physics and Technology is to, on a scientific basis, apply theory, methods and practice in advanced optics and optical systems design. A significant competence is the ability to understand and apply numerical methods in the form of software to model and simulate physical effects in specific designs and components – also where more physical effects are coupled to each other. Thorough knowledge of and skills in manufacturing and characterisation techniques within nanotechnology allow students to realise nanostructures and components with specific characteristics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

Students can: 

• explain and apply theory of the diffraction, polarisation and coherence of light and explain the technological applications of light characteristics and transformation of optical systems, non-linear effects in optical materials, fibre optics and optical detectors.
• set up, implement, evaluate and conclude on practical experiments in relation to linear and non-linear optical effects
• apply numerical methods and software to solve partial differential equations (PDE) from practical engineering physical problems, including apply simulation tools to support modelling and simulation of physical effects in specific designs and components – also when more physical effects couples to each other (multi physics)
• design and realise a composite optical sensor system, including the selection of components and analysis of system performance
• design, manufacture and characterise nanocomponents using state-of-the-art process technology and characterisation techniques

MODULES

 The semester includes the following constituent, compulsory modules, 25 ECTS: 

• Advanced Physical Optics (T470017101) (10 ECTS)
• Optical System Engineering (T470013101) (5 ECTS)
  
• Computational Physics (T470018101) (5 ECTS)
• Nanofabrication Technology (T470025101) (5 ECTS)

In addition, the semester includes elective courses of 5 ECTS.

STRUCTURE

Together the modules provide the basis for further specialisation on the last two semesters.

The courses T470017101, T470013101 and T470025101 include experimental studies which are carried out in project groups.

3rd semester

SEMESTER THEME

Microtechnology and Device Fabrication, Nano Optics, Quantum Engineering, thesis preparatory activities and opportunity for In-company Project.

VALUE ARGUMENT

The course in Microtechnology and Device Fabrication improves and expands skills and competences in nanotechnological fabrication and characterisation techniques. In contemporary optics nanooptics is an important subject which concerns itself with how metallic nanostructures can be applied to manipulate light on a nanometre scale, far below the diffraction limit as well as to invent new applications in nano-phonic devices and sensors. Moreover, quantum technology and individual study activities will constitute a necessary link and basis from the mandatory constituent, compulsory subjects to the final thesis work. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

Students can: 

• design, make and characterise micro components and systems using state-of-the-art process technology and characterisation techniques
• explain quantum mechanical characteristics for nanoelectronic and nanophysical components (quantum wires and quantum dots) as well as apply them
• explain how the physical characteristics of materials and devices change when dimensions are reduced and how these functionalities can be applied in new materials and devices
• study theoretical and practical subjects in contemporary plasmon technology 
• added to that are learning objectives obtained in the elective courses, individual study activities, and thesis preparatory activities.

MODULES 

The semester includes the following constituent, compulsory modules, 15 ECTS:

• Microtechnology and Device Fabrication (T470030101) (5 ECTS)
• Nano Optics (T470008101) (5 ECTS)
• Quantum Engineering (T470021101) (5 ECTS)

In addition, the semester includes elective courses of 15 ECTS. 

Should the student choose to write a 40 ECTS thesis, the thesis work will start in the 3rd semester where it will replace elective courses of 10 ECTS.  

STRUCTURE

The semester modules and elective activities form the individual basis for the final specialisation.

Elective activities could be individual activities, thesis preparatory activities or an In-company Project. 

STUDY ABROAD 

Students are encouraged to spend third semester at a university abroad, provided the courses are ap-proved by the Academic Study Board of the Faculty of Engineering.

4th semester

SEMESTER THEME

Master's Thesis. 

During the 4th semester, the student will prepare a 30 ECTS thesis, or continue the work on a 40 ECTS thesis. 

VALUE ARGUMENT

The thesis is a project that documents the student’s engineering competences, skills and knowledge within a limited, relevant and engineering-specific subject.

The problem can be addressed from a theoretical, experimental or practical starting point.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

Students can: 

• explain relevant engineering knowledge based on the highest international research in the subject area
• explain and critically reflect on relevant knowledge in the subject area  
• identify relevant scientific problems in the subject area 
• evaluate, select from and apply scientific methods, tools and skills in the subject area
• develop new analysis models and approaches
• explain and discuss relevant professional and scientific problems
• manage work and development situations that are complex, unpredictable and require new approaches
• independently initiate and implement disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility
• independently take responsibility for their own professional development and specialisation 
• disseminate research-based technical knowledge
• express themselves in writing in a clear and understandable language.

MODULES 

• Master's Thesis - 30 ECTS (T470011101) or
• Master's Thesis - 40 ECTS (T470019101)

The module is compulsory.

An exam is passed when the student has attained the assessment 'Passed' or the grade 02 or higher. 

The Master's degree is successfully completed once the student has passed all the exams on the study programme. 

Examinations Abroad

The Faculty of Engineering can grant dispensation to take examinations at a Danish representation or other site abroad, when there are exceptional circumstances that prevent the student from taking the examination(s) in Denmark. 

The student is responsible for all practical arrangements related to the examination.

All costs linked to holding the examination, cancellation of the examination due to illness (if applicable) and problems with connecting to the system, etc., for which SDU cannot be held liable, shall be paid by the student. SDU can require the costs to be covered in advance.

There is a a study start examination included in all Master’s programmes. Precise information about the study start examination can be found in the course description 

The student has two examination attempts to pass the study start examination. 

A re-enrolled or re-matriculated student must re-do and pass the study start examination again, regardless of whether they have passed the study start examination in connection with the previous enrolment or not, A student who has changed their study programme (special admission) is exempted from the study start examination .

If warranted by exceptional circumstances, the Academic Study Board may grant dispensation from the rules on the study start examination. 

The assessment of the Master’s thesis must in addition to the technical content, address the student's spelling and language proficiency.

The wording of the Master’s Thesis may have a positive or negative impact on the overall grade.

The Academic Study Board may grant dispensation from the above spelling and wording requirements for students who can document that they suffer from a relevant impairment. However, all deliveries and reports must be written in a concise and easily understandable language. 

Examinations are either external or internal. 

Internal examinations are assessed by one or more teachers at the university. 

External examinations are assessed by the teacher(s) and one or more external examiners appointed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. 

External examinations must cover the most important components of the programme, including the Master's Thesis. 

At least one-third of the programme's total number of ECTS points must be documented by external assessment. However, this does not apply to credits transferred. 

For study programmes offered in English, the examination language is English. The Academic Study Board may grant dispensation from this rule. 

The programme includes a variety of forms for tuition and examination to reflect the content and working methods of the tuition provided. In addition, the tuition is based on group work and multidisciplinarity as well as application-oriented and research-based teaching. 

Participation in Group Assignments 
The student is required to participate actively in group assignments.  

Students who have been excluded from a group or who are not part of a group must apply for a dispensation in order to be permitted to write a group product alone.  

Disciplinary action can be used in situations of exam irregularities or disruptive behaviour at examinations, cf. Rules regarding Disciplinary Measures for Students at the University of Southern Denmark.  

The Acacemic Study Board may grant dispensations from the regulated examination conditions for students with physical or mental impairments, provided that it finds this necessary in order to place such students on an equal footing with others during the examination. It is a condition that the alteration does not imply a change of the academic level of the examination. 

In the case of chronic impairments, the Academic Study Board may approve that the special examination conditions apply throughout the Master’s study programme. In order to ensure the timely processing of the applications, the application deadline for special examination conditions is 1 October for the winter examination period and 1 March for the summer examination period.  

The diploma will not include any information on special examination conditions. 

Examinations are arranged as individual or group examinations. The student’s performance must always be assessed individually, and the grades are individual. 

The course description specifies the maximum number of students who can participate in a group examination.  

It is not possible to choose an individual examination instead of a group examination, unless this is specified in the course description, the Master’s thesis being an exception from this rule. 

Students who did not pass the ordinary examination and students who were registered for tuition but have failed to attend the ordinary examination, can register for re-examination.  

Re-examinations areheld during the same examination period as the ordinary examination. The examination period for the autumn semester is 2 January - 28/29 February and for the spring semester 1 June - 31 August. In some cases, examinations can also be held in December and May. Examinations are not held in July, unless warranted by special circumstances. 

The student must register for re-examination via Student Self-service, https://sso.sdu.dk in the following period: 

• 1 - 20 January for re-examination in the winter examination period (=February) 
• 1 - 20 June for re-examination in the summer examination period (=August) 

Students cannot withdraw from registration for re-examination, and it will count as a failed examination attempt if the student does not take the examination unless the Academic Study Board has granted dispensation from this rule. 

Re-examination may take a different form of examination or assessment than the ordinary examination. The changed examination form as well as the conditions for this can be seen in the relevant course description. The form of examination for the Master’s Thesis, however, cannot be changed. 

Consequences for not having passed an exam by 2nd attempt 

If the student does not attend or pass the ordinary examination and/or the relevant re-exam, the student can register for the examination the next time the course is offered.  

If the student failed an examination on the 2nd attempt on a course offered by the Faculty of Engineering, the student must participate in the course and re-submit all assignments prior to the next ordinary examination (3rd examination attempt), unless the course is no longer offered. The Academic Study Board can grant dispensation from this rule.  

A passed examination cannot be retaken. 

A student has three attempts to pass an examination. The study start examination and supplementary courses in connection with admission to Master's programmes constitute an exception to this rule.  

If warranted by extraordinary circumstances, the Academic Study Board may grant additional examination attempts. The question of academic ability cannot be considered in assessing whether or not such extraordinary circumstances exist. This is not valid for the study start examination. 

If a student is re-matriculated on the same study programme, previous exam attempts will be transferred, if the courses are identical.  

Examination Requirements in Case of Used Examination Attempts 

All written examinations are digital.

The University can decide that an examination is held virtually. The University shall ensure that all the security measures correspond to those, that are valid for the corresponding exams held physically.  

Information about allowed aids can be found in the course descriptions, the semester plans or in Digital Eksamen. The use of generative AI in connection with written on-campus exams at the Faculty of Engineering is prohibited. This also applies to written on-campus exams with all aids allowed, unless the examinator has stated otherwise. The use of generative AI is comparable to getting help to solve the examination question/task. 

The use of AI in connection with home assignments and projects, including the Master’s Thesis, at the Faculty of Engineering is allowed, provided that the student follow good academic practice, so there can be no doubt as to who is the originator of the output. 

The use of sound and image recordings during an examination is not allowed, unless such recordings are part of the examination procedure. If so, such recordings will be made by the university. 

Students who wish to take course elements from a different course or at another institute of higher education in Denmark or abroad as part of their study programme can apply to the Academic Study Board for pre-approved credit transfers for planned course elements. 

Students who wish to take on student exchange abroad for at least a semester, must have passed courses corresponding to at least 30 ECTS points on the respective master's programme at the time they apply for the pre-approval of credit transfer. Furthermore, the student exchange may not lead to an extension of the student's study period. 

The Academic Study Board must have pre-approved credits for courses offered in the autumn semester and which form part of the student’s pool of electives no later than at the Study Board’s meeting in August. Likewise, the Academic Study Board must have pre-approved credits for courses offered in the spring semester and which form part of the student’s pool of electives no later than at the Study Board’s meeting in January. 

The Academic Study Board must have pre-approved credits for courses offered in the autumn semester and which are to replace constituent courses in the curriculum no later than at the Study Board’s meeting in April. Likewise, The Academic Study Board must have preapproved credit transfer for courses offered in the spring semester and which are to replace constituent subjects in the curriculum no later than at the Study Board’s meeting in November. 

A decision of pre-approval of credit transfer puts the student under the obligation of sending documentation for passed study activities to the Academic Study Board, once the student has passed the courses. 

Students must re-apply for pre-approved credit transfers if they cannot attend one or more of the course elements for which they have obtained pre-approved credit transfers. 

Based on an academic assessment, the Academic Study Board may allow credit transfers for courses passed in a previous higher education programme in Denmark or abroad.  

In order for a student to be entitled to a Danish diploma and a Danish title, no more than two-thirds of the master's programme can be completed abroad. 

It will not be possible to transfer credits from a Master's thesis forming the basis of a title under one master's programme to a different title under a different master's programme.  

The possibilities of credit transfers will always depend on the Academic Study Board's academic assessment of the level of equivalence between the relevant programme components.  

Credits from previously passed courses can only be transferred if they are at master level.  

Courses which coincide with the contents of obligatory courses of the study programme in question or with any already passed courses in the present study programme, cannot be approved as elective courses or entitle to credit transfers as elective courses in the study programme. Elective courses include all courses approved by the Academic Study Board and which are not compulsory in the study programme in which the student is enrolled. 

Credits are transferred only upon submission of an official, verified (=stamped and signed) transcript of records showing the courses passed by the student. 

Credit transfer with grades is possible only when the previously passed course was graded in accordance with the 7-point grading scale, and provided that there is equivalence between the previously passed course and the course that is to be substituted. Such equivalence must exist both in terms of the technical contents and in terms of the scope of the activity, as measured in ECTS points. 

Course and Exam Registration  
Students must register for tuition and examinations digitally on SDU Student Self Service at https://sso.sdu.dk in compliance with SDU’s rules on registering for courses and examinations.

The application periods are 20 - 30 May for tuition during the autumn semester and 20 - 30 November for tuition during the spring semester. The registration period is published on the website and is sent by e-mail to students’ SDU e-mail addresses. 

Registration for any course (obligatory or elective) involves automatic registration for tuition and the associated ordinary examination. A reexamination is offered in ecach course immediately thereafter.

Registration for both compulsory and elective courses is binding. The Academic Study Board can grant dispensation from this rule, provided that exceptional circumstances apply. 

If the student registers for subjects additional to the 30 new ECTS points per semester, this registration will also be binding and cannot be cancelled.
Students may swap electives within the first three weeks of the start of each semester, provided they have not used any examination attempts in the electives in question. However, courses offered as a part of summer school cannot be swapped to other electives.

Students cannot register for courses beyond the level required to complete the study programme, unless the student in question is enrolled on one of SDU's talent programmes. In such a case, the extent of the programme can only be exceeded by study activities that are part of the talent programme. 

Service registration for courses being phased out 
A student who has sat an exam with out passing it in a course which is being phased out, will be registered for the remaining examination attemps in the course in question, by the University.   

Withdrawal from Tuition and Examinations 
Withdrawal is not permitted and absence from an examination will be considered a failed examination attempt, unless the Academic Study Board grants dispensation for withdrawal. A dispensation requires that there are extraordinary circumstances. The student must have applied for for withdrawal before the exam in question is held. 

Maximum Study Period 
A student must have completed the Master's programme within two-and-a-half years of commencing the programme in compliance with SDU’s Rules on Completion Times for Bachelor, Profession Bachelor or Master’s Programmes. These periods do not include any periods of granted leave.  

If warranted by exceptional circumstances or the student is elite athlete, entrepreneur or a chairman for an organisation under the Danish Youth Council (DUF), the Academic Study Board may grant dispensation from the rules on the maximum study period. 

A student must pass at least one ECTS qualifying examination during a coherent period of at least one year. Should this requirement not be fulfilled, the student's enrollment will be annulled. 

If warranted by exceptional circumstances, the Academic Study Board can grant dispensation from the Study Activity Requirement. 

The Master's thesis accounts for 30 or 40 ECTS points. On some study programmes there is a possibility for a Master’s Thesis on 60 ECTS points. For students admitted on the 4+4 Ph.D programme, the thesis constitutes 45 ECTS points.  

The thesis may be written individually or jointly by two students. The relevant Head of Programme may permit joint completion of a Master's Thesis project by up to three students. 

The thesis must document the student's competences in using scientific theory and methodology in the work with a clearly defined academic subject. The subject of the thesis must be agreed with an academic supervisor.  

A 30 ECTS thesis must be completed in the course of four months, whereas a 40 ECTS of a 60 ECTS thesis must be completed in the course of two full semesters. As a rule, the starting date and deadline for submission of the thesis are the first workday in September, and the month of January, respectively, for theses to be completed in the autumn semester, and the first workday in February, and the month of June, respectively for theses to be completed in the spring semester. In extraordinary circumstances, the Academic Study Board may grant dispensation from the above dates/deadlines.   

The Contract for the Master's thesis must be approved by the academic supervisor, the Head of Programme and the director of studies. A Contract for the Master's Thesis project approved by all the instances mentioned above, may be amended only if dispensation to do so has been granted by the Academic Study Board. Title changes, which do not lead to a delay in the submission date, are approved by the academic supervisor. 

The deadline for submission of the thesis is binding. If the student fails to submit the thesis report within the set deadline, the student loses one examination attempt and the student must enter into a supplementary contract within two weeks of the original submission date. The deadline will be extended by three months from this date, and the formulation of the assignment will be extended by additional deliverables corresponding to three months' work within the original subject area. The deadline can be extended by a further three months, subject to the same conditions. Every time a deadline for submission is exceeded, this will be registered as a used examination attempt. 

If a student does not pass his or her thesis examination, the student is under obligation to enter into a supplementary contract within two weeks of the original examination date. The supplementary contract means that the student shall extend the formulation of the assignment by additional deliverables corresponding to three months’ work within the original subject area. The student is given three months to prepare the thesis after which a new examination will be held. 

In situations when it has not been possible to carry out lab experiments or when collaboration with a company fails, a company goes bankrupt or there are serious problems with empirical date or method selections, etc., the Academic Study Board can decide that the student shall write a new thesis with a new topic and deadline corresponding to the scope of the thesis.  

The Master's thesis must include an abstract. If the thesis is written in English, the abstract may be written in Danish. The abstract forms part of the assessment of the thesis. 

The specific provisions on the Master's thesis are laid down in the course description, which is available via https:/mitsdu.dk. 

The Academic Study Board may grant dispensation to change of profile/specialization. The change of profile/specialization may not lead to an extension of the student’s study period.  

Prior to the enrollment on the PhD programme, the student must be enrolled under a Master of Science in Engineering programme at the University of Southern Denmark and have passed 60 ECTS (=the first two semesters) of the master’s programme. The remaining 60 ECTS consist of: 

• Constituent courses on the 3rd semester of the relevant master programme corresponding to 15 ECTS 
• Master’s Thesis on 45 ECTS points (see  § 7.6 for further information about the thesis). 

The student must have completed the master’s programme within three years of commencing the 4+4 PhD Programme.  

Students may, in agreement with a supervisor, apply to the Academic Study Board for an individual study activity. 

Individual study activities shall include a description of the learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills, competencies and assessment method. 

An individual study activity may not be used to reduce the scope of the study programme and it may not overlap with the contents of the Master's Thesis. 

As a general rule, students cannot combine an individual study activity with a 40 or 60 ECTS Master's Thesis. 

The extent of an individual study activity may not exceed 5 ECTS points and only one individual study activity on a Master’s degree can be approved. The Academic Study Board can, under special circumstances, make an exception to this rule.  

As a general rule, individual study activities can only substitute obligatory courses in situations, where the obligatory course in question no longer is offered, the student has not used examination attempts in the course in question, and it is not possible to take an equivalent course (pre-approval of credit transfer).  

An individual study activity may not be started before it has been approved by the Academic Study Board.  

The University may set restriction of numbers for participants for courses. If there are more registrations in the course than available places, the students who have registered themselves first, will be prioritized. The principles for selection will be stated in the course description.  

Appeals regarding Procedural Matters 
The student is entitled to file a procedural appeal (i.e. concerning whether the matter has been handled in accordance with applicable law and general principles of administrative law) against the university's decisions, including decisions made by the Academic Study Board. Procedural appeals will be presented to the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, by SDU. 

The appeal must be submitted to the University no later than 14 days after the student has been notified of the contested decision. The appeal must be addressed to the secretariat of the Academic Study Board at the Faculty of Engineering and sent to studienaevn@tek.sdu.dk.  

Appeals concerning Credit Transfers and Pre-approval of Credit Transfers - Academic Issues 
Appeals concerning the refusal or partial refusal of 

• pre-approval of credit transfers for courses to be taken in Denmark and abroad, and 
• credit transfers for courses passed in Denmark  

can be submitted to a credit transfer complaints board in accordance with the rules on complaints boards for decisions regarding credit transfers for university programmes (the ministerial order on credit transfer complaints boards). The complaint must be submitted to the secretariat of the Academic Study Board at the Faculty of Engineering (studienaevn@tek.sdu.dk) no later than a fortnight after the student has been notified of the contested decision.  

Appeals concerning the refusal or partial refusal of 

• credit transfers for courses passed abroad  

can be submitted to the Qualifications Board when they related to academic issues in accordance with the Act on the Danish Assessment of Foreign Qualifications, etc. The reasoned complaint must be submitted in writing. The complaint must be addressed to the secretariat of the Academic Study Board at the Faculty of Engineering (studienaevn@tek.sdu.dk) no later than 4 weeks after the student has been notified of the contested decision.  

Upon effective date of the curriculum, earlier curricula will be phased out and the affected courses will be taught and examined for the last time concurrently with the phasing out of the curriculum. For details please refer to the individual course descriptions.  

Students enrolled on earlier curricula will continue on their current curriculum and will not be affected by these changes unless they are behind in their studies and have yet to pass courses that are no longer offered or for some other reason apply for change of curriculum.  

Students enrolled on earlier curricula who do not follow the prescribed course of study will not be offered special teaching. Thus, students who have yet to pass courses that are no longer offered must replace those courses with courses from the new curriculum. Alternatively, students can apply the Academic study board for a transfer to a newer curriculum. 

In cases of re-enrollment the faculty will decide whether the student is enrolled on this curriculum or will continue on his/her original curriculum.  

At the end of a leave of absence the student will be enrolled on his/her original curriculum unless the student applies for a transfer to a newer curriculum.  

Transitional Curriculum Arrangements

When students change curriculum, courses passed will be credit transferred to compulsory courses in the new curriculum according to the below. Only courses completed and passed in their entirety can be transferred.  

Below courses from previous curricula replace courses from this curriculum: 

• Students who have passed the courses Mechanical Vibrations (T470006101) (5 ECTS) and Sensor and Measurement Technology (T470007101) (5 ECTS) can have credits transferred for the course Vibrations and Sensor Technology (T470022101) (10 ECTS). The course Vibrations and Sensor Technology (T470022101) (10 ECTS) is registered as “Passed”. 
• Students who have passed the course FY532: Physics of Condensed Matter 1 (N500010101) (5 ECTS) can have credits transferred for the course FY548: Solid State Physics (N500054101) (5 ECTS). The course FY548: Solid State Physics (N500054101) (5 ECTS) is registered with the mark according to the Danish 7-point scale.
• Students who have passed the course Micro- and Nanofabrication 2 (MC-MICR2U1) (10 ECTS) can have credits transferred for the courses Nanofabrication Technology (T470025101) (5 ECTS) and Microtechnology and Device Fabrication (T470030101) (5 ECTS). The courses Nanofabrication Technology (T470025101) (5 ECTS) and Microtechnology and Device Fabrication (T470030101) (5 ECTS) are registered as “Passed”.
• Students who have passed the course Statistical Signal Processing (T450016101) (5 ECTS) can have credits transferred for the course Statistical Signal Processing (T470036101) (5 ECTS). The course Statistical Signal Processing (T470036101) (5 ECTS) is registered with the mark according to the Danish 7-point scale.
• Students who have passed the course FY548: Solid State Physics (N500054101) (5 ECTS) can have credits transferred for the course FY837: Solid State Physics (N510048101) (5 ECTS). The course FY837: Solid State Physics (N510048101) (5 ECTS) is registered with the mark according to the Danish 7-point scale.