Sciences études

Overview

Your bachelor's program begins with a solid foundation in general physics. 

It then gradually moves on to more advanced subjects, the instruction for which is largely based on recent advances in research: quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, solid-state physics, nuclear physics, field theory… 

Starting in your first year, you’ll learn to develop experimental skills that will quickly lead you to participate in the activities of the physics department’s research laboratories. 

In addition to physics courses, you’ll receive rigorous training in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. You’ll also develop your proficiency in English to read and write scientific articles. 

A humanities component complements your bachelor’s degree with a historical and philosophical approach to the sciences. 

Your bachelor’s program is both broad and high-level. It provides ideal preparation for master’s studies in physics in Namur or elsewhere in Europe. 

Sciences études

You're off to a good start

  • You are curious and enthusiastic about the phenomena around you; 
  • you feel comfortable with math and science; 
  • you demonstrate rigor and precision; 
  • you have the ability to synthesize information. 

Teaching Methods

Lectures, practice sessions, hands-on exercises, individual and group projects, and innovative teaching methods—we do everything we can to ensure you master the concepts. 

Lectures are illustrated with experiments, multimedia presentations, videos, and more, and are supported by course materials (textbooks, syllabi, etc.). 

Organized in small groups, lab work and exercise sessions introduce you to the rigor and techniques specific to each discipline under the supervision of a teaching assistant. 

To take measurements and interpret them, you’ll learn to work in the lab and use precision instruments and high-performance specialized teaching equipment. This allows you to observe, through experimentation, certain laws or phenomena covered in more theoretical lectures. 

Several professors have implemented “flipped classrooms.” You’ll study the theory at home, and active, interactive instruction takes place in the lecture hall! 

In the first semester of the bachelor’s program, you’ll participate in a “mini-project” in general physics, where you’ll act as young researchers to find a creative solution to a challenge in which technology plays a significant role.  

Sciences études

Finally, the teachers are committed to being available to answer your questions and help you improve. 

Support for Success

Succeeding in a year of university studies involves many challenges. 

To help you overcome them, we support you in developing your academic, methodological, and interpersonal skills—with the help of many professionals. 

Preparatory courses, personalized assistance… Discover the resources available to support your education. 

Learn about resources to help you succeed in physics

After a bachelor's degree: a master's degree

The University of Namur offers:

available immediately after you earn your bachelor’s degree in physics. 

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  • General physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SPHYB124 General physics: Mechanics 60h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB122 Great concerns in Physics 30h th.
    SPHYB126 General physics: Electricity 52h th. + 36h ex.
    SPHYB125 General physics: Optics 22h th. + 14h ex.
    SPHYB229 Wave optics and introduction to photonics 15h th.
    SPHYB230 Electronics 30h th. + 45h ex.
    SPHYB221 Physics: personal project 15h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB205 Thermodynamique (thermodynamics) 30h th.
    SPHYB207 Practical work in general physics 45h ex.
    SPHYB213 Astronomie 15h th.
    SPHYB209_Physique Electrodynamics I 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB303 Electrodynamics II 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB302 Atomic and Molecular Physics 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB305 Nuclear physics 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB307 Mechanics of continuous media 30h th.
    SPHYB309 Solid state physics 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB315 Advanced physics laboratory 60h ex.
    SPHYB317 Introduction to the scientific research 96h ex.

  • Theoretical and mathematical physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SPHYB210 Mathematical physics I 40h th. + 25h ex.
    SPHYB211 Analytical mechanics 45h th. + 45h ex.
    SPHYB206 Quantum mechanics I 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB301 Quantum Mechanics II 45h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB306 Course of Special and General Relativity 30h th.
    SPHYB311 Analytical methods for solving problems in physics 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB319 Quantum mechanics and statistical physics of many-body systems 22.5h th. + 15h ex.

  • Mathematics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SMATB108 Ordinary differential equations 15h th. + 7.5h ex.
    SMATB102_Physique Real analysis II 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB103_Physique Actual analysis 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB101_Physique Linear algebra I 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB107_Physique Algebra and analytical geometry 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB203 Calcul différentiel et intégral II 22.5h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB312 Statistics 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB335 Classical field theory 15h th. + 15h ex.

  • Computing and calculation methods
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SPHYB127 Méthodes de calcul 15h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB128 Introduction to scientific computing 15h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB208 Programmation 15h th. + 45h ex.

  • Multidisciplinary training
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SCHIB111_Physique General chemistry 30h th. + 10h ex.
    SCHIB112_Physique General solution chemistry 25h th. + 8h ex.
    SCHIB220 Physical chemistry 30h th.
    SCHIB210 Introduction to organic materials 15h th.
    SCHIB207_Géologie et Physique Introduction to crystallography 15h th. + 15h ex.

    • Choice of courses
      Left to read
      Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
      1 2 3
      SPHYB333 Introduction to didactics 30h th.
      SBIOB219 Biology 30h th.
      SGOGB314_Physique Physical Partim : Climatology 30h th.
      SGOLB313_Bac Math et Physique Geophysics 15h th. + 15h ex.

  • Humanities
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SSPSB101 Philosophical questions 22h th. + 7h ex.
    SSPSB102_Bloc1 Religious Studies: Anthropology, Metaphysics and Science 30h th.
    SSPSB203 Psychology 22.5h th.

    • Choice of courses
      Left to read
      Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
      1 2 3
      SSPSB204 Logic and argumentation 22.5h th.
      SSPSB202 History of science 22.5h th.
      SSPSB203 Psychology 22.5h th.
      SSPSB102 Religious Studies: Anthropology, Metaphysics and Science 30h th.
      SSPSB308 Philosophy of science 15h th.
      SSPSB309 Ethical 15h th.
      SSPSB307 Formal logic 15h th.

  • Language
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SCDLB105 Introduction to Scientific English (level B1 and above) 30h th.
    SCDLB205 English II (level B1 and above) 30h th.
    SCDLB305 English III (level B2 minimum) 30h th.

  • Optional internship
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Th.+Ex. Credits/Block
    1 2 3
    SBIOB003 Pluridisciplinary scientific field trip 48h th. + 48h ex.
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  • General physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB124 General physics: Mechanics 8 60h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB122 Great concerns in Physics 3 15h th. 15h th.
    SPHYB126 General physics: Electricity 8 52h th. + 36h ex.
    SPHYB125 General physics: Optics 3 22h th. + 14h ex.

  • Mathematics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SMATB108 Ordinary differential equations 2 15h th. + 7.5h ex.
    SMATB102_Physique Real analysis II 5 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB103_Physique Actual analysis 5 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB101_Physique Linear algebra I 4 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SMATB107_Physique Algebra and analytical geometry 4 30h th. + 30h ex.

  • Computing and calculation methods
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB127 Méthodes de calcul 2 15h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB128 Introduction to scientific computing 3 7.5h th. + 15h ex. 7.5h th. + 15h ex.

  • Multidisciplinary training
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SCHIB111_Physique General chemistry 3 30h th. + 10h ex.
    SCHIB112_Physique General solution chemistry 3 25h th. + 8h ex.

  • Humanities
    Students must choose one course between SSPSB203 “Psychology” and SSPSB102 “Religious Studies: Anthropology, Metaphysics and Science”. SSPSB101 “Philosophical questions” remains mandatory.
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SSPSB101 Philosophical questions 2 22h th. + 7h ex.
    SSPSB102_Bloc1 Religious Studies: Anthropology, Metaphysics and Science 2 30h th.
    SSPSB203 Psychology 2 22.5h th.

  • Language
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SCDLB105 Introduction to Scientific English (level B1 and above) 3 15h th. 15h th.
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  • General physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB229 Wave optics and introduction to photonics 2 15h th.
    SPHYB230 Electronics 5 30h th. + 45h ex.
    SPHYB221 Physics: personal project 3 15h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB205 Thermodynamique (thermodynamics) 3 30h th.
    SPHYB207 Practical work in general physics 3 45h ex.
    SPHYB213 Astronomie 2 7.5h th. 7.5h th.
    SPHYB209_Physique Electrodynamics I 4 30h th. + 15h ex.

  • Theoretical and mathematical physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB210 Mathematical physics I 5 40h th. + 25h ex.
    SPHYB211 Analytical mechanics 7 30h th. + 15h ex. 15h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB206 Quantum mechanics I 5 30h th. + 15h ex.

  • Mathematics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SMATB203 Calcul différentiel et intégral II 5 22.5h th. + 30h ex.

  • Computing and calculation methods
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB208 Programmation 4 15h th. + 15h ex. 30h ex.

  • Multidisciplinary training
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SCHIB220 Physical chemistry 3 30h th.
    SCHIB210 Introduction to organic materials 2 15h th.
    SCHIB207_Géologie et Physique Introduction to crystallography 2 15h th. + 15h ex.

  • Humanities

    • Choice of courses
      Left to read
      Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
      1 2
      SSPSB204 Logic and argumentation 2 22.5h th.
      SSPSB202 History of science 2 22.5h th.
      SSPSB203 Psychology 2 22.5h th.
      SSPSB102 Religious Studies: Anthropology, Metaphysics and Science 2 30h th.

  • Language
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SCDLB205 English II (level B1 and above) 3 15h th. 15h th.

  • Optional internship
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SBIOB003 Pluridisciplinary scientific field trip 3 48h th. + 48h ex.
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  • General physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB303 Electrodynamics II 5 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB302 Atomic and Molecular Physics 4 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB305 Nuclear physics 4 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB307 Mechanics of continuous media 3 30h th.
    SPHYB309 Solid state physics 4 30h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB315 Advanced physics laboratory 7 60h ex.
    SPHYB317 Introduction to the scientific research 4 96h ex.

  • Theoretical and mathematical physics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SPHYB301 Quantum Mechanics II 6 45h th. + 30h ex.
    SPHYB306 Course of Special and General Relativity 3 30h th.
    SPHYB311 Analytical methods for solving problems in physics 3 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB319 Quantum mechanics and statistical physics of many-body systems 3 22.5h th. + 15h ex.

  • Mathematics
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SMATB312 Statistics 3 30h th. + 15h ex.
    SPHYB335 Classical field theory 3 15h th. + 15h ex.

  • Multidisciplinary training

    • Choice of courses
      Left to read
      Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
      1 2
      SPHYB333 Introduction to didactics 3 30h th.
      SBIOB219 Biology 3 30h th.
      SGOGB314_Physique Physical Partim : Climatology 3 30h th.
      SGOLB313_Bac Math et Physique Geophysics 3 15h th. + 15h ex.

  • Humanities

    • Choice of courses
      Left to read
      Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
      1 2
      SSPSB308 Philosophy of science 2 15h th.
      SSPSB309 Ethical 2 15h th.
      SSPSB307 Formal logic 2 15h th.

  • Language
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SCDLB305 English III (level B2 minimum) 3 15h th. 15h th.

  • Optional internship
    Left to read
    Code Name Staff Credits Hours/Quarter
    1 2
    SBIOB003 Pluridisciplinary scientific field trip 3 48h th. + 48h ex.

Careers for Physicists

Métiers des physiciens

Physicists' professions

A wide range of skills

Thanks to their multidisciplinary training—physics, mathematics, computer science, materials science, physical chemistry, modeling, and data analysis—physicists possess a versatile and highly sought-after skill set. They have access to a wide range of careers, spanning scientific, technological, and cross-functional fields:

  • Industry and R&D: development of innovative materials, quality control, instrumentation, industrial processes, and the energy sector.
  • Hospital and biomedical sectors: medical radiophysics, imaging, biophysics, development of devices and sensors.
  • Digital and data: data analysis, modeling, AI, scientific programming, technology consulting.
  • Finance and insurance: risk management, quantitative modeling, predictive analytics.
  • Environment and energy: air quality, energy transition, renewable energy, environmental monitoring and modeling.
  • Nanotechnology and high technology: quantum devices, advanced optics, micro- and nanofabrication.
  • Research and education: university research, public or private research centers, secondary and higher education.
  • Public sector and institutions: scientific analysis, technical expertise, innovation, energy or environmental policies.

Rigorous, with strong analytical skills, excellent mathematical modeling abilities, and a broad scientific background, physicists contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of applications that benefit humanity.

All these high-value-added skills make physicists highly sought-after professionals in the job market.

Developing industrial applications

In industry, physicists participate in the development of high-tech or highly specialized products (such as energy-saving treated glass, safer sheet metal for the automotive industry, cyclotrons for nuclear medicine, etc.). They also hold key leadership roles downstream from research and development, particularly in production departments.

Computer Science and Telecommunications

A solid background in computer science enables physicists to work in IT services companies (consulting) or in any type of user organization (banks, insurance companies,
etc.). The telecommunications sector, in particular, relies on physicists’ expertise in optics, electronics, and information processing.

Sharing a Passion for the Real World

Among the career paths open to physicists, teaching and the education sector in general remain highly promising. More than 15% of our professionally active graduates share their passion for the real world by teaching physics, as well as science and mathematics, at universities or in upper secondary schools.

Physics and Medicine

In hospital settings, physicists work alongside physicians: they help develop treatment plans for patients receiving nuclear medicine care; they ensure quality control of various medical imaging devices; and they also contribute to the development of new analytical technologies.

Expert Physicists

Government agencies rely on the expertise of physicists. They help shape policies in energy, the environment, space, and other fields, for example by providing advice on research priorities.

Pushing the boundaries of our knowledge

According to a survey of our alumni, about half of recent graduates begin their professional careers with experience in scientific research, primarily in academic settings, in Belgium or abroad. 

Other physicists continue their research work at cutting-edge research institutes in highly specialized fields (such as CENAERO, a center of excellence in aeronautics in Gosselies; CERN, the particle physics laboratory in Geneva; SCK-CEN, the nuclear energy research center in Mol; or the Royal Meteorological Institute).

Testimonials from former students 

The research institute where I work focuses on the composition of our atmosphere and air quality. We develop analytical techniques to continuously
measure the concentration of a series of key atmospheric gases using both satellite and ground-based instruments. These activities are conducted in an international context in collaboration with major European agencies such as the ESA and EUMETSAT. 

Christophe — Institute of Space Aeronomy 

Thanks to the work I completed during my PhD at UNamur and the connections I made, I am now a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in California. My time is divided between lab work, analyzing results, and writing scientific papers or proposals. In the lab, the tasks are varied and include both highly technical and highly specialized aspects, such as laser alignment, sample preparation, and data acquisition. Analyzing results involves, in particular, developing code. 

Frédéric — Lawrence Berkeley National Lab 

At UNamur, I gained a solid background in physics as well as a passion for optical phenomena in living organisms, such as their coloration. I am currently conducting
research on the fluorescence of beetles and butterflies. This research is interdisciplinary and allows me to work not only with physicists, but also with biologists, chemists, and engineers. The goal is to understand the influence of color on the behavior of living organisms in order to develop new technological applications inspired by nature.

Sébastien — University of Exeter in the United Kingdom 

After completing my PhD at UNamur, where I gained solid multidisciplinary knowledge, I spent two years doing postdoctoral research at a marine biology institute in San Diego. Now, I work as a business consultant across all areas: market research, sales and procurement reorganization, and support for tenders. 

Annick — H & Z