Abstract:

There is a paradox: the people are interested in Science especially at the huge natural catastrophes (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami waves, nuclear accidents). Other problems are related to the fact that the young people chose mainly carriers outside the scientific fields. Therefore, it is interesting to analyze the profile of the student at the Sciences faculties, in particular, at the faculties of Physics. In this work we present the profile of the student at the second Bologna cycle’, master studies, at the Faculty of Physics from the University of Bucharest, Romania.

In agreement with the Bologna system, master studies have two academic years duration, and they are in deep connection with the seven specializations at the Doctoral School in Physics. It is important to stress that the Doctoral School in Physics has a special direction for Education in Physics.

Who is the master student at the faculty of Physics? First of all he/she is a graduate of one of the faculties of Physics from Romania or abroad, interested in a good education in selected field, as well a performing institution, recognize at the national and international level. A few of them are graduates of the Applied Sciences, Electronics and Computers, Material Sciences, Space Sciences etc from the technical universities, as Mathematics and Informatics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology and Biology from the “classical” universities. Sometimes, graduates from “exotic” fields” like Law, Economics and Administration, Theology etc.

Why did they select master studies in Physics? Almost 70% from these mentioned passion for Science and/or scientific interests. 15%, mainly those coming from other field mentioned the requests of the labour market. Others mentioned the enlargement of the knowledge areas, scientific curiosity and academic interest.

The ages of the applicants are, in a large majority, between 22 and 30 years, only a few having over 30 years. Initial tests – at the beginning of the first academic year, as well as a final test - at the end of the second academic year prove the performance.
Such studies can help in the evaluation of the attractive degree of the master study programs and in the enlargement of the basis of specialists in different fields.

Keywords:

Education in Physics, Bologna system, Physics student profile.