Master in Physics: Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage

Program Overview

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The Master in Physics: Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage is a 2-year programme, taught in English.

A Bachelor degree earned in Physics (possibly with a minor in Mechanics, Material Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Sciences) is required for admission to this programme. The dual focus of this programme makes it as a unique cross–disciplinary master degree programme in the UAE that addresses scientific research subjects relating to cultural heritage. It allows young ambitious students to pursue a scientific career where they will be able to use and develop state-of-the-art instruments in many research activities needed in the UAE and abroad: from purely scientific fields as material physics for research and development and innovation, to more specific cultural heritage sectors such as archaeometric studies, non-destructive characterisation, or preservation processes. The degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris.

The curriculum is taught mainly by Abu Dhabi based faculty members, specialists in their fields, and by visiting professors coming from the Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Archeology and the Department of History of Art and Archeology at Sorbonne University in Paris.

The curriculum is a well-balanced blend of core courses, seminars, lab sessions and projects. It introduces students to a unique assembly of disciplines (Physics, Archeology and History of Art, Data Sciences & Artificial Intelligence) and equips them with a strong background in Non-Destructive Characterisation and its applications in Cultural Heritage or other domains, with methods widely used in many fields, like ultra-sound testing, several spectroscopy techniques, XR and XR Fluorescence analysis or hyperspectral analysis.

During the Long-term project, lead on genuine archeological findings, and the 6-month full time internship, the students are exposed to real-life data challenges associated with their core studies: they build on the skills mastered in the programme, and learn how to manage interdisciplinary collaborations.

Graduates of this programme will have the ability to contribute to R&D projects, and to perform cross-disciplinary and innovative analysis, this makes them excellent candidates for employment in Cultural Heritage, Archeology and Art domain, as well as in all the fields requiring thorough and innovative analysis, like Material Science, Oil and Gas, Aerospace, Environment, Forensic Sciences or Architecture Engineering.

Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1

*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master's in Physics: Specialization in Non-Destructive Characterization with Applications for Cultural Heritage is a two-year program aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of non-destructive characterization techniques and their applications in the field of cultural heritage. This program offers a unique blend of scientific disciplines, including physics, archeology, history of art, and data science with artificial intelligence.

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Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Apply advanced non-destructive characterization methods to cultural heritage artifacts.
• Analyze and interpret data collected from cultural heritage objects.
• Conduct research related to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.
• Contribute to the development of new technologies for cultural heritage applications.

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Program Description:

This program offers a unique cross-disciplinary approach, combining scientific research with cultural heritage studies. It provides students with a strong foundation in physics, specifically focusing on non-destructive characterization techniques such as ultrasound testing, spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and hyperspectral analysis. Additionally, the program delves into the history of art, archeology, and cultural heritage preservation, providing students with a deeper understanding of the context and significance of their work.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Year 1:
• Semester 1:
• Quantum Physics: Basis and Applications
• Fundamental of Statistical Physics
• Experimental Methods in Material Physics
• Scientific Computing (Python & MATLAB)
• Experimental or Numerical Group Project in Heritage Sciences 1
• Heritage Science course 1 (History of Art, Archaeology, Physical Geography)
• Non-Destructive Characterisation in Heritage Sciences
• Language 1 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
• Semester 2:
• Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Project Management
• Vibrations, Acoustics and Control Sensor
• Spectroscopy Techniques and Applications
• Experimental or Numerical Group Project in Heritage Sciences 2
• Heritage Science Course 2 (History of Art, Archeology, Physical Geography)
• Language 2 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
• Year 2:
• Semester 3:
• Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing
• Materials Characterisation in Cultural Heritage
• Applications of Non-Destructive Characterisation for Society (forensics science, oil and gas prospect and transportation, environment, aerospace)
• Experimental Study for the Characterisation of Real Materials related to Archaeological and Art Interest
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage Science
• Long term Practical On-site Project (cross-group, course common to the Master students in Archaeology)
• Language 3 (French or another foreign language for French speakers)
• Semester 4:
• 6-month full-time internship – Master thesis

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Program Structure:

• The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and projects.
• Students are required to complete a long-term practical project on-site and a 6-month full-time internship as part of their degree requirements.

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Typical Course Delivery Format:

• Lectures and seminars typically take place from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Laboratory sessions and project work may take place at different times depending on the specific course requirements.

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Individual Modules:

• Quantum Physics: Basis and Applications: Introduces the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and their applications in various fields.
• Fundamental of Statistical Physics: Explores the principles of statistical mechanics and their relevance to material science.
• Experimental Methods in Material Physics: Provides hands-on experience with various experimental techniques used in material characterization.
• Scientific Computing (Python & MATLAB): Equips students with the programming skills needed to analyze and interpret data.
• Experimental or Numerical Group Project in Heritage Sciences 1 & 2: Offers students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world heritage science projects.
• Heritage Science Courses (History of Art, Archaeology, Physical Geography): Provides students with a deeper understanding of the history, context, and significance of cultural heritage.
• Non-Destructive Characterisation in Heritage Sciences: Introduces the principles and applications of non-destructive characterization techniques in cultural heritage studies.
• Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics: Explores the structure and properties of atoms and molecules.
• Project Management: Teaches students the essential skills needed to successfully manage projects.
• Vibrations, Acoustics and Control Sensor: Covers the principles of vibrations, acoustics, and control systems.
• Spectroscopy Techniques and Applications: Introduces students to various spectroscopy techniques and their applications in material characterization.
• Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing: Focuses on the principles and applications of ultrasonic testing in non-destructive characterization.
• Materials Characterisation in Cultural Heritage: Explores advanced techniques for characterizing materials used in cultural heritage objects.
• Applications of Non-Destructive Characterisation for Society: Addresses the applications of non-destructive characterization techniques in various industrial and societal contexts.
• Experimental Study for the Characterisation of Real Materials related to Archaeological and Art Interest: Provides students with hands-on experience in characterizing real-world archaeological and art materials.
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Cultural Heritage Science: Explores the applications of artificial intelligence in cultural heritage science.
• Long Term Practical On-site Project: Offers students the opportunity to work on a collaborative project related to cultural heritage, involving students from both physics and archeology programs.
• 6-month full-time internship – Master thesis: Provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting and to conduct research for their master's thesis.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods may include exams, coursework, presentations, and project work.
• The program utilizes a variety of assessment criteria, including:
• Content knowledge and understanding
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Research skills

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and visiting professors from the Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Archeology and the Department of History of Art and Archeology at Sorbonne University in Paris.
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory sessions
• Project work
• Guest lectures

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Careers:

• Graduates of this program are well-positioned for careers in various fields, including:
• Cultural Heritage
• Archeology
• Art
• Material Science
• Oil and Gas
• Aerospace
• Environment
• Forensic Sciences
• Architecture Engineering

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Other:

• The program is offered in English.
• The program is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.
• The degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris.

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• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): AED 166,400 (approximately US$ 45,344) • Payment of fees: Click here