The first six weeks of the program will be dedicated to an intensive French language course, and Computation for Experimental Particle Physics. When the UNIGE term begins in mid-February, students will enroll in two UNIGE courses (typically Electrodynamics II and Quantum Mechanics I). Students wishing to enroll in other UNIGE courses must obtain prior approval from their academic advisor or home institution. Any UNIGE courses taken outside of the recommended curriculum listed below must be worth at least 6 ECTS.
Study at CERN under the guidance of a CERN mentor who will assist you in finding a team to work with and will also grade your project.
Required Course
Students are required to take the following courses:
Intensive French
Students enroll in one intensive French language course, at the intermediate or advanced level:
CAS LF 211 Third-semester French
Prerequisite: CAS LF 112 or placement test results
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Individual in Community
CAS LF 212 Fourth-semester French
Prerequisite: CAS LF 211 or placement test results
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Individual in Community
Physics Courses and CERN Directed Study
Students enroll in the following physics courses and directed study at CERN:
CAS PY 485 Computation for Experimental Particle Physics
This course introduces the experimental, computational, and statistical methods used in modern high energy particle physics. The Standard Model of particle physics, particle-matter interactions, major detector technologies, probability models, point estimations, fitting and confidence intervals are covered.
Units: 3
BU Hub areas:
Digital/Multimedia Expression
Research and Information Literacy
UNIGE Electrodynamics II
Prerequisite: CAS PY 405: Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I or the equivalent.
This course is equivalent to Boston University CAS PY 406, Electromagnetic Fields and Waves. Taught in French with weekly English discussion section.
Units: 4
UNIGE Quantum Mechanics I
Prerequisites: CAS PY 351 Modern Physics I or CAS PY 313 Waves and Modern Physics, and CAS PY 355 Methods of Theoretical Physics or the equivalent.
This course is equivalent to Boston University CAS PY 451, Quantum Physics I. Taught in French with weekly English discussion section.
Units: 4
CAS PY 392 Directed Study at CERN
Intensive study of one aspect of physics under the supervision of a CERN Mentor.
Students meet as a group regularly to discuss their projects, detail goals, issues, and progress.
At the end of the term, students write a report about their project, outlining goals, achievements, and what further developments may be needed.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Oral and/or Signed Communication
Creativity/Innovation
Students seeking to take courses at UNIGE not listed above must secure prior approval from their academic or appropriate advisor. Boston University students must also seek approval from the Director of Undergraduate Services in the Physics department.
For information on courses conducted by the University of Geneva follow the link below.
