Motivation for the Transition to the 2024 Education Plan and Certification Programs: The Close Relationship Between the Basic Sciences and Technological Innovations and Advances
The basic sciences—mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology—are the most important scientific disciplines that expand humanity’s body of knowledge and make technological advancements possible. These sciences enable us to understand how the universe works, discover the laws of nature, and apply this knowledge to create innovations in engineering and technology. For example, mathematical models and calculations help engineers solve complex problems, while the fundamental principles of chemistry drive major advancements in fields such as drug development and materials science. Biology helps us understand the structure and function of living organisms, paving the way for revolutionary innovations in medicine and biotechnology. The science of physics, meanwhile, has spearheaded technological revolutions through discoveries such as the discovery and use of electricity. Making electrical energy usable in daily life has revolutionized areas such as lighting, heating, and communication, and has improved the quality of life. All these basic sciences play a critical role in shaping our modern world by laying the groundwork for technological progress and the development of engineering applications.
Physics is a fundamental science that stands out for its positive impact on technology and human well-being. By studying the fundamental laws of nature, physics reveals the relationships between energy, matter, and forces. This foundational knowledge has paved the way for many technological breakthroughs, such as the discovery and use of electricity. Making electrical energy usable in daily life has revolutionized areas such as lighting, heating, and communication, thereby improving the quality of life. Furthermore, modern medical devices developed based on the principles of physics have improved diagnostic and treatment processes, leading to significant advancements in healthcare. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners have extended human life expectancy and improved quality of life by enabling the early diagnosis of diseases. Nano-scale materials and devices, on the other hand, are designed based on an understanding of physical interactions at the atomic and molecular levels; as a result, more efficient energy storage solutions, high-performance electronic devices, and advanced materials for medical applications are being developed.
Physics graduates are at the forefront of fields ranging from cancer treatment to combating climate change, from gaming to robotics, and from renewable and sustainable energy technologies to biosensors and artificial intelligence. By playing a critical role in shaping the future and improving quality of life, the science of physics and physicists make significant contributions to the advancement of technology and science.
With this in mind, the YTÜ Physics Undergraduate Education Plan has been redesigned to sustainably enhance the quality and appeal of the physics program. In this context, laboratory hours have been added to our required core courses, providing students with the opportunity to “learn by doing.” Additionally, by introducing new professional elective courses in various fields, we have supported students in pursuing more in-depth education in the areas of their choice. The primary motivation behind all these improvements is to ensure that our graduates find employment in many fields beyond education—such as defense, healthcare, and energy technologies—and to help the physicists we train lay the foundation for scientific and technological innovations that add value to life.
In this context, you can visit the YTÜ Faculty of Science and Letters website, which details “A Pioneering Step Toward the Renaissance of Faculties of Science and Letters: The YTÜ-FEF Basic Sciences Education Model.”
Two major revisions have been made to the 2024 undergraduate physics curriculum. The first of these is the addition of the required courses “Introduction to Basic Computer Technologies,” “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,” “Social Responsibility and Justice,” and “Career Planning and Professional Ethics” to the curriculum.
Computer technologies are essential for critical functions in modern physics research, such as data analysis, simulation, and modeling. These courses aim to equip students with the ability to solve complex problems using programming languages and software tools. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in the process of analyzing large datasets and making new scientific discoveries. The goal is for physics students to acquire skills in fields such as machine learning and data mining by learning artificial intelligence techniques; this is intended to provide undergraduate physics students with a competitive advantage in both academic research and industrial applications. These courses will enable physicists to participate effectively in interdisciplinary work and contribute to the technological innovations of the future. Furthermore, it is believed that the “Social Responsibility and Justice” and “Career Planning and Professional Ethics” courses, which have been incorporated into the physics curriculum, will provide multifaceted benefits to undergraduate physics students’ education. The “Social Responsibility and Justice” course will help our students understand the needs of society and concepts of justice, while also helping them act responsibly by evaluating the societal impacts of scientific research. The Career Planning and Professional Ethics course, on the other hand, is designed to help students define their career goals, develop their professional skills, and make sound decisions regarding ethical issues they may encounter in their professions. These courses aim to equip students with the awareness and ethical values necessary for both their individual careers and their contributions to society. Thus, through these courses, undergraduate physics students will develop into responsible individuals both scientifically and socially, and will benefit society by making more informed and ethical decisions in their professional lives.
The second comprehensive revision of the 2024 undergraduate physics curriculum involves restructuring the content and delivery of required major courses and incorporating new professional elective courses in various fields into the curriculum. Certificate programs have been established by categorizing the newly added professional elective courses and the existing professional elective courses under four main physics sub-disciplines.
For details on the 2024 Physics Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum:
http://bologna2024.yildiz.edu.tr/index.php?r=program/view&id;=25&aid;=10
General Information About Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are not a graduation requirement.
Any student who wishes to do so may enroll in any certificate program of their choice without any prerequisites.
To earn a certificate, a student must be a graduate of the Physics Bachelor’s program and must select eight of the ten courses required from the MES-1 pool from among the courses announced for the chosen certificate program and successfully complete these courses.
Theoretical Physics Certificate Program
The Theoretical Physics certificate provides students with a foundation for understanding the structure and dynamics of the universe. Within the framework of this program, students will learn to investigate the fundamental laws governing the structure and functioning of the universe. Additionally, teaching how theoretical physics can be applied to the advancement of modern science and technology is another focus of the certificate program. As part of the certificate program, students will learn to develop models related to the physics of phenomena that are difficult to test experimentally or technologically impossible to observe. Furthermore, students will gain knowledge in areas where physics intersects with other fundamental sciences, particularly mathematics. |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificate in Theoretical Physics and Industry Connections 1. Research and Academic Institutions: Those who study topics such as astrophysics, cosmology, and plasma physics can work as academic researchers or faculty members at universities. They can also conduct scientific research at research institutes and laboratories. 2. Space and Aviation Industry: Those who study topics such as astrophysics and atmospheric physics can work at space agencies (e.g., NASA, ESA), aviation companies, or firms engaged in aviation and space research. 3. Computer Modeling and Simulation: Students who study topics such as numerical analysis in physics and an introduction to quantum computing can work in the field of computer modeling and simulation, particularly in solving complex physics-related problems or in data analysis and visualization. 4. Energy Sector: Students who study topics such as plasma physics and an introduction to quantum computing can work at nuclear power plants, thermal power generation facilities, or on fusion energy projects. 5. Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence: Students who study topics such as Mathematical Methods in Physics 2 and Numerical Analysis in Physics can work in the fields of data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, particularly in the analysis and modeling of large datasets. 6. Finance and Risk Analysis: Students who study topics such as mathematical physics and differential geometry can work in the financial sector or at insurance companies in areas such as risk analysis, financial modeling, and the pricing of derivative products. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Theoretical Physics Certificate Professional Elective Course Pool
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Certificate Program in Nuclear Physics and Applications
Certificate Program in Nuclear Physics and Applications | |
The Nuclear Physics certificate program aims to equip students with fundamental knowledge in the field of nuclear physics and nuclear technologies, thereby enhancing their skills in the application of nuclear technologies. This certificate program offers comprehensive training in nuclear measurement systems, nuclear energy production, nuclear imaging techniques, applications of nuclear physics in health and the environment, industrial nuclear applications, and radiation protection. In addition to allowing students to specialize in subjects such as nuclear physics, radiation, and nuclear technologies, the program also offers opportunities to develop skills in using advanced technologies such as modern detector systems and nuclear spectroscopy, and provides education in interdisciplinary fields such as health physics, biophysics, and radiobiology. |
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Certificate in Theoretical Physics and Industry Connections
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Certificate in Nuclear Physics and Applications: Professional Elective Course Pool
FIZ4510 | Detection and Measurement of Nuclear Radiation |
FIZ4570 | Nuclear Data Collection and Evaluation |
FIZ4590 | Health Physics |
FIZ4820 | Nuclear Physics 2 |
FIZ4470 | Biophysics |
FIZ4550 | X-Rays |
MBG4492 | Cancer Biology |
MEM4522 | Non-Destructive Testing |
FIZ1125 | Introduction to Radiobiology |
FIZ1126 | Radiation and Ecology |
FIZ1127 | Nuclear Technologies |
FIZ1128 | Neutron and Reactor Physics |
FIZ1129 | Nuclear Spectroscopy |
FIZ1119 | Modern Detector Systems |
Certificate Program in Condensed Matter Physics and Applications | |
The Condensed Matter Physics and Applications Certificate Program will introduce students to the depths of the condensed matter world through content covering solar energy, nanotechnology, superconductivity, semiconductor transistors, laser technology, magnetic storage, liquid crystals, optical fibers, nanotechnology, and many other fascinating topics, introducing them to the depths of the world of condensed matter. Through hands-on experience and laboratory work, the program aims to help participants specialize in condensed matter physics. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired through the program provide participants with the opportunity to learn condensed matter physics applications in accordance with industry standards. Additionally, the current topics and laboratory experiences included in the program’s curriculum will give students the chance to keep up with and apply innovations in the field. |
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Certificate in Condensed Matter Physics and Applications and Industry Connections
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Certificate in Condensed Matter Physics and Applications: Professional Elective Course Pool
FIZ1137 | Solar Energy |
FIZ3270 | Introduction to the Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Matter |
FIZ3434 | Nanotechnology |
FIZ3630 | Solar Cells |
FIZ4450 | Introduction to Superconductivity |
FIZ4790 | Structures, Properties, and Applications of Liquid Crystals |
FIZ4520 | Hydrogen Energy |
FIZ4560 | Introduction to Thin Film Physics |
FIZ4690 | Solid-State Physics 2 |
FIZ4810 | Electronics 2 |
FIZ3260 | Optics |
MEM4911 | Functional Materials |
MEM4081 | Nanomaterials |
FIZ1130 | Molecular Semiconductors and Optoelectronic Applications |
High-Energy Physics Certificate Program | |
The High-Energy Physics Certificate Program aims to provide students with comprehensive training in high-energy physics, data analysis, detector systems, and artificial intelligence, while also reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical applications. In addition, successful students may be invited to join the high-energy physics research group, giving them the opportunity to work at CERN and similar international physics laboratories. The certificate program includes courses on Fundamentals of High-Energy Physics, Advanced Data Analysis Techniques, Detector Systems and Applications, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Other benefits of the certificate program include expanding students’ career opportunities and helping them build global networks. Offering education across a broad spectrum—from academic research to industrial applications—this program prepares students to take on active roles at the highest levels of science and technology. |
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High-Energy Physics Certificate and Industry Connections
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High-Energy Physics Certificate MES Course Pool
FIZ4640 | Fundamental Particles |
FIZ4510 | Detection and Measurement of Nuclear Radiation |
FIZ4570 | Nuclear Data Collection and Analysis |
FIZ3640 | Special Theory of Relativity |
FIZ4110 | Introduction to General Relativity |
IST1990 | Probability and Statistics |
IST2092 | Statistics and Simulation |
IST2122 | Statistical Applications with Python |
MAT4280 | Optimization Techniques |
FIZ1113 | Particle-Matter Interaction |
FIZ1114 | Medical and Industrial Applications of Accelerators |
FIZ1115 | Experimental Physics in Hadron Colliders |
FIZ1116 | Linear and Circular Accelerators |
FIZ1117 | Programming in Particle Physics |
FIZ1118 | The Standard Model and Beyond |
FIZ1119 | Modern Detector Systems |
FIZ1120 | Data Analysis Methods in High-Energy Physics |
FIZ1123 | Introduction to Cosmology |
FIZ1124 | Astroparticle Physics |
FIZ2133 | Methods of Experimental Physics |
FIZ2134 | Plasma Physics |
Thanks to the broad-based education they receive, physics graduates can choose to pursue an academic career or work at various public institutions, research and development centers, organizations in the electronics and defense industries, medical centers, public and private educational institutions, computer companies, technical equipment sales and service companies, banks, the TÜBİTAK Gebze Marmara Research Center, the National Metrology Institute, the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mining Research Institute (TENMAK), Aselsan, and Roketsan.
According to 2023 TÜİK data, the employment rate for graduates of the YTÜ Physics Department is 74%, and the average time to find their first job is 14 months.
ERASMUS+
The ERASMUS+ program is an education and youth program funded by the European Union that offers student exchange programs, collaboration projects, and mobility opportunities. Thanks to ERASMUS+, our undergraduate physics students at YTÜ have the opportunity to study at various universities across Europe for one or two semesters. This allows our students to gain insight into different cultures, education systems, and academic approaches. Additionally, our students develop their language skills, build international networks, and gain a global perspective.
The YTÜ Department of Physics has agreements with the following universities abroad: the University of Potsdam (Germany), TU Dortmund University (Germany), Johannes Kepler University (Austria), Brno University of Technology (Czech Republic), the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Jean Monnet University of Saint-Étienne (France), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Romania), and the University of Insubria (Italy).
FARABI
For more information, visit http://www.farabi.yildiz.edu.tr/
MEVLANA
For more information, visit http://www.mevlana.yildiz.edu.tr/
The YTÜ KOOP Model is an innovative reinterpretation of the traditional internship.
Often confused with an internship, KOOP aims to foster collaboration between the university and the business world.
KOOP Application Requirements
- Must be a graduating student
- Must not have received an F0 grade in any course through the end of the 7th semester
- The cumulative GPA (AGNO) at the end of the 7th semester must be at least 2.0 or higher.
KOOP Process
- Students wishing to participate in KOOP must apply to the department chair after completing their second semester (at the end of their first year).
- Students then take advanced courses to prepare for their KOOP term.
- When the KOOP period begins, students are placed within the available quota at the company they selected during the application process, based on their GPA and criteria determined by the department.
For more
information, visit https://fzk.yildiz.edu.tr/sites/fzk.yildiz.edu.tr/files/2024-02/koop-otomasyon-sistemi-kilavuz.pdf
Although an internship is not mandatory for the Physics program, our students complete a 20-work-day internship at the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mining Research Institute (TENMAK) or in the Medical Physics, Nuclear Medicine, and Biophysics departments at universities. As a result, our graduates often find employment opportunities at the institutions where they completed their internships, and a significant number of them secure jobs at leading companies in the energy, healthcare, human resources, and materials sectors, both in the public sector and the private sector.
For detailed information about the internship, visit
https://fzk.yildiz.edu.tr/staj
YTÜ undergraduate physics students can begin their master’s degree studies while still pursuing their bachelor’s degrees through the Shining Star program.
For detailed information about the Shining Star program, visit
https://fbe.yildiz.edu.tr/sayfa/17/Shining-Star-Programı/484
Undergraduate physics students may apply to pursue a Double Major in any program that admits students based on the SAY score type, in accordance with the YTÜ Senate decision dated September 19, 2022, No. 06.
In accordance with YTÜ Senate Decision No. 19.09.2022/06, undergraduate physics students may apply to pursue a Minor in any YTÜ program.
For detailed information on Double Major and Minor applications, visit
https://fed.yildiz.edu.tr/cap-yan-dal-ve-gecisler
Thanks to the teacher training program offered by the Faculty of Science and Letters, YTÜ undergraduate physics students acquire the qualifications necessary to enter the teaching profession during their undergraduate studies and can graduate with a teacher training certificate. Teacher training courses cover topics such as teaching methods, classroom management, and student assessment techniques, and may include teaching practicums.
For detailed information on teacher training, visit
https://fed.yildiz.edu.tr/formasyon-egitimi
A NEW GRADUATION FILE AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRANSCRIPT FOR OUR STUDENTS: “PORTFOLIO”
A portfolio is being prepared for Yıldız Technical University students that systematically documents the scientific, social, cultural, and community-oriented activities organized by internal and external stakeholders recognized and listed by the university during the students’ academic careers, as well as the projects, competitions, and social responsibility activities—as well as any awards—systematically documented to provide a means of verifying the achievements gained. Such a portfolio serves as a strong reference for our graduates when applying for jobs, helping them demonstrate their competencies. In this way, it enhances our graduates’ potential for career development and networking.
For detailed information on the YTÜ Faculty of Science and Letters Portfolio Application Guidelines,