Third Cycle - Physics

Definition
The definition of the skill itself.

Sub skills
Phenomenological abilities,


 * i.e. being able to organize a number of relevant facts in a coherent framework, based on physics knowledge.



Modelling abilities,


 * i.e. being able of


 * — setting up and testing a model,
 * — comparing different models among themselves (advantages / dis- advantages)
 * — comparing the model with the physical world or with the phenomenology, which the : model tries to explain
 * — numerically simulating a given set of experimental facts (including the critical use : of existing computer codes)
 * — using mathematical and computational skills in the context of model testing and : validation.

Physics methodology skills,


 * i.e. being familiar with, being able to apply the scientific method through:


 * — putting the right questions to the external world


 * — collecting the answers and identifying the reproducible experimental facts


 * — translating the experimental facts into a model («theory»), which include all important factors


 * — trying and trying again


 * — being able to criticize the model, in order to set up a new one.

Flexible mind skills,


 * i.e. being able to apply the acquired knowledge and understanding in different contexts (e.g. from physical to economical contexts) and to be able to innovate (with new concepts or mathematical tool or...) whenever appropriate.

Theoretician skills,

i.e. familiarity with and/or mastering of:


 * — mathematical theories


 * — analytical and numerical methods


 * — main physical theories

Experimentalist’s skills


 * Familiarity with and/or mastering of:


 * — technology related to the research work activity


 * — Information technology and electronics


 * — the technological process: from conceptions to spin-offs


 * — project and personnel management (mainly in complex experimental projects, which often involve many people )

Fund raising and general awareness in financial matters,


 * i.e. a competence, which is becoming more and more important in research groups. Some initiation to this ability must be tried also during the doctoral period (e.g. writing a research grant application, dealing with intellectual property rights’ issues, patents, etc.).

Assessment
Current methods used to assess ability in the skill.

Benchmarks
Statements that could serve as comparators for ability.

Relevant Higher Order Skills
physics