Master

The Faculty of Natural Sciences has started organizing Master of Science degree education since 2006, and up to the present, there are a total of 9 Master of Science Programs (6 general-type programs and 3 research-type programs).

The 6 general-type Master of Science Programs are:
The 3 research-type Master of Science curriculums are:
Master of Science Program in Mathematics
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Mathematics aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  1. To be good citizens, possess revolutionary moral virtues, have patriotic ideals, love the new regime, be loyal to the Party and the Government, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education);
  2. To possess academic knowledge, professional ethics, love for their career regarding mathematics for the following goals:
    - To understand and firmly grasp the theories, specialized subjects, skills, methods, and knowledge related to mathematics systematically, broadly, and deeply;
    - To have the ability to conduct research in the fields of mathematics, innovation, and socio-economics, and be able to apply them in actual work;
    - To be able to go deep into mathematics and be able to teach higher-level mathematics well;
  3. To become scientific researchers and be able to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation: To be a researcher in mathematics, data analyst, mathematics lecturer at various higher education institutions in the Lao PDR; able to pursue careers in the banking sector, telecommunications, the National Statistics Center, various ministries, and private businesses.
- Duration of study: The duration of study is 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the deadline, the time can be extended by no more than 2 years or 4 semesters, but students must pay student status fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Mathematics emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 46 credits, as detailed below:
  1. Compulsory category: 30 credits
  2. Elective category: 4 credits
  3. Thesis writing: 12 credits ; Total: 46 credits
- Important subjects in the curriculum include:
  - Principles of Real Analysis
  - Linear Algebra
  - Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations
  - Mathematical Methods
  - Abstract Algebra
  - Statistical Theory
  - Advanced Partial Differential Equations
  - Optimal Control Theory
  - Advanced Numerical Methods
  - Operations Research
Master of Science Program in Biology
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Biology aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  1. To be good citizens, possess revolutionary moral virtues, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education).
  2. For students to have knowledge, capability, professional ethics, and love for their career in research within the field of Biology, to be able to meet the needs of the public and private sectors.
  3. To build students' ability to continuously develop themselves academically in Biology and use that knowledge efficiently, have communication skills, provide academic services in biology, and have responsibility toward society and the environment.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
  1. Academic and research fields such as: teachers, scholars, researchers, etc.
  2. Civil servant careers in educational institutions at various levels, community development, and natural resource conservation.
  3. Be a specialist/scholar for international conservation organizations such as: IUCN, FFW, WCS, MRC, IRD, GIZ, etc.
  4. Pursue careers in agriculture, forestry allocation and management.
  5. Able to be an environmental assessor and protector.
- Duration of study: The duration of study is 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the deadline, the time can be extended by no more than 2 years or 4 semesters, but students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Biology emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 41 credits.
  - Compulsory category: 22 credits
  - Elective category: 4 credits
  - Thesis writing: 15 credits ; Total: 41 credits
- Important subjects in the curriculum include:
  - Seminar for Biology
  - Advanced Biological Research Methods
  - Advanced Biological Knowledge
  - Principles of Modern Taxonomy of Living Organisms
  - Biodiversity and Conservation
  - Biosafety in Biotechnology
  - English for Science
  - Current Political Policies of the Lao PDR
  - Statistics for Biological Research
  - Special Issues in Biology
Master of Science Program in Applied Physics
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Applied Physics aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  1. To build students to have knowledge and capability in scientific research, especially using knowledge of physics to solve problems reasonably according to scientific principles. Build students to become scientific scholars who are creative, can analyze, know how to apply technology into actual work, and can follow current advancements in science, technology, and innovation regionally and internationally.
  2. Graduated students can apply knowledge into various fields of work such as: science, technology, and innovation sectors, electrical and electronics sectors, energy, environment, industrial sector, materials science, geophysical survey and geological engineering, exploration and application of radiology/radiation in agriculture, industry, environment, medicine, and can transfer knowledge to society.
  3. To become scientific researchers and be able to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
  - To be a civil servant in educational institutions at various levels, ministries with sectors related to physics such as: power stations, hydropower dams, places related to electrical energy, renewable energy, department of standardization, radiation department, department of geology and minerals, department of water resources, energy and mining research institute.
  - To be a physics specialist such as: consultants, researchers, and teachers/professors.
  - In addition, can also pursue careers in the private sector such as: electronic equipment businesses, companies related to mineral exploration and mining, service industry, medical instruments, etc.
- Duration of study: The duration of study is 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the deadline, the time can be extended by no more than 2 years or 4 semesters, but students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Physics emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 45 credits, as detailed below:
  - Compulsory category: 29 credits
  - Elective category: 4 credits
  - Thesis category: 12 credits; Total: 45 credits
- Important subjects in the curriculum include:
  - Policies of the Lao PDR
  - Mathematics for Physics
  - Semiconductors
  - Mechanics-Heat
  - Electricity-Magnetism
  - Seminar
  - Experimental Techniques
  - Quantum Mechanics
  - Electronics
  - Research Methods
  - Modern Physics
Master of Science Program in Renewable Energy
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Renewable Energy aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  - To build scholars to have knowledge and capability in renewable energy to serve society in various fields such as: energy sector, science and technology sector, industrial sector, environmental sector, electrical sector, electronics, etc.;
  - For students to have knowledge and capability in scientific research regarding renewable energy such as: solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass and biogas, geothermal energy, electrochemical energy, hydrogen energy, batteries, and new materials, and be able to continue higher education;
  - To build students to have revolutionary moral character/virtues, a correct way of living according to Lao traditions, virtue-ethics, high responsibility toward assigned duties, responsibility toward society and the environment, and be able to analyze and solve problems reasonably on a scientific basis.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
  - To be a specialist, teacher/professor, and researcher in renewable energy;
  - To be an employee in institutes, ministries with sectors related to renewable energy;
  - Able to pursue careers as consultants, private business owners, and various companies related to renewable energy.
- Duration of study: The duration of study is 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the deadline, the time can be extended by no more than 2 years or 4 semesters, but students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Renewable Energy emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 40 credits, as detailed below:
  - Compulsory category: 20 credits
  - Elective category: 4 credits
  - Thesis writing: 16 credits; Total number of credits: 40 credits
- Important subjects in the curriculum include:
  - Semiconductors
  - Energy Materials
  - Electrochemical Energy
  - Solar Cells
  - Internet of Things
  - Hydrogen Energy
  - Research Methodology
  - Green Energy
  - Energy from Biomass and Waste
  - Seminar 1
  - Seminar 2
Master of Science Program in Chemistry
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Chemistry aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  1. To be good citizens, possess revolutionary moral virtues, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education).
  2. To possess academic knowledge, professional ethics, love for their career regarding chemistry for the following goals:
    - To build students to have knowledge-capability in chemistry, skills in applying theory and actual practice into research work, able to communicate and provide academic services in chemistry with responsibility toward society and the environment, able to use modern science and technology into developing various tasks efficiently.
    - To upgrade the level of specialists, teachers, planners, and administrators in Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry for education, agriculture, industry, energy-mining, medicine, environmental management, etc.
  3. For students to have the ability to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
  - Academic and research education careers such as: specialists, researchers, lecturers, environmental conservationists, etc.
  - Employee careers in science and technology sectors, natural resources and environment sectors, energy and mining sectors, industry and commerce sectors, agriculture and forestry sectors, public health sectors, and other related sectors.
  - Careers in state enterprises, private sectors, and various international organizations such as: being environmental laboratory consultants, consumer goods production industries, laboratory equipment and chemical distribution companies.
- Duration of study: The duration of study is 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the deadline, the time can be extended by no more than 2 years or 4 semesters, but students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Chemistry emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 44 credits, as detailed below:
  - Compulsory category: 28 credits
  - Elective category: 4 credits
  - Thesis writing: 12 credits; Total: 44 credits
- Important subjects in the curriculum include:
  - Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  - Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  - Seminar in Chemistry
  - Research Methodology
  - Environmental Chemistry
  - Nano-scale Science and Technology
  - Advanced Organic Chemistry
  - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  - Policy trend of Lao PDR
  - Water Quality Management
  - Environmental Impact Assessment
  - English for Scientific Writing
Master of Science Program in Computer Science
- Objectives of the curriculum: The Master of Science Program in Computer Science aims to produce scholars/professionals:
  1. To be good citizens, possess good qualifications, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education).
  2. To possess academic knowledge, professional ethics, love for their career regarding computer science for the following goals:
    - To understand and firmly grasp theories, specialized subjects, skills, methods, and knowledge related to computer science systematically, broadly, and deeply;
    - To have knowledge about research methodologies in computer science to select appropriate solutions for various problems in society, build models, analyze data scientifically, and develop software.
    - To have the ability to develop software to meet the needs of various organizations, continue higher education in computer science and related fields, create scientific innovations and technology, work as a team, and manage projects in technological system development.
- Careers that can be pursued after graduation: Graduates of the Master of Science program in Computer Science can pursue the following careers:
  - Computer scientist, data scientist, technology system analyst-designer, and software developer.
  - Employee careers in various organizations, both public and private sectors.
  - Self-employment (Startup), consultant, technology and innovation researcher-developer.
- Credits in the curriculum: The structure of the Master of Science Program in Computer Science emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a thesis, with a total number of taught credits in the curriculum of 46 credits, as detailed below:
  - Compulsory category: 30 credits
  - Elective category: 4 credits
  - Thesis writing: 12 credits ;Total: 46 credits

Apart from the subject categories specified in the curriculum, students must study some subjects that are necessary foundational knowledge (but do not count for credits), such as: Introductory Programming Languages, Computer Networks, and Software Engineering.

Important subjects in the curriculum include:

- - Policy of Lao P.D.R
  - Research Methodology in Computer Science
  - Data Structures and Algorithms
  - Advanced Artificial Intelligence
  - Big Data
  - Data Science
  - Machine Learning
  - Computer Graphics and Vision
  - Research Experiment and Evaluation
  - Data Mining
  - Operating Systems
  - Mathematics for Computer Science

Master of Science Program in Biology (Research)

Objectives of the curriculum:
- Form students to have knowledge and capability in research within the field of biology, to be able to meet the needs of the public and private sectors.
- To build students' ability to continuously develop themselves academically in Biology and use that knowledge efficiently.
- Form students to have communication skills and provide academic services in biology, with responsibility toward society and the environment.
Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
1. Academic and research fields such as: teachers, scholars, researchers, etc.
2. Civil servant careers in educational institutions at various levels, community development, and natural resource conservation.
3. Be a specialist/scholar for international conservation organizations such as: IUCN, FFW, WCS, MRC, IRD, GIZ, etc.
4. Pursue careers in agriculture, forestry allocation and management.
5. Able to be an environmental assessor and protector.
Duration of study: Specified in the curriculum as 2 years or equal to 4 semesters. For students who cannot graduate within the specified 2 years, the time can be extended by no more than 1 year or 2 semesters.
Credit determination: Total number of credits is 44 credits, which consists of:
- Thesis: 36 credits
- Compulsory subjects: 4 credits
- Elective subjects: 4 credits
Compulsory subjects:
- Seminar 1
- Seminar 2
- Advanced Biological Research Methods
- Special Issues in Biology

Master of Science Program in Applied Physics (Research)

Objectives of the curriculum:
To build students to have knowledge and capability in scientific research, especially using knowledge of physics to solve problems reasonably according to scientific principles.
To build students to become scientific scholars who are creative, can analyze, know how to apply technology into actual work, and can follow current advancements in science, technology, and innovation regionally and internationally. Graduated students can apply knowledge into various fields of work such as: science, technology, and innovation sectors, electrical and electronics sectors, energy, environment, industrial sector, materials science, geological survey and geo-engineering, exploration and application of radiology/radiation in agriculture, industry, environment, medicine, and can transfer knowledge to society.
To become scientific researchers and be able to pursue higher education at a higher Doctoral degree level both domestically and abroad.
Duration of study: Uses a 2-year curriculum system (4 semesters), not exceeding 3 years (6 semesters).
Credit determination: Total number of credits is 46 credits, which consists of:
- Thesis: 36 credits
- Compulsory subjects: 4 credits
- Elective subjects: 6 credits
Compulsory subjects:
- Research Methodology
- Seminar 1
- Seminar 2

Master of Science Program in Chemistry (Research)

Objectives:
- To build students according to the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of education.
- To build students to have knowledge-capability in research and be able to apply modern science to develop various tasks efficiently.
- Form students to have research skills in Chemistry that allow collaboration with scientific researchers at regional and international levels.
- Form students to have the ability to develop themselves, have communication skills and provide academic services in chemistry, with responsibility toward society and the environment.
- To upgrade the level of specialists, planners, and managers in Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry for agriculture, industry, energy-mining, medicine, environmental management, etc.
- For students to have the ability to pursue higher education both domestically and abroad.
Careers that can be pursued after graduation:
- Academic and research education careers such as: specialists, researchers, environmental conservationists, teachers, etc.
- Civil servant careers in science and technology sectors, natural resources and environment sectors, energy and mining sectors, industry and commerce sectors, agriculture and forestry sectors, public health sectors, and other related sectors.
- Careers in state enterprises, private sectors, and various international organizations such as: environmental consultants, environmental laboratories, laboratory equipment and chemical distribution companies, various consumer goods production industries.
Credit determination in the curriculum: Total number of credits: 46 credits, which consists of:
- Thesis: 36 credits
- Compulsory subjects: 6 credits
- Elective subjects: 4 credits
Specialized Subject Category:
- Advanced Instrumental Analysis
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Seminar in Chemistry
- Research Methodology