The 'Fundamental basis of science' lecture aims to provide a basic knowledge of physics to ensure that students will be able to follow the other courses of the NSE master. The lecture will start with a general test of knowledge in physics for all M1 students. Depending on the results, the teachers will decide for which students the lecture will be compulsory (it is highly recommended for students who do not have a bachelor in physics). Lectures and tutorials will contain elements of crystallography, quantum physics, electrical and optical properties of matter and wave-propagation phenomena. There is also a lecture given on mathematical tools for physics. Practicals will be done on crystallography and black body spectroscopy. The evaluation will rely on a final written exam.