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Physics
Master of Science

Short description

Short description

The master s programme is directed at students pursuing a scientific career who have completed a bachelor s degree in physics. The curriculum is focused on the four fields of research of the physics section at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: quantum physics, laser and plasma physics, medical and applied physics and soft matter.
As the programme aims to prepare students for research activities in an international environment, lectures are generally held in English. Graduates are qualified to enter the job market or, alternatively, take up doctoral studies.

Entry/Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed studies at the bachelor s level, which must include courses in

- mechanics,

- electrodynamics,

- quantum mechanics/atomic physics,

- thermodynamics/statistical mechanics,

- optics, nuclear/particle or solid state physics,

- mathematical methods in physics, specifically vector calculus, complex calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, as well as laboratory courses and a thesis. The final grade must be equivalent to 3.0 in the German system or better.

Programme content

The main subjects of the master s programme reflect the research fields of physics at HHU:

- biophysics,

- solid state/nanophysics,

- plasma physics,

- quantum optics/quantum information,

- soft matter.

Students choose two of these five disciplines as focus I and focus II. Each focus includes one experimentally and one theoretically oriented module, in which concepts and methods are taught which prepare students for research activities in that field. In the master's thesis, a scientific problem from one of the two focus subjects is explored.
The curriculum also includes compulsory elective courses in physics. These are lectures, seminars and practical courses which build on the basic knowledge from the bachelor's programme and expand or deepen physical concepts or  highlight a variety of applications. The elective catalogue includes e. g. modules on surface physics, quantum gases, Monte Carlo simulations in physics, or astronomy, as well as journal clubs on various topics in which scientific articles are presented and discussed.
In addition, optional courses can be chosen from the entire range offered by the university. Students can fill this  elective area  with modules from physics or the natural sciences as well as general studies (e. g. language or interdisciplinary skills).

Programme structure

The course programme is spread across four semesters. In the first year of study, the focus is on teaching. Students take modules from the two selected specializations (see above) and compulsory elective physics modules; in addition, courses from other disciplines can be taken in the elective area.
The second year of study is dedicated to research. Students are integrated into a research group and receive personal supervision. The third semester is primarily devoted to preparation for the master's thesis, with the "Specialization" module and additional elective physics modules. The research project itself then dominates the fourth semester, including the presentation (in the final seminar) and, ideally, publication of the results.

Programme objectives/Career prospects

Physicists are in high demand on the job market due to their analytical and problem-solving skills, physicists are in great demand on the job market, employment opportunities are diverse. The master's programme at HHU is primarily aimed at research activities, either in universities or  public institutions (including doctoral studies) or in research and development departments in companies from a wide range of industries. Physics graduates may also work, for example, as management consultants, software developers, data scientists, financial analysts, pattent attorneys or journalists.

Programme start:
Winter semester
Summer semester
Programme duration:
4 semesters
Language of instruction:
English
Application procedure:
Admission-free with aptitude assessment in the application portal
Closing date for applications:
Summer: 02.11.-01.06. / Winter: 02.05.-15.12.
Closing date for enrolment:
16/07/2024 - 04/10/2024
Closing date for re-registration:
01/07/2024 - 15/08/2024
Relevant documents:

Examination regulations

Module guide

Curriculum

Available in German only.

Study programme contact:

Prof. Dr. Axel Görlitz

Room: 25.42.01.24

Phone: +49 211 81-15190

 

Study programme/Department
SSC contact:

Student Services Center (SSC)
Building: 21.02 / SSC
Phone +49 211 81‐12345

 

For questions regarding the course of studies and for examination issues:

Student and Examination Administration
Contact Examination Administration

Student Services Center (SSC)

Offers for prospective students

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