Physics

In the six semesters of the Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science) one learns the basics of classical and modern physics and the necessary mathematics. You will also receive an insight into an elective subject outside of physics.
In particular, the study plan includes:

• Experimental physics (Semester 1-5): Investigation of physical phenomena in experiments, derivations, and explanations of fundamental principles.
• Lab experiments (Semester 1-5): Learning of experimental techniques and the evaluation of experimental data. With the project and electronics laboratory course, we offer laboratory training at the cutting edge.
• Mathematics for physicists (Semester 1-3)
• Theoretical physics (Semester 2-5): Derivation of physical laws from fundamental axioms with mathematical methods
• Physical electives (Semester 4-6)
• Other electives: In the first two semesters, you have the choice between astronomy, chemistry, computer science, and physical chemistry. In semesters 3-6, you have the possibility to learn these subjects more deeply.
• Key skills: ex. language, speaking or programming courses
• Bachelor thesis (Semester 6): The first independent research is performed to end the Bachelor course of study.

The Master of Science in physics (MSc.) is a continuation of study after the Bachelor degree. It builds up naturally from the Bachelor courses but is more research oriented. The beginning of studies for the master program is possible both in the winter and summer semesters. The language of instruction at the Master level is in English, although some exams for groups or individuals may also be held in German.

The legal basis of the studies is the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). It outlines the requirements for a successful completion of the studies. It also indicates a study plan and how it can be organized within the allotted time.

There is also the possibility to complete the Master’s studies in physics with an emphasis of Physics in Medicine.

Registration and Further Information

Admittance to the Master’s program in physics requires, above all, a Bachelor’s degree in physics or the equivalent in a similar area. Further information should be directed to the examination regulations. Under the FAQ, you will find a summary of information about the transition to the Master’s program, as well as requirements for admission.

• Application for Admittance to the Master’s Program

  The application is found online: https://www.campo.fau.de;
  General information for the admittance process: https://www.fau.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/anmeldung-zum-masterstudium/
  Application deadline to begin in the winter semester: 15.07.
  Application deadline to begin in the summer semester: 15.01.

• Application documents

  • Secondary school diploma
  • Transcript of records of your (current) Bachelor studies
  • Bachelor’s certificate (degree) or, when this is not available, a confirmation that you are registered in the upcoming examinations whose completion will also signify the completion of your Bachelor studies. (If you are completing your Bachelor’s at FAU, it is sufficient to be registered for your Bachelor thesis).
  • Tabulated résumé in English or German
  • Proof that you have attainted at least a B2 level of English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR) Vantage or Upper Intermediate. This can also be demonstrated through six years of English instruction from a German secondary school; no proof is necessary for applicants with English as a native language

• Immatriculation, Re-registration, Transfer

  I. Immatriculation into the Master program must done personally at the student record office by the indicated deadlines (this is the usual case for students who are not already matriculated at FAU). Please note that students with a foreign Bachelor’s degree must provide the Bachelor’s certificate, along with the other required documents. Students from German universities who have not yet received their Bachelor certificate can submit this over the course of the first year. After you have enrolled in the program, it is necessary to re-register each semester by the required deadlines.
  II. Students who are already matriculated at FAU but want to switch their course of study, send the document https://www.fau.de/files/2014/06/Fachwechsel_in-NC-freie-Faecher-FAU-Studierende.pdf for a program switch along with a copy of admittance (further documents are not necessary) to the student records office.

• BAFöG

  If the gap between the completion of the Bachelor’s degree and the beginning of the Master’s program is too large, (greater than one month), you will have an interrupation of your right to BAFöG (see BAFöG updated ). The deadline to complete your Bachelor’s degree is the day of your final examination. For BAFöG-holders it is recommended, (at least) to study up to September (or in the case of a Master study, at the beginning of the summer semester to postpone until March); a Bachelor-colloquium is especially appropriate for this purpose.

Structure of the Master Program and its Courses

The Master’s studies program builds off of the Bachelor’s studies program with a continual course phase and a research phase that includes the Master thesis.

Continuation Courses in Experiment und Theory

Experimental Physics

• EV (SS): Solid State Physics
• EV (WS): Atomic and Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics
• EV (SS): Particle and Astroparticle Physics

Theoretical Physics

• TV (WS): Quantum Mechanics II
• TV (SS): Theoretical Solid State Physics

The Moduls EV und TV can be applied at the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung), independently of their numerical description in UnivIS, as EV-1/-2 and TV-1/-2.

The legal basis of the studies is the examination regulations, which are the requirements for a successful completion of the studies. Opposite that is the study plan, which indicates how the study can be organized in the allotted time.