research groups recommendations for module selection

Astrophysics:

Biophysics:

Geophysics:

Materials Physics:

Nuclear and Particle Physics:

Physics of Complex Systems:

Solid State Physics:

Theoretical Physics:




Professor J. Niemeyer – Astrophysical Cosmology


It is strongly recommended to take:

  • Introduction to Astrophysics (8C) (unless already completed in the Bachelor's program)
  • Introduction to Cosmology (3C)


The following specialized lectures can be completed to fulfil the 22C:

  • General Relativity (6C)
  • Black Holes (3C)
  • Quantum field theory I (6C)



Back to Top


Professor W. Kollatschny – Active and Normal Galaxies


It is strongly recommended to take:

  • B.Phy.1551 Introduction to Astrophysics (8C) (unless already completed in the Bachelor's program)


To fulfil the 22C it's recommended to choose:

  • B.Phy.5516: Physik der Galaxien (3C)
  • B.Phy.5502: Aktive Galaxien (3C) OR M.Phy-AM.001: Active Galactic Nuclei (6)



Back to Top


Professor B. de Groot – Computational Biomolecular Dynamics Group
Professor H. Grubmüller – Theoretical and Computational Molecular Biophysics



Strongly recommended to take:

  • B.Phy. 1571: Introduction to Biophysics (8C)
  • B.Phy. 5648: Theoretical and Computational Biophysics (3C)
  • B.Phy. 5649: Biomolecular Physics and Simulations (3C)

Also recommended to take:

  • B.Phy. 5623: Theoretical Biophysics (6C)
  • B.Phy. 5658: Statistical Biophysics (6C)



Back to Top


Professor F. Wörgötter – Computational Neuroscience



If you are interested in Neuroscience, it is strongly recommended to take:

  • Seminar: Journal Club Computational Neuroscience (B.Phy.5614, M.Phy.410, M.Phy.413, M.Phy.5601)
  • Theoretische Neurowissenschaften - Grundlagen (B.Phy.5605, B.Phy.7601, M.Phy.710)
  • Computational Neuroscience: Learning and adaptive Algorithms (B.Phy.5651)

If you are interested in Computer Vision/Robotics, it is strongly recommended to take:

  • Seminar: Journal Club Computational Neuroscience (B.Phy.5614, M.Phy.410, M.Phy.413, M.Phy.5601)
  • Theoretische Neurowissenschaften - Grundlagen (B.Phy.5605, B.Phy.7601, M.Phy.710)
  • Introduction to Computer Vision and Robotics (B.Phy.56x, M.Phy.56x)

Furthermore, the following lectures are beneficial:

  • Sensor Data Fusion (M.Inf.1185)
  • Algorithmisches Lernen und Mustererkennung (M.Inf.1213)
  • Probabilistische Datenmodelle und ihre Anwendungen (M.Inf.1211)
  • Maschinelles Lernen in der Bioinformatik (B.Inf.1504)



Back to Top


Professor S. Köster – Nanoscale Imaging of Cellular Dynamics



General Condensed Matter Physics:
Biophysics is a sub-discipline of condensed matter physics, more specifically soft condensed matter physics. Thus, biophysics builds strongly on condensed matter physics and it is important to understand the fundamentals of solid state physics. Moreover, many methods used in solids state physics are also relevant in biophysics. In case you have not yet taken this course during your Bachelor's studies, it is very highly recommended that you take it during your Master's studies:

  • B.Phy.1521 - Einführung in die Festkörperphysik


General Biological Physics:
The bachelor's course Introduction to Biophysics teaches you basic biophysics, including important methods. All advanced courses build on this course. In case you have not yet taken this course during your Bachelor's studies, it is very highly recommended that you take it during your Master's studies:

  • B.Phys.1571 - Introduction to Biophysics


Additional advanced courses in Biophysics, X-Ray Physics and Fluid Dynamics Building on the general Introduction to Biophysics, you may choose from a large number of courses. For the research of our group, in particular the following courses should be interesting:

  • B.Phy.5604: Foundations of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics
  • B.Phy.5606: Mechanics of the cell
  • B.Phy.5608: Micro- and Nanofluidics
  • B.Phy.5611: Optische Spektroskopie und Mikroskopie
  • B.Phy.5613: Physics of soft condensed matter
  • B.Phy.5616: Biophysics of the cell - physics on small scales
  • B.Phy.5623: Theoretical Biophysics
  • B.Phy.5625: Röntgenphysik
  • B.Phy.5656: Experimental work at large scale facilities for X-ray photons (advanced lab course)
  • B.Phy.5658: Statistical Biophysics
  • M.Phy.5604: Biomedicine imaging physics and medical physics
  • M.Phy.5613: Vorlesung: Principles and Applications of Synchrotron and Free Electron Laser Radiation


Seminars
There are several options for your "general and research seminar", e.g.

  • B.Phy.5607: Mechanics and dynamics of the cytoskeleton
  • B.Phy.5617: Seminar: Physics of condensed matter
  • B.Phy.5618: Seminar to Biophysics of the cell - physics on small scales
  • B.Phy.5619: Seminar on Micro- and Nanofluidics
  • B.Phy.5662: Active Soft Matter
  • B.Phy.5631: Self-organization in physics and biology

Courses from neighboring disciplines
Biophysics is a highly interdisciplinary field of research; thus, consider for your "Profilbereich" (mathematical and natural sciences) advanced courses from (Theoretical) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science. If you need specific recommendations on a certain course, feel free to stop by.

Back to Top


Professor T. Salditt – X-Ray Physics


Students in my group have undergone very different and individual curriculae, based on interest. The ideal profile for a Master thesis in the development of x-ray optics and imaging for example is quite different from that of someone studying biological cells, tissues or the assembly of biomolecules in my group.

For the first case one would prefer a focus on optics, applied mathematics or computations methods (for algorithm developments). In the second case, statistical physics, soft condensed matter and biophysics courses are more important. Finally, if you are interested in fabrication of x-ray optical elements for example, still other courses can be more relevant, e.g. in nanoscience, lithography or material physics.

My general recommendation for the first master year is to take at least one 'tough' course above theminimum requirement. Actually, this may raise your competence in the end more efficiently than any of the above. Depending on your interest, you may choose from any of the advanced theory lectures offered, for example Quantum mechanics II, Statistical physics II, Quantum field theory, Quantum information theory, Mesoscopic Physics, Information and Physics.

Further, you should have taken at least one course in condensed matter physics, as a foundation of Biophysics. If you have not taken any for your bachelor's degree, you must do so fpr your Master's studies, for example (B.Phy.1521 - Einführung in die Festkörperphysik).

Likewise, if you have not taken a Biophysics or Complex Systems courses yet, take one of the two Introductions within the 22 ETCS study focus:

  • B.Phy.1571: Introduction to Biophysics (6 C)
  • B.Phy.1561: Introduction to Physics of Complex Systems (6 C)

Additional advanced courses in Biophysics, X-Ray Physics and Optics are also be of interest, for example:

  • B.Phy.5625: Röntgenphysik
  • B.Phy.5656: Experimental work at large scale facilities for X-ray photons (advanced lab course)
  • B.Phy.5658: Statistical Biophysics
  • M.Phy.5604: Biomedical imaging and medical physics
  • M.Phy.5613: Vorlesung: Principles and Applications of Synchrotron and Free Electron Laser Radiation
  • B.Phy.5604: Foundations of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics
  • B.Phy.5606: Mechanics of the cell
  • B.Phy.5608: Micro- and Nanofluidics
  • B.Phy.5611: Optische Spektroskopie und Mikroskopie
  • B.Phy.5613: Physics of soft condensed matter
  • B.Phy.5616: Biophysics of the cell - physics on small scales
  • B.Phy.5623: Theoretical Biophysics
  • M.Phy.5801 Detectors for particle physics and imaging (3 C / 3 SWS)
  • B.Phy.5707: Nanoscience

Least, not last, you may also consider to take advanced optics and short pulse physics.

Seminars:
We offer block seminars on (i) x-ray physics and optics, (ii) biophysics, (iii) image processing and biomedical imaging, and (iv) nanoscience, on a regular basis. The seminars are classified as (M.Phy.566, M. Phy.576, M.Phys.401, and M.Phys.413) or (B.Phy.566, B.Phy.576)

Beyond physics: applied mathematics and statistics, physical chemistry, informatics, or biology are often quite relevant for our group.



Back to Top

Professor A. Tilgner – Geophysical Fluid Dynamics



It is strongly recommended to take:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (B.Phy.5513)
  • Experiment "Rayleigh-Bénard-Konvektion (AG.RBK)" within the advanced lab course (M.Phy.1401)
  • Einführung in die Strömungsmechanik (B.Phy.5506) – German

Depending on specialisation, the following lectures can be completed to fulfil the 22C:

  • Geophysikalische Strömungsmechanik (B.Phy.5508) – German
  • Magnetohydrodynamics (B.Phy.5511)



Back to Top

Professor K. Bahr – Electromagnetic Depthsounding


It is strongly recommended to take (unless already completed in the Bachelor's program):

  • Einführung in die Geophysik
  • Plattentektonik
  • Elektromagnetische Tiefenforschung
  • Angewandte Geophysik



Back to Top


Professor C. A. Volkert – Nano Mechanics
Professor C. Jooss – Nanoscale multifunctional oxides


The Institute of Materials Physics conducts fundamental research in materials science. We seek to discover and understand how material properties, such as thermomechanical stability and recyclability, come about from processes taking place at the atomic scale in the material. Our methods lean on experiment, taking inspiration from theoretical insights, as well as from computer simulations. We warmly welcome students – physics students as well as “Lehramt” candidates – who seek to write their Master thesis with us. To help you prepare, we recommend that you consider the following when planning your studies:
In case you did not yet attend the course “Introduction to Materials Physics” (B.Phy.1531) during your Bachelors, you should attend it now. This course is offered yearly at the end of the winter semester (duration 2 weeks, typically starts end of February).
Advanced Lab Course: We recommend that you choose your experiments in the area of solid state physics / physics of materials. In general, plan on taking at least two experiments offered by IMP scientists. Those pursuing a Master project on Transmission Electron Microscopy are strongly encouraged to take the FM.ATE experiment!
Seminars: We encourage participation in our seminar series “Current Topics in Materials Science at the Nanoscale” (Aktuelle Materialforschung auf der Nanometer-Skala) which we offer every semester. In addition, we frequently offer specialized seminars from which you can choose, with topics ranging from renewable energy materials to electro-chemistry. All IMP seminars on offer are listed on our institute homepage, section “Lehre”.
IMP lectures: To further prepare for a Master thesis at IMP, it is important to also strengthen your theoretical knowledge of materials science. To this end, we strongly recommend our IMP lecture series Materials Physics I: Microstructure-Property-Relations (M.Phy.5705) and Materials Physics II: Kinetics and Phase Transformations (M.Phy.5706).
Other lectures: In case you did not attend any introductory solid state lectures, you should attend one now, for example “Einführung in die Festkörperphysik” (B.Phy.1521). However, this constitutes a bare minimum, and we strongly encourage attending a more advanced solid state course, such as Solid State Physics II (B.Phy.1522). For those interested in pulsed laser deposition methods, the lecture Thin Films (Veranstaltungsnummer: 534325) is recommended.
Computer Simulations: It is also possible to perform your Master project at IMP using computer simulations. In this case, solid understanding of the Linux operating system is essential (this ideally being the OS you are already using in daily life). Furthermore, you should be comfortable with programming, such as in C/C++, as well as in python. Since these simulation projects typically use (classical) molecular dynamics, a strong background in statistical physics is also important. Consider taking the courses Advanced Computer Simulation (B.Phy.5901) and Foundations of Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics (B.Phy.5604) to help you prepare.

Back to Top

Professor A. Frey – Particle Physics at Lepton Accelerators
Professor A. Quadt – Elementary Particle Physics in pp Collisions with the ATLAS Experiment
Professor S. Lai – Exploring the Higgs Sector with the ATLAS Experiment



obligatory courses highlighted in RED
strongly recommended courses are highlighted in GREEN

Please note the following abbreviations:
AGF: Research Group of Prof. Frey (Arbeitsgruppe Frey)
AGL: Research Group of Prof. Lai (Arbeitsgruppe Lai)
AGQ: Research Group of Prof. Quadt (Arbeitsgruppe Quadt)
AGQ-data: Research Group of Prof. Quadt when thesis in data analysis
AGQ-det: Research Group of Prof. Quadt when thesis in detector development
AGQ-grid: Research Group of Prof. Quadt when thesis in GRID computing


Semesters 1 & 2 (total 60 C)
In Semester 1, Advanced Lab Course I (M.Phy.1401, 6C):
It is recommended to choose particle physics experiments for the MSc advanced lab course, more specifically, four experiments out of the following pool of particle physics experiments:

  • e+ e- physics with Belle (especially AGF)
  • Higgs Physics at the LHC (especially AGL, AGQ-data)
  • Top Quark Physics (especially AGQ-data)
  • W/Z Physics at the Tevatron (especially AGQ-data)
  • Pixel Detectors (especially AGQ-det)
  • Gaseous Ionization Detectors (especially AGQ-det)

It is possible to credit participation in the DESY or CERN summer student program with the equivalent of three advanced lab course experiments, if agreed upon with the supervisor (Prof. Frey, Prof. Lai, or Prof. Quadt) in advance.


In Semester 2, Follow-up Lab Course (6C)
Students should choose between:
Electronics Lab Course (B.Phy.606, 6C, block course usually in September)
Advanced Lab Course II (M.Phy.1402, 6C)
Internship (M.Phy.1403, 6C)

  • The Electronics Lab Course is strongly recommended for students who will be involved in detector development
  • If the Advanced Lab Course II is taken, then a total of at least six particle physics experiments (see list above) should have been performed at the end of both Advanced Lab Courses
  • Students who opt to do the Internship (M.Phy.1403) should discuss with the supervisor about this possibility in advance


General Seminar (M.Phy.413, 4C): (Profilierungsseminar)
Seminar outside of particle physics - offers opportunity to widen perspective in other fields of physics, which often yields surprising relevance for particle physics.
Possibilities include:

  • Vermittlung wissenschaftlicher Zusammenhänge durch neue Medien
  • Physik jenseits der Standardmodelle (Seminar)
  • Bayesian Inference and Machine Learning (Seminar)
  • Practical Course on Parallel Computing
    (recommended for students involved in GRID computing)


Research Seminar (M.Phy.412, 4C):
It is strongly recommended to take the seminar course:

  • "Advanced Topics in Particle Physics"

which is offered usually in the Winter Semester by professors and lecturers in particles physics at the II. Physikalisches Institut.

Total credits via advanced lectures in particle physics: 22C

  • Courses can also be taken abroad during an exchange semester at another university, if discussed beforehand with supervisor
  • Courses successfully completed during the Bachelor's program cannot be taken again for credit in the Master's program


Einführung in die Kern- und Teilchenphysik (B.Phy.1511, 8C)
This course is obligatory if it was not completed during the Bachelor program. However, most incoming Master's students will have already successfully completed this course.

At least one of the following two courses is mandatory:
Particle Physics II - Physics of and with Quarks (B.Phy.1512, 6C)
Particle Physics III - Physics of and with Leptons (M.Phy.5807, 6C)

  • Most incoming Master's students will have already completed Particle Physics II during the Bachelor's program
  • It is strongly recommended that both the above courses have been completed during the course of the Bachelor's or Master's program.


It is strongly recommended to take: Quantum Field Theory I (6C)
(unless already completed in the Bachelor's program)

Other specialized lectures in particle physics can be completed to fulfill the 22C requirement for advanced lectures in particle physics.

  • Physics of the Top Quark (3C) (especially AGQ-data)
  • Physics of the Higgs Boson (3C) (especially AGL, AGQ-data)
  • Beauty Quark Physics (3C) (especially AGF)
  • Interaction of Particles with Matter and Detector Physics (3C) (especially AGQ-det)
  • Physics of Particle Accelerators (3C)
  • Physics of Pixel Detectors (3C) (especially AGQ-det)
  • Physics Beyond the Standard Model (3C)
  • HASCO summer school
  • Theoretical courses in particle physics (Higgs / QCD / BSM)


Other courses in Natural Sciences (6C): (Mat.-Nat. Bereich)
It is recommended to attend courses related to physics, mathematics or computer science which are helpful for research in particle physics. Courses listed as "advanced lectures in particle physics" above are also eligible for this, as long as they are not needed to fulfill the 22C requirements in the "Forschungsschwerpunkt".
Possibilities include:

  • Statistical Methods in Data Analysis (3C)
  • Statistics (theory)
  • Parallel computing / GRID computing course (especially AGQ-grid)
  • Advanced Quantum Field Theory (QFT II)
  • Quantum Mechanics II
  • Computer Science courses (especially AGQ-grid)
  • Courses in Astrophysics & Cosmology
  • Group Theory and Lie Algebra
  • Mathematical physics


Other courses outside of Natural Sciences (12C):
It is recommended to attend courses which improve the general education and profile of a university student. The courses should not be related to natural science or mathematics (i.e. philosophy, economics, etc etc). Language courses are available through ZESS ( Zentrale Einrichtung für Sprachen und Schlüsselqualifikationen).

  • For non-German speakers, a German language course is strongly advised
  • Students of AGL or AGQ might find a French language course helpful for an eventual research stay at CERN, Geneva
  • Students of AGF might find a Japanese language course helpful for an eventual research stay at KEK, Japan


Semester 3

Networking (M.Phy.602, 3 C)
Development and Realization of Scientific Projects (M.Phy.601, 9 C)
Research Lab Course (M.Phy.408, 18 C)

You should be working full-time and be dedicated entirely to these three modules that serve as important preparation for the Master's thesis. All other course work should have already been completed.
Note that Master's students are expected to give a presentation at the annual conference of the German Physical Society (DPG), at which scientific contacts can be made, which fulfill the requirements of the Networking Module (M.Phy.602).

Semester 4

Master's thesis (30 C)
You should be working full-time and be dedicated entirely to the research and tasks corresponding to the Master's thesis. All other course work should have already been completed. Please discuss with your supervisor about candidates for the 2nd referee for your thesis.

Back to Top


Professor H.-C. Hofsäss – Ionenstrahlphysik und Nukleare Festkörperphysik



  • M.Phy.581 Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics I (6 C / 6 SWS)
  • M.Phy.571 Advanced Topics in Solid State/Materials Physics I (6 C / 6 SWS)
  • M.Phy.5701 Advanced Solid State Theory (6 C / 6 SWS)
  • M.Phy.572 Advanced Topics in Solid State/Materials Physics II (6 C / 4 SWS)

Alternative:

  • M.Phy.5704 Materialphysik auf der Nanoskala (3 C / 2 SWS)
  • M.Phy.582 Advanced Topics in Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics II (6 C / 4 SWS)
  • M.Phy.5707 Materials research with electrons (3 C / 2 SWS)
  • M.Phy.572 Advanced Topics in Solid State/Materials Physics II (6 C / 4 SWS)
  • M.Phy.5703 Materialforschung mit Elektronen (6 C / 4 SWS)
  • M.Phy.5704 Materialphysik auf der Nanoskala (3 C / 2 SWS)
  • M.Phy.5801 Detectors for particle physics and imaging (3 C / 3 SWS)



Back to Top



The recommendations of the research group of Professor A. Quadt are also recommended here.

Back to Top

Professor P. Sollich – Non-Equilibrium Statistical Physics



For students interested in working with me I generally recommend modules on advanced statistical physics, and depending on your specific interests modules in the areas of complex systems, soft matter or biophysics. If you have a specific thesis topic in mind, do come and talk to me about what the most useful choices might be, based on the suggestions below.

Recommendations for mandatory modules:

  • M.Phy.410: Research Seminar Biophysics/Physics of Complex Systems (4C)
  • Seminar Statistische Mechanik komplexer Systeme
  • Seminar Statistical Physics in Biology
  • Seminar Pattern Formation / Self-Organization in Physics and Biology
  • Seminar Weiche Materie und Polymerphysik
  • M.Phy.413 General Seminar (4C)
  • Seminar Statistische Mechanik komplexer Systeme
  • Seminar Stochastic Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics


Recommended modules within the 22C study focus: one of the following

  • B.Phy.1531: Einführung in die Materialphysik (6C)
  • B.Phy.1561: Introduction to Physics of Complex Systems (6C)
  • B.Phy.1571: Introduction to Biophysics (6C)


Further useful modules:

  • M.Phy.56x/57x: Advanced Statistical Physics / Statistical mechanics II
  • Hard Problems in Soft Matter
  • Computer Simulation Techniques
  • Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
  • M.Phy.5706: Materials Physics II: Kinetics and Phase Transformations
  • B.Phy.5623: Theoretical Biophysics (6C)
  • B.Phy.5663: Stochastic Dynamics
  • B.Phy.5631: Self-Organization in Physics and Biology (4C)
  • B.Phy.5658: Statistical Biophysics (6C)
  • B.Phy.5648: Theoretical and Computational Biophysics (3C)
  • B.Phy.5649: Biomolecular Physics und Simulations (3C)
  • B.Phy.5662: Active Soft Matter (4C)
  • M.Phy.5608: Liquid State Physics (4C)
  • B.Phy.5613: Soft Matter Physics (6C)
  • B.Phy.5657: Biophysics of Gene Regulation
  • B.Phy.5658: Statistical Biophysics


Recommended modules in the minor subject (math.-nat. Sciences, 6C)

  • B.Phy.5621: Stochastic Processes (4C)
  • B.Phy.5604: Foundations of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics (3C)
  • B.Phy.5628: Pattern formation (6C)
  • B.Phy.607: Akademisches Schreiben für Physiker/innen (4C)
  • B.Phy.5901: Advanced Algorithms for Computational Physics (6C)
  • M.Phy.710: Biomolecular Physics and Simulations (3C)
  • B.Phy.5601/2: Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience I/II


Recommended modules in the minor subject (not physics, 12C) Modules in the field of stochastic modelling, path integrals, statistical inference

Back to Top


Professor E. Bodenschatz – Fluid Physics



For a master thesis in fluid physics, knowledge of the physics of complex systems and fluid dynamics is very helpful. Knowledge in statistical physics and stochastic processes is useful in any case, as well programming skills.

It is strongly recommended to take:

  • Introduction to the Physics of Complex Systems (8C)


The following specialized lectures can be completed to fulfil the 22C:

  • Introduction to Turbulence (3C)
  • Numerische Strömungsmechanik (2C)
  • Übungen zur Numerischen Strömungsmechanik
  • Einführung in die Strömungsmechanik (6C)
  • Die Vermittlung und Untersuchung von strömungsphysikalischen Vorgängen im Experiment (6C)
  • Courses in the field of statistical physics for advanced students


It is recommended to take a seminar from this area within the module M.Phy.410: Research Seminar Biophysics/Physics of Complex Systems, for example "Current questions in turbulence research."

Back to Top


Professor A. Rizzi and Professor J. Malindretos – Functional hetero- and nanostructures based on group III-N semiconductors



Bachelor of Science in Physics:

  • B.Phy.1521: Einführung in die Festkörperphysik
  • B.Phy.1522: Festkörperphysik II
  • B.Phy.606: Elektronikpraktikum


Master of Science in Physics, Forschungsschwerpunkt "Festkörperphysik (FK)"

  • M.Phy.572 (57x.3C): Physics of Semiconductors
  • M.Phy.413: Physics of Semiconductor Devices
  • B.Phy.5714: Introduction to Solid State Theory
  • M.Phy.1401: Advanced Lab Course I
  • M.Phy.5705: Materialphysik I: Mikrostruktur-Eigenschaftsbeziehungen
  • B.Phy.5707: Nanoscience
  • B.Phy.5709: Seminar on Nanoscience
  • M.Phy.572 (57x.3C): Dünne Schichten
  • M.Phy.1402: Advanced Lab Course II
  • M.Phy.411 (.Mp): Materialforschung mit Elektronen
  • B.Phy.5611: Optical Spectroscopy and Microscopy
  • B.Phy.5639.Mp: Optical measurement techniques


Summary with priorities

  • M.Phy.572 (57x.3C): Physics of Semiconductors
  • B.Phy.5714: Introduction to Solid State Theory
  • B.Phy.5707: Nanoscience
  • M.Phy.572 (57x.3C): Dünne Schichten
  • M.Phy.5705: Materialphysik I: Mikrostruktur-Eigenschaftsbeziehungen
  • M.Phy.411 (.Mp): Materialforschung mit Elektronen
  • B.Phy.5611: Optical Spectroscopy and Microscopy
  • M.Che.1132.Mp: Moderne Methoden der Chemie: Spektroskopie und Magnetismus




Back to Top


Professor K. Samwer – Physics of Amorphous Materials, Dynamical Heterogeneities in undercooled Melts and Relaxation Phenomena



  • Festkörperphysik II
  • Ungeordnete Systeme
  • Teilnahme am Glasseminar
  • Einführung in die Festkörpertheorie
  • Materialphysik I und II



Back to Top


Professor M. Wenderoth – Scanning Probe Methods



a) Solid State Physics II: You must choose this course, as it provides the basics of solid state physics on the master’s level.

b) Introduction to Solid State Theory: A good theoretical background in solid state physics is desirable. Therefore, this course is highly recommended – even if you just take the class but not the exam.

c) Advanced solid state lecture and seminars, for example: Surface Physics, Scanning Probe Techniques, Semiconductor Physics, Seminar on Nanoscience, Seminar on the physics of semiconductor devices, Quantum information theory, Mesoscopic Physics.
These are recommendations that depend on availability, your specific interests and the topic of your Master's thesis. Please consult with me directly.

d) Electronic Lab Course for Natural Scientists: Our group is developing new experimental methods. This course will prepare you for everyday challenges in the lab.

Back to Top

Professor S. Mathias – Ultrafast Dynamics

Compulsory courses:

a) Solid State Physics II

Depending on availability, recommended are in addition:

a) Introduction to ultrashort laser pulses and nonlinear optics

b) Surface physics

c) Magnetism

d) Introduction to solid state theory

e) Nano-optics meets strong-field physics

f) Dünne Schichten

g) Seminars on ultrafast dynamics, laser physics, nanophysics, nonlinear optics



Back to Top

Professor K.-H. Rehren – Mathematical Physics
Professor L. Covi – Quantum Field Theory and Cosmology
Professor S. Schumann – Particle-Physics Phenomenology



Compulsory courses:

  • M.Phy.1401 Advanced Lab Course I (6 ECTS)
    It is recommended to choose particle physics experiments for the MSc-advanced lab course,e.g., Higgs physics at the LHC, e+e- physics at LEP, W/Z physics at the Tevatron, top-quark physics at the LHC.

  • B.Phy.1511 Einführung in die Kern- und Teilchenphysik (6 ECTS)


At least one out of:

  • B.Phy.1512 Particle Physics II - of and with quarks (6 ECTS)
  • M.Phy.5807 Particle Physics III - of and with leptons (6 ECTS)


One out of:

  • B.Phy.606 Electronic Lab Course for Natural Scientists (6 ECTS)
  • M.Phy.1402 Advanced Lab Course II (6 ECTS)
  • M.Phy.1403 Internship (6 ECTS)


Recommendation for advanced courses (total at least 14 ECTS):

  • B.Phy.5804 Quantum mechanics II (6 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5805 Quantum field theory I (6 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5806 Spezielle Relativitätstheorie (6 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5811 Statistical methods in data analysis (3 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5901 Advanced Algorithms for Computational Physics (6 ECTS)
  • M.Phy.5804 Simulation methods for theoretical particle physics (3 ECTS)
  • M.Phy.5809 Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory (3 ECTS)

Subjects related to particle physics (experimental and theoretical), e.g., Higgs Physics, Top Physics, Weak and Strong Interactions, Quantum Field Theory II, QCD, Supersymmetry,Physics Beyond the Standard Model.


Recommendation for Profilierungsbereich, mathematical and natural sciences (total at least 18 ECTS):

  • B.Phy.5523 General Relativity (6 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5530 Introduction to Cosmology (3 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5532 Symmetrien und Nichtlineare Differenzialgleichungen in der Physik (3 ECTS)
  • B.Phy.5543 Black Holes (3 ECTS)

Phase transitions, Renormalization group methods, Information and Physics: Classical and Quantum Aspects.

Algebra, Group Theory, Representation Theory (B.Mat.3123, B.Mat.3124, M.Math.4523, M.Mat.4524), Functional Analysis (B.Mat.2110, M.Mat.3110), Differential Geometry (B.Mat.3113).

Back to Top


Professor M. Müller – Soft Matter and Biophysics



Recommendations for mandatory modules

  • M.Phy.410: Research Seminar Biophysics/Physics of Complex Systems (4C)

    • Seminar Weiche Materie und Polymerphysik
    • Seminar zur statistischen Mechanik komplexer Systeme
    • Seminar on pattern formation in physics and biology
    • Seminar on current topics in theoretical biophysics

  • M.Phy.413 General Seminar (4 C)

    • Seminar zur statistischen Mechanik komplexer Systeme

Recommended modules within the 22 ETCS study focus
One of the following Introductions

  • B.Phy.1531: Einführung in die Materialphysik (6 C)
  • B.Phy.1561: Introduction to Physics of Complex Systems (6 C)
  • B.Phy.1571: Introduction to Biophysics (6 C)

In addition (but not mandatory):

  • M.Sc.56x

    • Polymer physics and soft matter
    • Statistical mechanics II
    • Continuum models of soft matter systems – Computersimulations (6C)
    • Self-consistent field theory for polymer systems (3C)

  • M.Sc.57x

    • Field theories of hard and soft condensed matter (6C)

  • B.Phy.5623: Theoretical Biophysics (6C)
  • B.Phy.5631: Self-organization in physics and biology (4C)
  • B.Phy.5648: Theoretical and Computational Biophysics (3C)
  • B.Phy.5649: Biomolekulare Physik und Simulationen (3C)
  • B.Phy.5658: Statistical Biophysics (6C)
  • B.Phy.5662: Active Soft Matter (4C)
  • M.Phy.5608: Liquid State Physics (4C)
  • B.Phy.5613: Physics of soft condensed matter (6C)

Recommended modules in the minor subject (math.-nat. Sciences, 6C)

  • B.Phy.5621: Stochastic Processes (4C)
  • B.Phy.5604: Foundations of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics (3C)
  • B.Phy.5628: Pattern formation (6C)
  • B.Phy.607: Akademisches Schreiben für Physiker/innen (4C)
  • B.Phy.5901: Advanced Algorithms for Computational Physics (6C)
  • M.Phy.710: Biomolecular Physics and Simulations (3C)

Recommended modules in the minor subject (not physics, 12C)

  • Modules in the field of Algorithms



Back to Top


Condensed Matter Theory – Professor S. Kehrein



a) Introduction to Solid State Theory
b) Advanced Solid State Theory
c) Advanced theory lecture, for example: Quantum mechanics II, Quantum field theory, Statistical physics II, Quantum information theory, Mesoscopic Physics, Information and Physics

Note: You must choose either a) or b). Everything else are recommendations that depend on availability, your specific interests and the topic of your Master's thesis (please consult with me directly).

Back to Top

Condensed Matter Theory – Professor F. Heidrich-Meisner



a) Strongly Recommended: Introduction to Solid State Theory
b) Strongly Recommended: Advanced Solid State Theory
c) Recommended: Computational Many-Body Physics or Advanced Computational Physics
d) Recommended: Quantum mechanics II
e) Useful but optional: Advanced theory lecture, for example: Quantum field theory, Statistical physics II, Quantum information theory, Mesoscopic Physics, Information and Physics

Note: please consult with me directly about what would benefit specific master thesis topics the most..

Back to Top

Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics – Professor Krüger



In general, any advanced course in theoretical physics, statistical physics, or biophysics, is useful. Especially, I recommend the courses and seminars of the focus area theoretical physics, such as,

  • M.Phy.5401: Advanced Statistical Physics
  • B.Phy.5402: Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Please contact me for personalized recommendations.

Back to Top