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Applied Physics (B.Sc.)

Taught in German

Overview

Foto: luchschen/123rf.com


Overview

Overview

The major physical-technological challenges of the energy transition are exacerbating the current shortage of skilled workers in the STEM sector of our high-tech society. Applied industrial research and development in particular have an enormous need for scientifically trained personnel. People who have a basic knowledge of physics and are thus predestined to analyse complex interrelationships and recognise the core challenges are in demand. Equally essential is the ability to identify and implement efficient solution strategies.

The study programme "Applied Physics" is dedicated to precisely these challenges. The focus here is on the application of physical methods and findings in current and future high technologies. In addition to the fundamentals of physics, the bachelor's programme focuses in particular on its applications, underpinned by competences from applied mathematics and modern data analysis ("Data Science and AI").

The focus in the degree programme allows the formation of extended competences in the natural and life sciences, e.g. in "Quantum Technology", "Data Science" or "Life Science". Alternatively, economics can be chosen as a minor subject, with a choice between business administration and economics. If a specialisation is chosen, the acquired competences from the specialisation should be brought into the study projects and the subsequent Bachelor's thesis on applied physical or technical issues.

The focus is always on direct application. This is an essential difference to the classical physics degree programme, which has a much more abstract mathematical orientation. The aim is to produce graduates who can solve practical challenges in the physical-technological field in a goal-oriented manner using the most modern methods of technology and data processing.

 

 

Requirements of this course of studies

You should be interested in natural sciences and technology as well as pragmatic, application and solution-oriented. You will use your knowledge and skills during your studies to develop and optimise new technologies and methods in the physical-technical field. The creativity required for this and the willingness to think interdisciplinarily across subject boundaries are prerequisites for your study of applied physics.

You will be taught basic knowledge of mathematics and physics in the first semesters, but previous knowledge from school is very helpful. English language skills are not required. However, they are useful in order to work with the research-related literature that is mainly published in this language.

A corresponding preliminary course is offered for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is absolutely recommended.

Composition of the Study Programme

Composition of the Study Programme

Duration of Studies

6 semesters - 180 credit points (CP)

 

Programme structure

In the Applied Physics study programme, you complete compulsory modules in the areas of physics and technology as well as mathematics, computer science and data science. The first year of study is deliberately virtually identical to the bachelor's degree programme in physics, so that a change between the degree programmes is possible without any problems during the initial phase of the degree programme.

In addition, during the first 5 semesters you choose compulsory elective modules in focus subjects relevant for applied physics amounting to 24 CP. A list of possible modules can be found in the module description "Elective subject area" in Annex 2 of the Special Regulations for the degree programme linked below. At the end of your studies, you will deepen the knowledge you have acquired in the degree programme in two study projects as well as the Bachelor thesis.

 

Modules

1st semester 2nd semester

Experimental Physics I: Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Transport Processes 

Experimental Physics II: Electrodynamics, Optics and Relativity
Mathematical Methods in Physics I  

Mathematical Methods in Physics II

Fundamentals of Statistics

Basic Practical Course in Physics I
Elective subject I Numerical methods in physics
  Physical Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering

 

3rd semester 4th semester

Experimental Physics III: Atomic and Molecular Physics, Quantum Phenomena

Experimental Physics IV: Solid State Physics

Theoretical Physics I: Higher Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics Theoretical Physics II: Electro- and Thermodynamics
Basic Practical Course in Physics II Measurement Technology and EDP Measurement Technology and EDPFundamentals of Programming with Python
Fundamentals of Programming with Python Compulsory Elective III
Compulsory Elective II  

 

5th semester 6th semester

Experimental Physics V: Nuclear and Particle Physics and Astrophysics

Advanced Practical Course in Physics
Advanced Practical Course in Physics Interdisciplinary Interrelationships in Physics
Artificial Intelligence I Study Project I
Elective subject IV Study project II

 

Bachelor thesis

The study plan printed here represents one of two variants for the sequence of modules to be studied. Another variant for full-time studies as well as a variant for part-time studies with 12 semesters can be found in the notices of the University of Gießen (see link below).

The elective subject area serves to deepen your subject-related competences or your specialisation. Here you can choose modules from the subjects of physics, materials science, mathematics or chemistry. Specialisations in the fields of data science, life sciences or economics are also possible.

A list of possible modules can be found in the module description "Elective subject" in Appendix 2 of the Special Regulations for the degree programme linked below.

 

Information on the structure of the degree programme can also be found in the special regulations for the degree programme:

Spezielle Ordnung in den Mitteilungen der Universität Gießen (MUG) (only in German)

Application

Commencement of Studies in the Winter Semester

Commencement of studies

Only possible in the winter semester

Entrance Requirements Abitur ohne Praktikumsnachweis

Entrance requirements

  • Applicants must have an Abitur (German school leaver's examination for university entrance) or equivalent. More on this...
  • Certification of a pre-professional practical period is not required.
  • Special regulations apply to foreign applicants or those who gained their university-entrance qualifications abroad. Read more...

Application not limited only winter

Application / Enrolment

  • The study programme is not subject to admission restrictions.

  • The enrolment period for the winter semester begins at the beginning of June.

  • The end of the enrolment period is determined anew each year, please enquire in the application portal during the enrolment period.

Different rules apply in some cases for international applicants. More...

 

Career Options

Career Options

Programmes of further study at JLU

Master courses of study

Doctorate possible with a Master's degree

 

Career options / Job market

There is no such thing as a degree programme with a job guarantee. Because whether you make the leap from university into the working world depends on many factors - including you. But we can say with certainty that you will have many prospects after successfully completing a degree in applied physics.

The demand for STEM graduates in the field of high technologies is already high and will continue to increase massively in the coming years. This applies to almost all branches of industry (e.g. space industry, chemical industry, electrical industry, automotive industry, logistics, trade, IT sector), banks, insurance companies and public authorities, as well as many areas of the natural sciences, humanities, cultural studies, social sciences and life sciences.

With the option to focus on e.g. "Quantum Technology", "Data Science" or "Life Science", students have the opportunity to follow their inclination towards a specific high-tech field at an early stage.
The degree of interdisciplinarity of the degree programme between practical high technology and application-oriented data processing conveys an expertise that can be used universally. Basic competences and knowledge are taught or acquired that can be used in a wide range of professional fields in the high technology sector.

 

Occupational fields for physicists

All fields of activity can offer you a perspective that, on the one hand, employ specialists trained in the natural sciences or, on the other hand, in which complex challenges have to be identified and associated solution strategies developed and implemented. You will have excellent career opportunities in industry, as customised scientific and technical solutions are developed and used in many branches of industry. Potential employers can be found in the electronics industry, the chemical industry, but also in small and medium-sized companies with high-tech products. In addition, suitably qualified graduates are in high demand in areas that place special demands on analytical, systematic and synthetic skills, such as research institutes, administration, banks, consultancies and the patent system.

Further Information

Further Information: Documents

PDF documents for the courses of study

 

Examination- and study regulations

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

International pages

Please have a look at our International Pages for more information in English.

Any Questions

Any Questions?

Information- and advisory services of JLU can be found under the category “contact” on this page!

Help

Do you need assistance in choosing the right courses of study?

Offers: Courses of study

Which courses of study suits me best?

Ask Justus offers information for prospective students

 

Events for prospective students

There is a whole range of events offered by JLU, current events can be found under “news”:
www.uni-giessen.de/studium (in German)

Contact

Subject Advisors

Prof. Dr. Lorenz von Smekal
Institut für Theoretische Physik
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, Raum 420
35392 Gießen
Tel
.: 0641 - 99 33300


Prof. Dr. Michael Dürr
Institut für Angewandte Physik
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, room 531
35392 Giessen
Tel.: 0641 - 99 33490


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