Angewandte Physik / Applied Physics (B.Sc.)

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.

What will I learn?

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 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.

Can I choose my own areas of focus?

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.

What skills and interests should I have?

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.

There is a corresponding pre-course offer for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is highly recommended.

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

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)

The following consecutive Master’s degree programmes are offered:

• Physics (MSc)
• Advanced Materials (MSc)

A Doctorate possible with a Master's degree.

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.

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Angewandte Physik (PDF in German)

Links

Faculty 07 – Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography
Faculty 07's Deanery
Examinations office of Natural Sciences
Student representatives

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07

Advanced Materials
Angewandte Informatik / Applied Computer Science
Angewandte Mathematik / Applied Mathematics
Angewandte Physik / Applied Physics
Data Science
Geographie / Geography
Mathematik / Mathematics
Physik / Physics
Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen / Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.