Advanced Materials (M.Sc.)

Which materials improve the performance of batteries in electric cars? How should a solar cell be coated so that it generates more electricity? How can the material properties of implants be improved so that they are not rejected by the human body? 

‘Advanced materials are modern functional materials whose properties have been specifically modified in order to optimise them for a particular application. Areas of application include medicine, mobility, communication, energy supply and aerospace. The development of such advanced materials requires interdisciplinary knowledge of chemistry and physics in order to understand and modify the interplay of material properties, as well as creativity and a spirit of discovery for practical optimisation in the laboratory.

What will I learn?

The research-oriented Master's degree course in Advanced Materials provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to optimise materials for future applications and develop them further in a professional environment. The programme is closely integrated into current materials research in Giessen with a focus on high-performance materials and energy materials. This gives you the opportunity to work on current research projects.

You will acquire in-depth practical skills in the laboratory, work independently on smaller research projects and learn to develop solutions to problems with innovative ideas. In addition to basic expertise in materials science, you will specialise in a materials science research topic from the outset and thus hone your individual profile.

The degree programme is offered jointly by the Departments of Physics (Department 07) and Chemistry (Department 08)..

What skills and interests should I have?

You should have previous knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry and be keen to carry out practical work yourself in order to experimentally develop, characterise and optimise new functional materials. 

English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) must be available. 

The Master's degree programme in Advanced Materials is a research-oriented degree programme. In the first and second semesters, it comprises four basic materials science modules on functional solid-state materials, functional ‘soft’ materials, the technical fundamentals of materials science and renewable energies.

From the first semester onwards, students choose a subject specialisation, such as

• Electrochemical materials research,
• High-performance materials,
• materials analysis,
• Theoretical materials research,
• Sustainable inorganic materials,
• Organic Materials Synthesis.

In addition, students can pursue their individual interests in compulsory elective modules. As part of the research module in the third semester, students work on a theoretical and practical materials science problem in a research group in the fields of chemistry and physics. Building on this, the Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis in the form of an independent scientific paper in the fourth semester. 

Study Programme

Master's Thesis

The final Master's thesis in the fourth semester leads to the second degree qualifying for a profession: Master of Science.  In the Master's thesis students must show that they are able to work academically and independently on a limited concrete topic for a limited period and present their findings to the academic world. The Master`s thesis is to be presented in the working group, discussed by the colleagues and defended and evaluated by two examiners.

You will find detailed module descriptions in the appendix to the programme’s Special Regulations.

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)

Accreditation

Links

Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07

Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 08

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.