MA Physics International 120 ECTS
Master-study program Physics International (M. Sc., 120 ECTS)
Career goals of the physics study program
A variety of employment opportunities are open to graduates of physics, as their ability to analyze and solve complex problems allows them to quickly familiarize themselves even with topics which are not explicitly discussed during the study program. A master’s degree in physics offers a wide range of options for jobs. The graduates are interdisciplinary trained, are versatile and have the best and the most secure job and career opportunities in a wide variety of industries, such as
- in industrial research and development centers
- in teaching at schools, colleges and universities
- as IT experts, both in a company and as a freelance workers
- in the patent system (patent law firms and patent offices)
- at management consultancies, financial service providers, insurance companies and banks
- in the public sector
Despite of the changing economic conditions in the last 20 years, the chances on the job market for graduates of physics are excellent, especially because of the well-founded broad education and skills compared to other specialized academic professions.
Qualification aims:
After having successfully completed their studies the graduates safulfil the following requirements:
- The graduates are highly skilled in abstract thinking, they are able to think analytically, they have a high problem-solving competence and are able to structure complex interrelations .
- The graduates have a wide overview of the different areas of physics and of connections to other sciences .
- They have profound knowledge of the mathematical and theoretical basics of physics as well as profound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods to gain new insights.
- They are able to transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality .
- With the help of primary literature, especially in English, they are able to become acquainted with the current state of research in a speciality .
- They have the ability to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results.
- Even with incomplete information they are in a position to work independently on physical problems, applying scientific methods and following the rules of good scientific practice, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work.
- They are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists and also to explain connections to physics to non-scientists.
- As physicists they are able to work in or even lead interdisciplinary and international teams with (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and economy.
Scientific qualification
| Qualification target | Method | How to reach the target |
|---|---|---|
| The graduates have profound knowledge of the mathematical, experimental and theoretical basics of physics | Elective modules | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates can resort to profound knowledge of the theoretical and experimental methods to gain new insights | MA-project modules MA-Thesis | project paper, MA-Thesis |
| The graduates have a wide overview of the different areas of physics | Elective modules (Experiment and Theory) | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates know scientific areas adjacent to physics and realize interdisciplinary connections. |
Elective modules, sector „Non-physical minor subject“ |
seminar talk, written exam and/or individual oral exam |
|
The graduates have are highly skilled in abstract thinking, they are able to think analytically, they have a high problem-solving competence and are in a position to structure complex interrelations. |
Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments , minutes, seminar talk, project paper |
|
The graduates transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality. |
Advanced laboratory courses, MAproject modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments , minutes, seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates are in a position to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results. | MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
| With the help of primary literature, especially in English, the graduates are able to become acquainted with the current state of research in a speciality. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, MA-Thesis |
Qualification to start a job
| Qualification target | Method | How to reach the target | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Even with incomplete information the graduates are in a position to work independently on physical problems, following the rules of good scientific practice, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work. | Advanced seminar for degree candidates, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis | |
| As physicists the graduates are able to work in or even lead interdisciplinary and international teams with (natural) scientists and/or engineers in research, industry and economy. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory expermiments, minutes, seminar talk, project paper | |
| The graduates have the ability to independently apply physical and mathematical methods to concrete experimental or theoretical physical tasks, to develop solutions and to interpret and assess the results. | Advanced laboratory courses, MA-project modules, MA-Thesis | Laboratory experiments and minutes, seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis | |
| The graduates are able to transfer their abilities and expertise to research projects and know the current state of research in at least one speciality. | Elective modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk, project paper, MA-Thesis |
Self-development
| Qualification target | Method | How to reach the target |
|---|---|---|
|
Even with incomplete information the graduates are in a position to work independently on physical problems, and to present, assess and attend to the results and consequences of their work. |
MA-project modules | seminar talk, project paper |
| The graduates know the rules of good scientific practice and take them into account. |
MA-project modules, MA-Thesis |
seminar talk, project paper, MA- Thesis. |
Qualification for social commitment
| Qualification target | Method | How to reach the target |
|---|---|---|
| The graduates are able to critically reflect scientific developments and to capture their impact on economy, society and environment. (technological impact assessment) | Specific elective modules (e.g. thermodynamics and economics) | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates have enlargened their knowledge concerning economic, social, natural scientific or cultural questions (to name but a few) and are able to attend to their views reasonably. | Current reference in modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk and talk to present the MA-Thesis |
| The graduates are able to discuss physical topics on the current state of research with other physicists and also to explain physical correlations to non-scientists. | Elective modules, MA-project modules | seminar talk, written examination and/or individual oral exam |
| The graduates have developed the willingness and ability to show their skills in participative processes and actively contribute to decisions. | Committees and student representative committee | panel work and panel meetings |
