Information about studying at IFMP

General Information

The lectures in the specialization in solid-state and materials physics are divided into three subject areas: phenomena, methods, and materials. They can either be chosen as examination topics (categories VW or VWm) or not (category VF). Additionally, it is possible to attend lectures from another specialization and select them as part of the examination topic.

Bachelor's, Master's, and State Examination Theses

Generally, students complete their theses in the chosen specialization. The tasks and topics in our specialization can be found here or can always be arranged with all lecturers (professors and private lecturers) of the institute and also with external institutions.

Study program specific Information

In general, the information on the corresponding webpage of the Faculty of Physics applies. For the specialization in solid-state and materials physics, this means the following:

Bachelor's Program in Physics

For the ungraded module Phy-PV in the Bachelor's program, the following applies:

• You participate in courses of the specialization area with 4 SWS. Typically in the 6th semester; an early participation in earlier semesters is possible.
• If the 4 SWS are covered by 2 courses (e.g., 2/1 plus 2/0, instead of 3/1), it is sufficient to complete the PL in one of the courses.

Examination

• The examination (PL) is the "successful written solution of problems", in which the competencies to be acquired in the entire 4 SWS are tested. At IFMP, this is usually a term paper. However, several distributed exercises throughout the semester or a final comprehensive excersise are also possible. Please discuss this with the lecturer.
• The registration for the PL is done online via the selma portal in exactly one specialization area. The exact deadline is announced here and through a notice, and typically ends in the second month of the semester. The time before that can be used for orientation. Individual examination components (e.g., homework assignments) can already be completed before registration. The result is reported through this form by the course instructor to the examination office.
• It is entirely possible within the module to combine courses from different specialization areas, e.g., as an orientation aid for the choice in the Master's program.

Master's Program in Physics

For the module Phy-Ma-Vert in the Master's program in Physics, specialization lectures totaling 12 SWS from the winter and summer semesters can be combined.

Additionally, the laboratory internship of 4 SWS must be conducted as a two-week (10 experiment days) block internship during the lecture-free period.

For the module Phy-Ma-Hsem in the Master's program in Physics, a main seminar is offered every semester. It is not mandatory that the modules Phy-Ma-Hsem and Phy-Ma-Vert are taken within the same specialization.

Examinations:

• Oral examination of 45 minutes. The examination subjects are usually the contents and competencies of two selectable subject areas as well as general basic knowledge about superconductivity and magnetism. The scheduling (day, time!) for the examination must be agreed upon with the chosen examiner at least 14 days before the examination day in person at the Physics Examination Office. In individual cases, the examination can also be conducted jointly by two examiners after consultation with all parties involved. The official selection of the specialization area occurs only through registration for the examination.
• The preliminary examination requirement is a "portfolio of written problem-solving," which is formed from the protocols and evaluations of tasks from the laboratory internship.

Master's Thesis

The preparation of a Master's thesis begins with the module "Scientific Work" Phy-Ma-Warb in the 3rd semester of the program. You can register for this module at any time with all lecturers (professors and private lecturers) of the institute and also with external institutions. This 6-month module directly transitions into the also 6-month Master's thesis.

Research Activities as a Scientific Assistant

There is, of course, the possibility to work voluntarily as a student assistant in research from about the 3rd semester of your studies and earn some money. If interested, contact the working groups directly!