Material Sciences (B.Sc.)
Modern materials are the basis for all technological progress. In the interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree programme in Material Sciences, you will get to know the chemical and physical fundamentals concerning materials. The variety of materials dealt with ranges from metals, semiconductors, glass and ceramics to biological materials. This degree programme spans various subjects and, as well as Chemistry and Physics, it also has geoscientific and wood science-based parts. A subsequent Master's degree would enable early entry into material science research in the participating faculties.
Programme name: Material Sciences (B.Sc.)
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Standard period or study: 6 semesters
Language requirements: German, English is additionally recommended
Language of the programme: German
What is material science?
Modern materials are the fundament of all technological progress. The spectrum of materials ranges from metals, semiconductors, glasses and ceramics to polymers and even biological materials. Modern developments are increasingly based on complex structures, the integration of different materials to composites with completely new characteristics, design principles inspired by nature and the goal of multifunctionality.
The development is expedited by methods of the natural and engineering sciences on the one hand, but also by the development of a fundamental understanding of material structures and behaviour on a microscopic and atomic level on the other hand. The great dream is to specifically produce materials with pre-defined characteristics, whereby the understanding of the binding characteristics of atoms and solid state structures, knowledge of lattice defects and surface and boundary surface characteristics, knowledge of cluster formation or bonded systems with complex structures, represent very essential requirements. The scientific foundation of material production processes, the design of micro structures or use of self-organisation processes as well as the development of an understanding of materials under external strain, require modern concepts of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics and pattern formation.
In addition to in-depth subject knowledge on the basics of material science, the subject today and in the future requires an overview and interdisciplinarity, whereby particular attention is given to the sustainability of material design.
Interdisciplinary study of material science
Within the framework of the interdisciplinary Bachelor's programme in Material Science, it is exactly this knowledge that is to be conveyed at an introductory level. The involvement of the four Faculties of Chemistry, Geoscience, Geography and Physics as well as the Faculties of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, offers the unique possibility to shed light on questions regarding material science from different perspectives.
The programme in Material Science aims to develop an understanding of basic material characteristics with a special Göttingen profile of complex materials, energy materials, sustainable materials as well materials in a state of imbalance. Although engineering-scientific questions are not the focus here, the courses offered are application-oriented from the very beginning.
Why study material science in Göttingen?
- Practical education in the field of fundament-oriented material science
- Courses offered from many faculties with carefully selected basic knowledge chemistry, physics, geosciences, wood science and mathematics.
To refresh your mathematical expertise, a 14-day introductory course entitled "Mathematics for Physicists" is recommended. This course takes place before the beginning of the first semester in September. - Knowledge is conveyed on the structures of materials, their synthesis and their characteristics. The interplay between structures and characteristics is of central importance, which has a decisive role in material technologies.
- Advanced lectures on special methods and modern material classes
- Early introduction to modern material research through basic, in-depth and application internships.
- Cooperation with the industry
Occupational fields
In the field of material development, existing contacts to renowned industrial companies are used in order to ensure practical and vocational training. These companies will make an increased effort in the future to develop new materials with pre-defined characteristics. Trial and error procedures are not used here, but rather specific syntheses are applied on the basis of sound knowledge of material science. Graduates of this study programme will therefore have especially good occupational perspectives for work in the fields of research and development. These include businesses dealing with novel materials, such as the semi-conductor industry, the processing industry as well as energy technology companies.
In addition, graduates, especially after obtaining an advanced qualification in a consecutive Master's programme, will be qualified to also work in the field of research in university laboratories as well as in research centres, Frauenhofer institutes, etc. They will have learned to deal with complex systems and sophisticated methods, qualifying them for a very broad spectrum of work.
Consecutive and postgraduate programmes
The six-semester Bachelor's programme can be followed by the consecutive Master's programme that can in turn be followed by doctoral studies. Göttingen has a strong position as a research university, offering excellent possibilities for attractive scientific projects.
Recommended language skills
English language skills are recommended.