Physics deals with the study of inorganic nature. It provides the fundamental science for other natural sciences and numerous engineering sciences. Two typical and complementary aspects characterize its access to the understanding of nature: On the one hand, natural phenomena are quantitatively analyzed in experiments; on the other hand, the observed laws are formulated in mathematical "language". From these models ("theory"), further projections are made in a wider field of application and are re-examined in experiments. If the models are confirmed, "natural laws" are deduced. If phenomena are found that are not contained in the theory, more comprehensive models must be sought. This explains the division of physics into theoretical physics and experimental physics, which also applies to the main research areas of the Institutes of Physics and Nuclear Physics at Mainz University: Atomic physics, physics of condensed matter, physics of the atmosphere (meteorology), nuclear physics, and particle physics. Mainz offers a particularly wide range of research opportunities, supported by large instruments on site and several research institutes, e.g. various Max-Planck Institutes. Accordingly, there is a broad spectrum of lectures that are directly associated with modern research.
The two year Master’s degree program is strongly oriented towards research on the “frontier of knowledge” and places an emphasis on practical training. In Mainz, our programs in Physics include the following subject areas that many of our research groups contribute to:
- Quantum and atomic physics
- Hadron and nuclear physics
- Particle and astroparticle physics
- Condensed matter physics
In the first year of the Master’s program, students can select from a wide range of courses in both theoretical and experimental fields. Our goal is to provide students with room for flexibility in the Master’s degree program, allowing them to determine the focus of their studies. The second year is reserved for a comprehensive research project that is completed with the Master’s thesis. This is when – with the assistance of their supervisors – students determine their chosen field of research. Although not obligatory, it makes sense if the topic corresponds to the student’s selected specialist lectures.
During the course of the Master’s program, students will be integrated into one of more than fifty different scientific groups and will work at the forefront of science. They will also have the chance to participate in international research or work in international university laboratories. During the course of their research, students will work with state-of-the-art equipment and work in cooperation with other academics in their field. Students will be assisted and advised by a supervisor as well as an experienced member of the research group. On top of mathematical abilities, students will acquire soft skills such as cooperativeness, problem solving skills, as well as writing and presentation techniques.
Since the beginning of the winter term 2016/2017 all courses belonging to this Master's degree program are exclusively held in English.
