Physics at the BTU Cottbus

The BTU’s Physics programme is characterised by an excellent teacher-student ratio. Students maintain close contacts with their professors and teaching staff, thereby assuring an excellent learning atmosphere. Students are encouraged to actively participate in ongoing research projects as early as possible.

The research focus areas of the Institute Physics and Chemistry include solid physics, semiconductor technology, and materials research. We deal with nonlinear dynamics, nanostructure formation, surface physics, polymers, superconductivity, laser-material interaction, solid-body dynamics, thermophysics, and solar energy. Together with Innovative Microelectronics (IHP) in Frankfurt (Oder), we have created a competence centre (IHP/BTU JointLab) where basic research in semiconductor technology is conducted. Moreover, we are actively involved in the interdisciplinary work of the “Panta Rhei - Centre for Lightweight Construction Materials”. In our modern and excellently equipped Laboratory for Materials Research, we examine high-performance laser-systems and ultra high vacuum units with the aid of scanning tunnel, atomic force and electron, microscopes. We have access to our own reactor at the BESSY II facility in Berlin. Our department is closely associated with other research facilities in our region, e.g. the Leibnitz Institute of Crystal Growth (IKZ) in Berlin-Adlershof, the Ferdinand Braun Institute (FBI) in Berlin, and DESY (German Electron Synchrotron) in Zeuthen.

Course Structure and Content

Our Physics Master programme gives undergraduates the chance to expand their knowledge in physics and related subjects, as well a numerous specialist fields. The Master programme lasts four semesters; it comprises two phases: two semesters of advanced courses, followed by two semesters of research activities.

The modules that make up the advanced phase are structured generically in applied, experimental, and theoretical topics; content-wise the modules deal with the research focus areas of the Institute for Physics and Chemistry and its partner institutions. The Institute for Physics and Chemistry of the BTU Cottbus participates in a firmly established science network that includes numerous extramural research institutes (e.g. Fraunhofer Research Institution Polymeric Materials and Composites in Teltow, Institute for Crystal Growth, IHP Frankfurt/Oder). This network gives our institute access to a broad spectrum of research institutions, both in terms of possible subjects for the advanced study phase, as well as direct contacts with the corresponding working groups.

The Master’s Thesis is the central component of the research phase. Students are introduced to ongoing research projects in a specific branch of physics; they learn to independently conduct research, which also prepares them for subsequent doctoral studies. See the Study and Examination Regulations for a detailed overview of the Physics Master programme ( Studien- und Prüfungsordnung), which also contains a Recommended Course Schedule.

Upon successful completion of the Master programme the BTU Cottbus bestows graduates with a Master of Science (M.Sc.). This degree is recognised around the world and reflects international standards; it replaces – and is absolutely equivalent to – the traditional German Diplom.

Graduates of the Physics Master programme are qualified to work in planning, managing, and conducting research projects in science and industry. They are capable of assuming responsibility in a number of professions that involve research, development, management, administration, and environment.

As opposed to most other universities, the Cottbus Master programme can be commenced in either the summer or winter semester.

Prof. Dr. J Reif
LG10, Zimmer 137
Tel: 69-3185
 Reif[at]tu-cottbus.de

Prof. Dr. G. Seibold
LG10, Zimmer 226b
Tel: 69-3006
 goetz[at]physik.tu-cottbus.de