Studying in Cologne
The Master’s in physics offers a wide range of possible specializations. You can thus tailor your courses to your aims for your emerging future trajectory in physics. Induction events, internships, intensive weeks will help you choose. To start off with, there is a mandatory component (one course in Advanced Theoretical Physics; either Advanced Quantum Mechanics or Advanced Statistical Physics, or indeed both, as well as mandatory laboratory sessions), as well as two Areas of Specialization (Primary and Secondary), chosen from
- Quantum Field Theory / General Theory of Relativity
- Foundations of Quantum Technologies: Matter, Light and Information
- Astrophysics
- Statistical and Biological Physics
- Solid State Theory / Computational Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Molecular Physics
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
A particular focus is on Quantum (Field) Theory: over the last decades Condensed Matter Physics has provided a very wide range of scenarios (low dimensions, effective field theories, exotic excitations, ...) that go way beyond the historical origins of QFT in Particle Physics. In particular, Quantum Information Theory has developed into a joint language linking relativistic and non-relativistic field theories, quantum algorithms, and emergent quantum devices. Collaborations between theoretical and experimental groups in Cologne form an essential part of this research landscape, fostering interactions across traditional disciplinary boundaries.
A specialization in Astrophysics is typically achieved by choosing Astrophysics and Molecular Physics as the two areas of specialization. Building on the course Advanced Astrophysics, these modules cover a broad spectrum of theoretical and observational topics, including Active Galaxies, Star Formation, and Physics of the Interstellar Medium. Credits are freely interchangeable with courses at Bonn. Students thus receive comprehensive training in Astrophysics while retaining the flexibility of a Master's program in Physics.
The area of specialization Statistical and Biological Physics takes concepts and tools from physics to understand phenomena in biological molecules, cells, organisms, and populations. A particular focus is on the evolution of fast-evolving systems (viral population dynamics, bacterial resistance, evolution of cancer). This area of specialization also includes courses like Network Science, Non-Equilibrium Physics, Disordered Systems, and Statistical Inference.
Further information on the different areas of specialization can be found here.
Further courses can be chosen in the Elective Area from across the entire spectrum of physics courses in Cologne and Bonn, as well as from adjacent disciplines.
An unstructured list of all courses in Cologne in any given year can be found here. For technical reasons, this list includes also courses taught for the Bachelor’s degree in physics, which is taught in German.