Bachelor of Science Physics

The Bachelor’s program in Physics provides students with a broad foundation in experimental and theoretical physics. This knowledge is reinforced through laboratory work and closely supervised exercises. In addition, students acquire fundamental knowledge in mathematics and related sciences. Applying the acquired knowledge to solve problems within the current state of the art is intended to particularly enable students to solve complex problems through a structured approach and analytical thinking.

The Bachelor’s program leads to a first professionally qualifying degree and enables students to continue their studies in a Master’s program.

Specific features of the Cologne Bachelor of Science program include, in particular:

• Students may begin the program in either the winter or summer semester.
• To facilitate the transition into the program, the curriculum can be tailored to focus on mathematics or physics and the natural sciences, depending on students’ interests and prior knowledge. In addition, a comprehensive orientation program is offered, organized jointly by faculty and students; an extensive tutoring program supports students during their first semesters.
• The curriculum covers the full breadth of physics and, in the spirit of integrating teaching and research, provides early insights into Cologne’s broad and ambitious physics research landscape. In particular, students can also study fields such as biophysics, which have emerged only in recent years. By the time of the bachelor’s thesis, at the latest, students are integrated into current research projects.
• To promote a highly diverse student body, restrictions are largely avoided; for example, there is no limit on the number of attempts at exams; the course of study can be structured flexibly, and part-time study is generally possible without difficulty
• The program is geared toward collaborative work. To this end, the Physics Department at the University of Cologne offers, among other things, a well-equipped infrastructure with a high quality of life and excellent opportunities to work together both individually and in groups, as well as to spend time together outside of academic settings. Students are invited to actively shape both the program itself and this environment together with the faculty and staff of the Physics Department.
• Extensive areas that can be freely structured encourage students to think outside the box and engage in interdisciplinary work. In addition, the degree programs in Cologne are designed so that even after a few semesters, switching to related programs such as teacher education, mathematics, or geophysics/meteorology is straightforward.