Materials Science

Physics of soft matter, like polymers and supramolecular structures, surface-active materials and polar fluids. Cooperations with Carl Zeiss AG Jena, Sartorius AG Göttingen, Wellomer GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Bremen, Division of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces. Direct close cooperation with Continental AG Hannover.

Prerequisites and Prospects

You should posses a solid background in mathematics on the level of such general texts as for instance "Schaum's Outline of Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists". Likewise you should have a good background in physical chemistry on the level of P.W. Atkins' book on this subject. Furthermore you should have some experience in programming using numerical languages as for instance FORTRAN or C.

Specialization in Materials Science is useful for those who wish to work in industrial research and development departments of larger companies with R&D groups using molecular modeling techniques - commonly found in chemical and pharmaceutical companies or in industries with large materials development departments as for instance in the tire or steel industry. You may also continue perusing a PhD in this field. This may be followed by a career in industry or academia including applied science research institutes.