The bachelor's program teaches the ability to independently analyze and classify physical questions on the basis of scientific knowledge and to answer them using scientific and mathematical methods. Key qualifications (e.g. time management, learning and working techniques, teamwork and communication skills, foreign languages, rules of scientific practice) as well as an independent, goal-oriented and theoretically sound approach are taught. The three-year bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification in physics and is typically supplemented by a master's degree.
The Paderborn degree course was completely revised for the 2017/2018 winter semester and will be even more practice-oriented for the 2024/2025 winter semester:
The Bachelor's degree programme in Physics can be studied in the following variants, depending on your own preferences:
The ‘Natural Sciences’ study option includes application-oriented maths lectures, a detailed programming course and an extensive practical laboratory course that ends with a major project of the student's own.
As part of the ‘Mathematics’ option, students attend the more abstract mathematics courses ‘Analysis’ and ‘Algebra’, which are otherwise compulsory for students of mathematics. This study option allows students to switch easily between the subjects of mathematics, physics and maths/physics teaching until the third semester.
The programme is designed in such a way that the 5th and/or 6th semester can be studied abroad. This can take place as part of a coordinated programme at the University of Le Mans, Paderborn's twin city in France (‘French’ study option). However, other destinations around the world are also possible as part of the Erasmus programme. The study programme will then be put together individually in consultation with our international representative.
In addition to imparting specialised knowledge, one focus of all study options is the systematic promotion of scientific research methodology: starting in the first semester, experiments are planned, set up and carried out as well as reflected upon and interpreted in the Paderborn Physics practical course, just like in real-life research. This is supplemented by an introduction to programming.
In the first semesters, students are supported by the Physiktreff, which provides targeted and supervised learning opportunities and cushions the difficult transition from school to university. In addition, the preliminary physics course offers students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with everyday university life (the lectures) and to make initial contacts with lecturers and fellow students before starting their studies.
French variant
In the French version, the final year of study (5th/6th semester) is usually completed in Le Mans in France, with funding from the Franco-German University DFH and the Erasmus+ programme. Graduates receive the German Bachelor's degree, the French Licence Physique and a certificate from the DFH. DFH funding starts from the 1st semester.
We strongly recommend that you contact the programme representatives Prof. Dr. Jörg Lindner or Prof. Dr. Arno Schindlmayr as early as possible - ideally before the start of the first semester - to find out about the programme, the funding opportunities and the modalities.
