• Knowledge of physics and mathematics from the upper school grades is helpful but not compulsory.
• Interest in and enjoyment of physics and mathematics and, if necessary, the willingness to catch up on missing previous knowledge (e.g., in a preliminary course) are essential.
• A good command of German is important in the first few semesters. For this program of study, you must also be able to read and understand specialist literature in English. However, you will not be required to provide separate proof of your language skills.

The Physics degree program consists of lectures covering mathematical foundations, experimental and theoretical physics, as well as internships and electives. The mandatory part of the degree program includes:

• Mathematics: three lecture courses on analysis (I + II) and linear algebra
• Theoretical physics: five lecture courses (mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics I+II, statistical physics) and special lecture courses on computational methods (I+II)
• Experimental physics: six lecture courses (mechanics, optics and waves, thermodynamics, atomic physics, solid-state physics, quantum physics, and nuclear and particle physics)

Areas of specialization

In the Physics bachelor degree program, you can choose your initial specializations in experimental or theoretical physics from the 5th semester. From the first semester, students can choose minor subjects that are not related to physics (including computer science, mathematics, chemistry, business studies). For the bachelor’s and master’s thesis, you can choose your own topic based on current research in consultation with your supervisor. For this you will join a work group at the institute and become part of a research team.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

The Physics Department at JGU has many partner universities in other European countries with which an exchange program has been officially established. The exchange usually takes place in the fifth semester.

Internships

During your studies, you will complete various lab courses at the university.

Even voluntary internships are a good way to learn about a career field.

Company-based, non-university internships in a variety of fields can help you determine which careers or industries are of interest to you. This will help you shape your career path, but also mold your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

As a graduate of the Physics degree program, you will

• have a fundamental understanding of physical phenomena and how they are characterized
• have good basic knowledge of mathematics
• have knowledge of statistics and data evaluation
• be familiar with the basics of programming, and
• be able to model complex data

Typical career paths for physicists:

• Scientific research institutions
• Research departments in the private sector
• Management consultancies
• IT sector
• Insurance
• Patents
• All companies that work with large quantities of data (e.g., automotive manufacturers, energy suppliers, transport companies)

Other potential career paths:

• Finance sector (risk modeling, investment banking)
• Modeling of complex systems (e.g., pandemic spread)

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.