Physics (German-French Double Degree)

Physics is the subject of choice for all those who seek to understand the universe on both its largest scale (astronomy and cosmology) and its smallest scale (atomic and nuclear physics). Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences and it has provided the foundation for many important technical developments, from lasers to quantum computers. The methods and techniques used in studying physics prove to be equally useful when describing the fundamental building blocks of life or when estimating the risks associated with a particular financial investment. The Department of Physics at Saarland University runs a tri-national Bachelor's degree programme in collaboration with the Université de Lorraine and the Université du Luxembourg. Students on the programme spend the first year studying in Nancy, the second year in Luxembourg and the third year in Saarbrücken. The degree programme teaches students the important fundamentals of classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and quantum physics. The programme also provides an excellent opportunity for students to train their foreign language skills and develop their intercultural competence.
As the programme is supported by the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule DFH (German-French University), students are eligible for mobility grants. As the tri-national BSc programme in physics has been integrated into the DFH academic portfolio, specially tailored German and French preparatory courses and language training courses are available.
Further information is available at: http://ci.physik.uni-saarland.de/index_de.php.

Educational organisation

Students on the SaarLorLux Bachelor's degree programme in Physics (SLLS-B) begin their studies at the Université de Lorraine in Nancy, France. During their first year, students will be taught the important fundamentals of the subject. Modules in experimental physics cover the areas: classical mechanics, electrodynamics and thermodynamics. The supplementary theoretical and mathematics courses supply the necessary theoretical background and mathematical knowledge needed for future studies. Problem-solving classes and practical lab courses help students gain a stronger grasp of the material being taught and provide them with an opportunity to discover physical principles by themselves.

In the second year, students relocate to the Université du Luxembourg. Students consolidate and deepen what they learned in the first year and are introduced to the developments in physics in the 20th century. Students also take a course on the theoretical description of thermodynamics, and receive an introduction to numerical physics, in which computer algorithms are used to simulate and model physical descriptions of reality.

The third and final year of the Bachelor's degree programme takes place at Saarland University. Here students undertake special courses in experimental physics (solid state physics, nuclear and elementary particle physics) and in theoretical physics (quantum mechanics). In the field of applied physics, students carry out advanced practical and lab work (partly within departmental and faculty research groups). This work forms the basis for the final-year Bachelor's thesis, with students presenting the results of their projects in an oral presentation.

Students who have met all the academic course requirements will be awarded a Bachelor Physik from Saarland University, a Bachelor en sciences et ingénierie: spécialisation physique as well as a Licence en physique et chimie de la matière de la terre: spécialisation physique. Students also receive a common diploma supplement document.
Language courses are available throughout the three-year programme to help students improve their foreign language skills.
For further information, please visit: http://ci.physik.uni-saarland.de/index_de.php.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students on the programme spend the first year studying in Nancy, the second year in Luxembourg, and the third year in Saarbrücken.

Forms of assessment

Exams, project work, final-year thesis

Course objectives

The course aims to:

• provide students with a solid understanding of physics, including their chosen fields of specialisation
• acquaint students with contemporary research issues in physics
• prepare students for a Master's programme
• provide students with the skills needed to work internationally in an academic or industrial environment

Language requirements

Applicants must have German and French skills. However, no formal demands are made. To some extent, language skills can be acquired during the first year of the course.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have a German higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or a recognised equivalent higher education entrance qualification from the student's home country.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 200 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in the Saarbrücken area

Costs of living

About 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (incl. accommodation)

Job opportunities

Students may be able to work at the department doing laboratory work or supervising BSc students during lab courses or seminars.

Funding opportunities within the university

Students receive mobility grants from the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule DFH (French-German University). They can also apply for support from the national scholarship programme, "Deutschlandstipendium".

Arrival support

The International Office can help incoming students with a number of issues that need to be dealt with on arrival, including finding suitable accommodation as well as registering with the university and with the local authorities. The International Office also organises social and recreational events and intercultural training sessions.

Services and support for international students

Saarland University offers a special support and guidance service for our international students and visiting scholars. As well as welcoming new foreign students to the university, we organise excursions and cultural events where students and scholars from abroad can meet German students and colleagues. We also provide support in dealing with official and administrative matters. To encourage interaction between German and international students, the international office also runs a successful peer mentoring programme called "you and me".

Accommodation

Rooms and apartments are relatively easy to find and are affordable. For more information, please visit. For more information, please visit: http://www.studentenwerk-saarland.de/en/Wohnen.