Study program structure and content
In the first semesters, the program structure is similar to that of a physics or chemistry degree. In the basic modules, students primarily learn scientific and mathematical fundamentals, such as advanced mathematics, experimental physics, fundamentals of materials science, and chemistry. The study program is complemented by elements from the engineering sciences.
As you progress in your studies, you gain deeper insights into materials science. In the process, you take courses in computational materials science as well as in structural analysis and microscopy.
- Program structure [de]
For more information on the study program structure please consult our German website - Curriculum and module handbook [de]
In the C@MPUS portal, you can view the structure of the study program. Clicking the book icon opens the module handbook with detailed information on course content. - Details on the study program structure and content [de]
Feel free to find out more details on our pages for students - Information on the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Click here to learn more about the Bachelor's degree in Germany - Website of the Institute for Materials Science (IMW)
The IMW is primarily responsible for the degree program. Find out more about our research on our website
Studying abroad
Intercultural exchange, enhanced language skills, fresh perspectives on your field of study, exciting adventures, lifelong global friendships, personal growth, and a valuable boost to your CV — all this and more awaits you during a stay abroad! Are you interested in studying abroad for one or two semesters, or doing a language course or an internship, or would you like to take part in a summer school? The International Office will help you to make your stay a reality.
- Find out more about your options!
Everything you need to know about studying abroad: group advice, partner universities, language requirements, application deadlines, funding.
Images from the study program
Get a glimpse of how the study program works:
Materials science is one of the key enabling technologies for addressing the societal challenges of our time, such as the energy transition. Acting as a bridge connecting the natural and engineering sciences, the study program unites the fundamental structure of materials (electrons and atoms) to the resulting macroscopic material properties, such as mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and optical characteristics. The image illustrates a specific example of the complex structures of high-tech materials for aircraft turbines, spanning scales from the atomic level to the full component. (Die Längenskala ist etwas verzerrt dargestellt zwecks besserer Visualisierung.)
Materials Science at the University of Stuttgart has a strong scientific focus. We learn and work in an interdisciplinary manner, with significant contributions from physics, chemistry, simulation, and mathematics. Engineering also makes a very important contribution by defining the direction of our research through relevant material requirements.
Concepts from nature very often serve as inspiration for synthesizing new materials: Piezoelectric nanowires, such as zinc oxide nanowires (~60 nm) that use a virus as a template (left), are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. Piezoelectric activity is induced through the genetic modification of the virus (right), (scale: 200 nm).
The further development and innovation of batteries are fundamental prerequisites for the energy transition. Th main objectives are to improve capacity, charge and discharge speed, and to reduce manufacturing costs. Crucial in this context is the further development of anode and cathode materials, as well as electrolytes. In conventional batteries, the anode usually consists of a copper substrate (serving as a carrier and conductive layer) and a graphite layer on the surface (an intercalation layer for the charge ions). With a suitable ceramic (as shown in the image), both functions can be performed by a single layer. This enables a higher storage capacity for the battery.
Concepts from nature very often serve as inspiration for synthesizing new materials: Piezoelectric nanowires, such as zinc oxide nanowires (~60 nm) that use a virus as a template (left), are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. Piezoelectric activity is induced through the genetic modification of the virus (right), (scale: 200 nm).
The Max Planck Society is Germany’s most successful research organization and is on par with the world’s leading and most prestigious research institutions. The University of Stuttgart has two Max Planck Institutes in close proximity and maintains a close collaboration with the International Max Planck Research School for Condensed Matter Science (IMPRS-CMS). We offer early-career researchers from around the world excellent research opportunities and extensive support through scholarships for master’s programs in physics, chemistry, and materials science, as well as a structured doctoral program.
The course content is delivered through lectures, exercises, seminars, and practical laboratory courses. Depending on the practical course, experiments are carried out individually or in pairs.
Experiments are thoroughly prepared using practical guides and textbooks. During the lecture period, laboratory sessions are typically scheduled in the afternoons. There are also full-day practical laboratory sessions during the lecture-free periods.
After each experiment, a report must be written documenting the procedures and observations.
Full-day practical laboratory sessions are also offered during the semester breaks. Chemistry lectures usually take place in the mornings.
Seminars and exercises are used to reinforce lecture content, explain its relevance to lab experiments, and prepare for them. These sessions typically involve smaller groups of about 15 students.