Master's Programme Physics Specializations
Many-Body Physics
Many-body theory aims at the description of collective phenomena of a large number of interacting particles combining methods of statistical physics, condensed matter physics, and complex systems.
The interaction of many constituents gives rise to a plethora of new phenomena such as ordered phases and symmetry breaking, phase transition and critical phenomena, non-equilibrium processes, complex transport, instabilities and pattern formation. The corresponding branch in the Master's programme provides frontier knowledge in these areas and enables students to undertake fundamental research on materials properties for systems ranging from highly correlated electron, ordered spin systems, soft condensed matter and biophysics, as well as plasmas and complex molecules.
Recommended course of study
Here we provide an incomplete list of lectures that we intend to offer regularly in specialization Many-Body Physics in the future and a suggestion how to fill the associated modules. Lectures and topics can and are actually intended to evolve with time depending on promising research directions, academic staff, and interest of the Master students.
Year 1: Study Phase
First and second semester/winter and summer
- Compulsory module: Modern Physics (5 ECTS) - all physics master students
- Elective module: Theoretical Foundations of Many-Body Physics (10 ECTS)
In this module we offer courses on:- Condensed Matter Theory
- Part I (5 ECTS)
- Part II (5ECTS)
- Advanced Statistical Physics
- Part I (5 ECTS)
- Part II (5 ECTS)
- Classical Field Theory
- Part I (5 ECTS)
- Part II (5ECTS)
- Condensed Matter Theory
The recommendation is to select at least one topic with both part I and part II. Supplementary classes which are recognized in this specialization are:
- Advanced Quantum Physics (VO 4 + PS 2, 10 ECTS)
- Elective module: Advanced Methods in Many-Body Physics
In this module we offer courses on:
- Quantum Field Theory (5 ECTS)
- Computer simulations in statistical physics
- Lecture (5 ECTS)
- Programming class (5 ECTS)
- Molecular dynamics (5 ECTS)
- Turbulence (5 ECTS)
Also recognized are classes from the elective module Theoretical Foundations of Many-Body Physics.
Year 2: Research Phase
Third semester/winter
- Elective module: Applications of Many-Body Theory and Complex Systems
In this module we offer more specialized courses on:- Nonlinear Dynamics (5 ECTS)
- Quantum chemistry (5 ECTS)
- Statistical Thermodynamics (5 ECTS)
- Special Topics in Many-Body Theory and Complex Systems (5 ECTS)
Also recognized are courses of the elective module Advanced Methods in Many-Body Physics.
Fourth semester/summer
This last term is fully reserved for your master thesis work and defense. We also recommend to again participate in the research seminar of your group, but this is considered part of your thesis work and will not be credited with extra ECTS.
- Master thesis (30 ECTS)
- Defence of the master’s thesis (2.5 ECTS)