- Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Modules

This site gives an overview of the different modules and courses (please note that these descriptions still refer to the 2016 examination regulations but will soon be updated to the current version from 2024). The complete module descriptions (old and new) can be found as pdf in our download section.

Basic courses

The basic courses comprise compulsory modules from numerical methods and materials science.

Module 1: Numerical methods (6 ECTS)

  • Programming Concepts in Materials Science (1)

Module 2: Basics in materials science (15 ECTS)

  • Elements of Microstructure (2a)
  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics in Solid-State Physics (2b)
  • Statistical Mechanics and Fundamental Materials Physics (2c)
Compulsory courses

The compulsory courses comprise the scientific focus of the programme and are therefore mandatory for every student.

Module 3: Theoretical and applied materials science (8 ECTS)

  • Quantum Mechanics in Materials Science (3a)
  • Microstructure and Mechanical Properties (3b)

Module 4: Advanced characterization methods (6 ECTS)

  • Advanced Characterization Methods (4)

Module 5: Advanced numerical methods (8 ECTS)

  • Continuum Methods in Materials Science (5a)
  • Atomistic Simulation Methods (5b)
Profile modules in materials science

The profile modules have to be chosen from the following courses:

Module 6: Modelling and simulation (MS) (6 ECTS)

  • Interfaces and Surfaces (6-MS1)
  • Data-driven Materials Science (6-MS2)
  • Phase-field Theory and Application (6-MS3)
  • Introduction to Parallel- and Scientific Computing (6-MS4)
  • Continuum Mechanics (6-MS5, Import from the Master’s programme „Computational Engineering“)
  • Physics of Complex Phase Transitions in Solids (6-MS6)
  • The CALPHAD Method in Thermodynamics and Diffusion (6-MS7)

Module 7: Processing and characterization (PC) (6 ECTS)

  • Modern Coating Technologies (7-PC1)
  • Fundamental Aspects of Materials Science and Engineering (7-PC2)
  • Mems and Nanotechnology (7-PC3)
  • Polymers and Shape Memory Alloys (7-PC4)

Module 8-9: Can be chosen freely from the following courses (6 ECTS)

  • Multiscale Mechanics of Materials (8-MS1)
  • Advanced Atomistic Simulation Methods (8-MS2)
  • Computational Fracture Mechanics (8-MS3)
  • Mechanical Modelling of Materials (8-MS4, Import from the Master’s programme „Computational Engineering“)
  • Solidification Processing (9-PC1)
  • Advanced Materials Processing and Microfabrication (9-PC2, Import from the Master’s programme „Werkstoff-Engineering“)
  • Surface Science and Corrosion (9-PC3, Import from the Master’s programme „Werkstoff-Engineering“)
  • Materials for Aerospace Applications (9-PC4, Import from the Master’s programme „Werkstoff-Engineering“)
  • Introduction to Three-Dimensional Materials Characterization Techniques (9-PC5, Import from the Master’s programme „Werkstoff-Engineering“)
General optional courses

Any course from a science or engineering master’s programme will be recognized. The recommendations of the course programme at this point are not binding.

Module 10: General optional subject (6 ECTS)

Module 11: Optional scientific or engineering subject (4 ECTS)

Non-technical / non-scientific optional courses

These courses should be chosen from the key qualifications courses like Documenting and Communicating Science, Project and Quality Management, Business Skills, Intercultural Competence etc.

Module 12: Key qualifications (7 ECTS)

Assignments

The project report and the master thesis represent pieces of practical self-guided research and make up 30% of all credit points.

Module 13: Project work (6 ECTS)

Module 14: Master thesis (30 ECTS)