Studying Physics in Dortmund

The Department of Physics offers a diverse selection of study programs and a wide range of research topics.  We attach particular importance to a common basis of knowledge at the beginning of the degree program and intensive support for students in their first year.

The faculty requires a mathematical self-test as a prerequisite for enrolment. This does not have to be "passed", but is intended to give first-year students an indication of where they stand in terms of their prior mathematical knowledge. Subsequently, the faculty offers a mathematical refresher course and a mathematical preliminary course.

In the first four semesters of the Bachelor's program in physics, we have chosen a different type of physics education in Dortmund than is usual in Germany. The lectures Physics I-IV in these first semesters are held jointly by lecturers from experimental physics and theoretical physics (we call this the "integrated course"). At most German universities it is common to hold lectures on experimental physics and theoretical physics in parallel in the first semesters.

For many first-year students, the beginning of a physics degree programme means a change of routine compared to school. In addition to the lecture formats typical for the university, the faculty offers a wide range of exercises in which the students apply the theoretically imparted knowledge to concrete problems, sometimes working in small groups. In addition, there are electronic formats and later the physics practical. The Department of Physics accompanies the first year of study with so-called tutorials, which are designed to help students answer mathematical and physical questions.

You can find more information about the start of your studies under "The first two semesters". The TU Dortmund University website also provides information on starting your studies. In addition to study formalities and general advice, the Dortmund Centre for the Start of Studies in particular supports first-year students in the preliminary phase of their studies and the first semesters. The TU Dortmund offers particularly high-achieving high-school students the opportunity to take part in selected lectures and exercises, also in the Department of Physics. Information on this can be found on the SchülerUni pages.