Physics deals with natural phenomena ranging from the elementary building blocks of matter to the entire universe. It not only serves as a foundation for understanding various processes that occur in our everyday lives, but also forms the basis of modern technology. On the one hand, natural processes are quantitatively assessed through observation and measurement by repeatable and controlled experiments. On the other hand, the observed laws are described in a mathematical language. The theories are used to formulate new hypotheses that are then verified by experiments. If the theories are confirmed, they become “Natural Laws”. If, however, phenomena occur which cannot be explained by the theory then new, more comprehensive theories have to be developed.
Mainz University offers ideal circumstances for completing the Physics Bachelor program: You can start the degree in either the winter or the summer semester, because practically all subjects are offered during both semesters. Three weeks prior to the start of the degree program, students can participate in a voluntary refresher course (preparatory course) in scholastic mathematics. During the first semesters, tutorials in experimental physics and mathematics lectures (specifically tailored to physics) will facilitate students’ entry into the degree program. The main bulk of the degree program consists of a coordinated series of lectures in experimental and theoretical physics. Tutorials and lab courses, which help students learn experimental and evaluation technologies, are of particular importance. A wide range of minor subjects (ranging from the ‘traditionl’ minor subjects of Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Meteorology or Philosophy to Economic Sciences, Business Administration (BWL) and Economics (VWL)) enable students to arrange their degree program according to their abilities and interests. In the interdisciplinary courses and seminars, students will learn to look beyond the obvious and acquire skills that will later qualify them for a scientific career or for a career in the private sector.
After just two years at university, students will have become acquainted with all scientific work groups and their respective areas of research. This will assist students in selecting a topic for their Bachelor's thesis from over 50 work groups spanning the field of physics research. Thanks to their newly acquired skills, students will be able to push the limits of their current knowledge a little further in their Bachelor's thesis. A Bachelor´s degree at the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) provides students with the key to access the next step of their career: It qualifies them for a Master´s degree program at the JGU and for doctoral programs. Students may pursue the doctoral program either upon completion of the Master´s degree or, in cases of extreme excellence, directly after completing the Bachelor´s degree program (also known as the “fast-track”).
