Optical Technologies
(Master of Science)

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester, Summer semester

Language of Instruction

German, English

Language Requirements

Instruction language: German
German HZB: none
International application: German C1
Instruction language: English
English C1
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Admission

Unrestricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Optical technologies are one of the most important sunrise industries of the 21st century. From scanners at check-out counters to the use of lasers in the automotive industry, communication and medicine – the technical use of light has become part of everyday life. Optical technologies summarise these applications and exploit the extraordinary properties of light across the entire range of scientific/technical possibilities. As a cross-cutting technology, optical technologies act as a driver of innovation in modern industry, and facilitate significant developments, such as in mechanical and automotive engineering, microelectronics and optoelectronics, lighting engineering as well as the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry. The aim of the Master’s degree programme is to train specialists and executives for the entire optical industry. Hannover is an ideal location for studying Optical Technologies because engineering and scientific research cooperate closely here. In addition, the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) and the Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT) provide an interface to industry, seeking to involve companies in current research and teaching and to introduce students to industry. Cooperation between the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering enables the Master’s degree programme to build a bridge between basic research in physics and technical application.

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Course Content

Biophotonics
Laser technology
Optical metrology
Optics in production and power engineering
Technical optics and its automotive applications

Course Structure

Students on this degree programme acquire extensive knowledge in the area of Optical Technologies. The knowledge, skills and methods taught on the course are consistent with the state of the art. In order to achieve these objectives, provision is made for all students to take obligatory foundation courses to ensure that physicists and engineers have the same level of knowledge. Whilst students with a technical or engineering background attend a selection of physics-related lectures, students with a degree related to physics are introduced to engineering activities. In the context of numerous advanced optional and compulsory elective modules, subdivided into five different thematic areas, students then have the possibility to expand on their knowledge to suit their individual interests and strengths.

A high proportion of practical training completes the degree programme: in addition to practical training in the laboratories of the participating institutes, students complete twelve weeks of industrial training and a research project. During the Master’s thesis, the knowledge gained is transferred to practice and tested accordingly.

German Track

Semester	1	2	3	4
Foundations A: Physics (for Engineers)	Optics, Atomic Physics and Quantum Phenomena (8 CP) Foundations and Structure of Laser Sources (5 CP)	Coherent Optics (5 CP)
Foundations B: Mechanical Engineering (for Physicists)	Signals and Systems (5 CP) Fundamentals of Product Design (5 CP) Foundations and Structure of Laser Sources (5 CP)	Construction of Optical Systems (5 CP)
Compulsory elective	Compulsory elective modules (totalling 5 CP)	Compulsory elective modules (totalling 10 CP)
Option (for Engineers)	Optional modules (totalling 11 CP)	Optional modules (totalling 10 CP)	Studium Generale or tutorials (2 CP)
Option (for Physicists)	Optional modules (totalling 12 CP)	Optional modules (totalling 10 CP)	Studium Generale or tutorials (2 CP)
Practical Training		Master Lab (5 CP)	Project Work (10+1 CP) Specialist Practical Training (15 CP)	Master’s thesis (30 CP)

English Track

Semester	1	2	3	4
Foundations A: Physics (for Engineers)	Photonics (5 CP) Optical Measurement Technology (5 CP) Laser Spectroscopy in Life Science (5 CP)	Design and Simulation of Optomechatronic System (5 CP)
Option	Optional modules (totalling 15 CP)	Optional modules (totalling 20 CP)	Studium Generale or tutorials (4 CP)
Practical Training		Master Lab (5 CP)	Project Work (10+1 CP) Specialist Practical Training (15 CP)	Master’s thesis (30 CP)

Recommended Abilities

Students require a profound knowledge of scientific and technical principles of physics and mathematics, as taught in science or engineering degrees at the Bachelor’s stage. Students wishing to complete this degree programme require the ability to think in an abstract, logical and precise way, and to recognise structures and create models. In addition, students require a knowledge of the English language in order to be able to understand the technical and scientific specialist literature.

Career Opportunities

The degree programme in Optical Technologies, at the interface of physics and mechanical engineering, addresses industry’s considerable need for interdisciplinary experts in the field of optics and photonics. Specialisation in selected areas of expertise from the fields of metrology, IT, production engineering, technical optics, laser technology and optical sensor technology enables our graduates to pursue a wide range of careers. Owing to the shortage of optical technology specialists, graduates of this degree programme are highly employable.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: