Computational Materials Science (CMS) TU Bergakademie Freiberg

The medium of instruction for all mandatory courses and seminars is English. You may choose to write your Master's thesis either in English or in German; the same applies to oral exams. Written exams are usually only in English.

The ever-accelerating technological progress of today's society requires engineers and scientists to be perfectly equipped with thorough knowledge of natural and materials sciences and to be highly skilled in programming and simulation techniques as well as in data handling and data analysis.

These "Computational Materials Scientists" will become key players in industrial R&D efforts; they will shape scientific and engineering research focusing on the design, processing and application of novel high-tech materials with superior mechanical, thermodynamic, and electronic properties.

At TU Bergakademie Freiberg, we bring together renowned researchers and enthusiastic lecturers from different scientific communities to offer our graduate students the education required for an outstanding career in computational materials science (CMS).

Theoretical concepts introduced during CMS lectures will be illustrated by cutting-edge research applications. An intense introduction seminar will bring you up to speed with scientific programming and modern computing environments. During research seminars, you will have the possibility to interact with leading scientists and experienced engineers from industrial partners. During accompanying hands-on tutorials, the application of all relevant state-of-the-art simulation methods will be learned – which is one of the truly outstanding aspects of this course. Elective classes will introduce you to specialised topics of computational engineering/mechanics – or even to advanced subjects of data mining and machine learning in data-driven materials science.

Among others, you will learn the theoretical background and hands-on application of the following numerical/simulation methods:

• Linear/non-linear finite element methods (FEM)
• Molecular statics and molecular dynamics (MS/MD)
• Machine learning (ML), in particular deep learning (DL)
• Monte Carlo methods (MC)
• Cellular automaton (CA)
• Phase-field method (PFM)
• Statistical analysis methods
• Digital image analysis/correlation

CMS students are chosen among the top 3% of their undergraduate classes, ensuring an intense study environment of excellence. Small classes foster interaction and discussions, allowing you to develop your ideas. Furthermore, the study environment shines with an exceptional ratio of teaching staff to the total number of enrolled students.

For more information about the programme, please visit: https://cms-tubaf.de/.

1 January – 15 April

For applicants from India, China and Vietnam, please note: The APS certificate must be submitted with the application. The submission form alone will not be accepted.

A minimum of four semesters (two years) is required to complete the programme, and this MSc programme starts in the winter semester.

The first semester aims to bring all students to the same level of knowledge in numerical analysis, mechanics of materials, and programming; this is the knowledge on which following semesters strongly build. Additionally, you will improve your German language skills, which will help you to explore the culture of Germany.

The second semester focuses on introducing important simulation methods, the accompanying theoretical and numerical concepts, and the advantages and pitfalls of all methods. Advanced aspects of materials science and engineering are introduced in hands-on approaches using dedicated simulation tools. Catch up with the latest developments in Machine Learning and AI-assisted programming and project development.

During the third semester, you can additionally choose from a variety of elective courses, covering materials science modules and advanced mechanics modules. Your programming skills will be further developed during the "Personal Programming Project", where you will be required to solve a problem of relevance to materials science, mechanics, or machine learning by using the programming and simulation skills that you acquired during the first two semesters.

The last semester is reserved for the Master's thesis.

Students have the opportunity to mould their Master's through the variety of electives available during the second and third semesters. Beyond a sound foundation for all, students can individually put together modules with a focus on (i) Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence, (ii) Continuum Modelling and Simulation, (iii) Atomistic and Multiscale Simulation Methods, or (iv) Materials Science" – or combinations thereof.

Additionally, students can choose one module offered by other faculties of TUBAF.

• For more details, see: https://tu-freiberg.de/en/master-computational-materials-science.
• For events, news and further information, please visit https://cms-tubaf.de/.

Internships at German companies are possible but not mandatory.

No tuition fees

107 EUR per semester

• 650 EUR to 950 EUR per month, depending on individual lifestyle
• Rent in a student hall of residence per month: an average of 290 EUR

Typical Candidates' Profiles

A typical CMS student is interested in mechanics of materials and structures, in programming, and in simulation methods, and is curious to know how things work. A distinctive feature of this student is that she/he would like to know how computer simulations and data analysis can be used to predict the behaviour of specimens, devices, or maybe even of the yet non-existent "virtual materials" with superior properties.

Candidates who have a background in applied computer science, applied mathematics and similar subjects strive to achieve domain knowledge in linking software development and methods of deep learning with materials science in order to broaden their professional profiles.

Minimum Conditions for Admission to CMS:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Engineering, Applied Maths, Applied Computer Science, Materials Science, (Solid State) Physics, Nanotechnology, or other comparable studies
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 75%
  • This is equivalent to a German grade of 2.0.
  • Or 3.0 points of 4.0 maximum points in the United States grading system
• English certificate (see below)
• Programming skills are an advantage.

English:

• TOEFL with at least 90 points (Internet-based)
• IELTS score of at least 6.5

German:

• For non-native speakers: no proof of German language skills is required. (however, we recommend: Goethe Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 or telc Deutsch A1)
• No further requirements for native speakers

1 January – 15 April

For applicants from India, China and Vietnam, please note: The APS certificate must be submitted with the application. The submission form alone will not be accepted.

1. The "Deutschlandstipendium" is a national scholarship programme that supports above-average students with excellent grades. Social commitment, a willingness to take responsibility and special social, family or personal circumstances will also be taken into account (300 EUR per month for one year).
2. Study completion grant (300 EUR per month for three months)

Part-time employment on campus (e.g. student assistant, canteen) as well as in town (e.g. in supermarkets, cafés, restaurants)

Different kinds of accommodation are available on campus and in the city of Freiberg. The average monthly rent for a room in the student halls of residence, including utilities, is 290 EUR. The most common form of accommodation is the shared flat. Each student has their own room, with the bathroom and kitchen shared.

A separate online application is required to apply for accommodation in the student halls of residence. The recommended time to submit this is three months before the start of the semester.

• Counselling: development of personal and skills profiles, individual application portfolio checks, preparation for job interviews
• Training in technical and leadership skills: soft skills training, development of interdisciplinary knowledge, coaching for job applications / career entry
• ORTE career fair, networking with companies
• Online job board

To learn more, visit: https://tu-freiberg.de/en/career-center.

General support and services are provided by the International Office: https://tu-freiberg.de/en/study/your-studies/incoming-students-abroad.

In teaching and research, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) deals with the fundamentals and processes relating to raw materials, energy, and materials along the entire value chain. Raw materials are explored and extracted, refined into materials, processed into products, and recycled as secondary raw materials.

This leads to trend-setting questions that are dealt with in the interdisciplinary fields of mathematics/computer science, natural sciences, engineering, geosciences, materials science, and economics. As a resource university, TUBAF combines these areas in interdisciplinary research and future-oriented student training.

The Bergakademie Freiberg was founded in 1765. It is therefore one of the world's oldest technical higher education institutions.

Freiberg is located in the centre of the state of Saxony in the picturesque Erzgebirge Mountains, 40 km south-west of Dresden and 240 km south of Berlin.

Location on Openstreetmap.org

Freiberg is more than 850 years old, and it was founded after the discovery of silver ore in 1168. Today, Freiberg has around 40,000 inhabitants. The medieval heart of the town, which is almost completely intact, is very attractive. It features the Upper Market Square with its late Gothic patrician houses and the Freiberg Cathedral at the Lower Market Square with its famous Silbermann organ and golden portal. Along with the world's oldest town theatre, a modern multiplex cinema, and nightclubs, more than a hundred restaurants, cafés, and pubs invite you to take a break and enjoy life.

There are sports facilities, a modern open-air and indoor swimming pool, and a park which surrounds the town centre like a green belt. Since 2008, the "Terra Mineralia" mineral collection has functioned as a centre of attraction for tourists, students, and inhabitants of Freiberg. The mineral collection, one of the largest collections in the world, is shown in the "Freudenstein", a refurbished castle in the town centre.

The nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Erzgebirge Mountains are beautiful places for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. Dresden, Leipzig, and Berlin are easily accessible by train and offer plenty of social, cultural, and recreational alternatives.