International Master’s Course “Polymer Materials Science”
The English master’s program (M.Sc.) Polymer Materials Science has been offered at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg to German and foreign students since 2002. Program parts with focus on engineering science are provided by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials in Halle and the University of Applied Science Merseburg. The students graduate after four semesters, including the preparation of a research-oriented master’s thesis of one semester duration. The course aims for students with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or engineering or related fields. However, it can also be taken for training in the field of polymers by individuals who are active in research institutions or industry. More than 10 research groups are active in the field of polymer chemistry and polymer physics at the Martin Luther University. The teaching and research in the field of polymers in Halle is nationally and internationally well connected. Many of the students of the program are carrying on to graduate with a PhD on current topics of polymer science.
Integrated Research Training Group (iRTG) “Polymers: random coils and beyond”
Since 2012, doctoral students from the areas of physics, chemistry, and polymer materials sciences actively contribute to current research activities in the field of polymer science within our integrated research school. Our iRTG is a joint activity of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and Leipzig University.
Aims and scope of the graduate school
The graduate program provides in-depth training in interdisciplinary soft matter research. Besides the design and preparation of specific materials, a thorough understanding of the basic principles of chemistry, physics and engineering of polymers and soft matter is one of the aims of the research within our graduate school. All students work closely with a supervisor and meet regularly with a member of the mentoring program. The broad training in polymer science is enriched by topically related lectures and lecture series of the local faculty and international guest researchers. The training of specific research methodologies is offered to the members in two-day Advanced Training Modules. In addition to the development of a broad background in polymer science the gain of transferable skills like giving professional presentations and writing manuscripts for publications are part of the structured program. The Integrated Research Training Group “Polymers: random coils and beyond” is a graduate school, which is part of, but in its scope not limited to, the transregional Collaborative Research Center SFB/TRR 102 funded by the German Research Foundation “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft” (DFG).