Molecular Sciences – Spectroscopy and Simulation

The iMOS programme is a research-oriented, interdisciplinary Master of Science course in the fields of molecular and physical chemistry, biochemistry, and physics run by the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry at RUB. Learn unique theoretical and practical spectroscopy and molecular simulation techniques Research-oriented study course within a national cluster of excellence for solvation science Small groups of students (20 max.) Integrated research practical in one of our interdisciplinary groups Two-to-three-month course at international top institute Early hands-on experience in high-profile research Fast-track option for outstanding students with a Bachelor's degree: choose iMOS as your preparatory study year and co-enrol in the iGSS or GSCB PhD programme. What skills should you have? This highly competitive programme relies on your skills in quantum mechanics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Basic knowledge about concepts of classical mechanics and thermodynamics / statistical mechanics is mandatory. You can already solve problems involving Schrödinger's equation, partial differentiation, and how spectroscopic observables relate to structural and dynamic information of molecular systems, etc. Many candidates have completed a programme in Chemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Biotechnology/engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Applied Mathematics in addition to the prerequisite ECTS credit points in mathematics and chemistry. We offer: Comprehensive international student services before, during, and after the programme Many other student benefits and services German and English language courses Integrated three-month international course The possibility to start a PhD programme after completing the Master's degree here or elsewhere An active research environment with internationally renowned scientists Students in the iMOS programme obtain fundamental and cutting-edge skills in theoretical and spectroscopic techniques. They can then apply molecular (bio) physics / chemistry to research subjects from the nano-regime to macroscopic entities. After successful course completion, they are ready to take on a wide variety of interdisciplinary scientific challenges. For example, many of our students continue their research in PhD programmes both here and abroad in molecular modelling, laser photonics, ultrafast IR spectroscopy, EPR of biomolecules, and solvation science. The areas of optical and information technologies (e.g. lasers, microscopy, data mining, medical applications) are particularly attractive for iMOS graduates. The iMOS Curriculum (120 ECTS) includes hands on laboratory practicals within many of the course modules. In total, 120 ECTS credits are necessary to obtain the iMOS Master's degree. ** Three of these seven elective courses are required for graduation. First semester modules (28 or 33 ECTS) Dynamics and Simulation (+ Practical) Concepts of Spectroscopy 1 (+ Practical) Concepts of Molecular Chemistry 1 Biomolecular Simulation ** Biophysical Chemistry 2 ** Concepts of Quantum Mechanics ** Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics ** Second semester (28 or 33 ECTS) Electronic and Molecular Structure (+ Practical) Concepts of Spectroscopy 2 (+ Practical) Theoretical Spectroscopy Concepts of Molecular Chemistry 2 ** Biophysical Chemistry ** Scientific Programming Methods for Chemists ** Third semester (29 ECTS) Focal Point Practical (hands-on research training in a group of your choice) International Course (three-month internship) Fourth semester (30 ECTS) Master's thesis