University of Kassel, Germany
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Physical Chemistry of Nanomaterials

M.Sc. Nanoscience

Master’s Programme in Nanoscience

On a high international level, researchers from the University of Kassel work on the understanding and application of nanosystems. In the “Center for Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology“ (CINSaT), research teams from biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering find a joint platform for discussing their ideas and work together on interdisciplinary projects.

The participating “Institute of Nanostructure Technologies and Analytics“ (INA) operates 400 sqm of cleanroom facilities and advanced preparation equipment for nanoelectronic and photonic devices. Current focus areas of CINSaT are, amongst others, three-dimensional nanostructures, biosensors, photonics, and chiral systems. Spin-off companies, e.g. in biosensorics, connect the research in Kassel to industrial applications.

The nanoscience master’s degree is a perfect course for students, who have an eye for minute details and wish to examine things very closely. It focuses on further developing the interdisciplinary approach to physics, chemistry and biology, specialization and applied issues, e.g. in the field of nanoelectronics, supramolecular chemistry or molecular biology.

In the inconceivably minuscule world of nanostructures – after all, one nanometer only measures about one millionth of a millimeter – you will be expected to be able to independently plan laboratory work and conduct experiments as well as present the results verbally and in writing; these are all skills needed to prepare you for your career.

Compulsory modules are “Methods of Nanostructure Analysis“, a “Preparatory Project“ before starting with the Master‘s thesis, and the “Master‘s degree module“ with the thesis itself. Based on their interest, students may select two (or more) focus modules related to “Nanochemistry“, “Nanophysics“ or “Nanobiology“. In these modules, advanced principles of colloid, polymer, and supramolecular chemistry (Nanochemistry), nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and nanotechnology (Nanophysics) and advanced molecular and cell biology (Nanobiology) are instructed, respectively.

Elective modules can be chosen from a variety of 61 modules, including 28 research internships in different groups. Examples of course-like modules are “Aromatic Building Blocks for Organic Nanostructures“, “Nanoscale Quantum Optics“, “Molecular Mechanisms of Biochemical Processes“, “Semiconductor Devices: Theory and Modelling“, and many others.

You can either start the four-semester course, which is mainly taught in English, at the beginning of the summer or winter semester. To qualify, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nanostructure science or a related field of study.

A large number of optional specialisation courses enable students to acquire highly specialised knowledge and establish an individual career profile during the master’s degree course. Students not only broaden and train their specialist knowledge, but also their “soft skills,” for example, in the field of academic communications and time management.

Students can only gain the Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree if they complete a master’s degree dissertation, which needs to focus on a special research aspect of nanoscience.

Despite the minute dimensions in the world of nanostructures, the career prospects are outstanding in one of the largest growth markets in the world. There are only a small number of specialists with interdisciplinary training to meet the high level of demand for qualified employees in what is still a young but expanding line of work. The fields of activity are very varied: ranging from pure research to applied tasks like the development of materials, information and communications technology, coating techniques, cosmetics, pharmacy and biomedicine.


Other courses offered by University of Kassel, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

M.Sc. in Mathematics

M.Sc. in Physics

The University of Kassel

The University of Kassel is a young, modern, and vibrant university, characterized by its openness to new ideas in every single area of its work. Receptivity, initiative, transdisciplinary thinking and unconventionality are traits we cherish and welcome in studies, research and teaching, but also in knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial ventures, to which the university provides special support. We aspire to develop, validate and implement ideas – even if they are not yet in the mainstream.

The University of Kassel has an unconventional profile with fields of expertise in nature, technology, culture and society. Questions relating to the future of our planet and our existence such as globalization, climate change, environmental protection as well as questions regarding the evolution of technical systems or demographic change are characteristic of our profile in both research and teaching.

With more than 23,000 students and approximately 1,800 scholars, among them more than 300 professors, the University of Kassel is one of Germany’s mid-sized universities. It plays a key role in the development of the northern Hesse region, but its profile also attracts many students and scholars from across Germany and abroad. We nurture creativity, critical analysis, ethical reflection and unconventional thinking.

Extending the development of academic fields beyond their boundaries is another marker for many University of Kassel research centers searching for sustainable answers to our most important questions. This focus offers scholars and scientists exciting challenges and also paves the way for students into their lives and careers.

The University of Kassel views itself as a European university. It has an international focus and has networks around the world. Internationalisation plays a central role in both courses and teaching, but also in research and in the transfer of knowledge.

Within its fields of competence, the University of Kassel has established the following focus areas:

• Technical system simulation - Industrial system technology
• Nanostructure and molecular sciences
• Educational research including university research
• National and global social policy, development policy and decent work
• Environment, climate and nutrition
• Energy supply systems of the future
• Culture and gender research
• Social useful IT-Design

Several research approaches have a common platform in scientific centers and interdisciplinary research groups across different faculties. Among these is the Center for Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology (CINSaT). Here, a main focus is the research interdisciplinarity of nanotechnology.

Due to the extension of departments beyond biology, chemistry and physics this scientific center of the University of Kassel requests and promotes the cooperation of miscellaneous working groups. Based on the contribution of the special expertises of the groups, specific novel project ideas are developed to fabricate, analyze, and characterize nanostructures and are implemented into new applications.

Within the Center for Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology (CINSaT), 32 scientific groups work on their vision for the future of nano science. By this, CINSaT is a nucleus for pursuing nano science activities at the University of Kassel, with a broad participation from the departments of ‘mathematics and natural science’, ‘electrical engineering and computer science’, ‘civil engineering’, ‘mechanical engineering’ and ‘philosophy’.

As nano science activities have a strong diversity, the CINSaT has established different core topics that build topical pillars within the center:

• 3-dimensional nanostructures
• Multiscale Bioimaging
• Photonics
• Chiral Systems
• Quantum Technology
• Nanostructures in natural sciences, engineering sciences and the arts

One of the goals of CINSaT is to foster the interaction across departments and the traditional scientific disciplines, and to benefit from the different expert knowledge each group can provide to a specific nano-related problem. Therefore, some key projects have been defined within each pillar to stimulate this interdisciplinary approach.