Computational Materials Science (CMS) TU Bergakademie Freiberg

The constantly accelerating technological progress of today's society requires engineers and scientists who have a sound knowledge of natural and materials sciences and are able to apply programming and simulation techniques as well as data processing and analysis.

Computational Materials Science graduates become key players in industrial research and development; they shape scientific and engineering research that focuses 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 fields to provide our students with the education they need for an outstanding career in Computational Materials Science (CMS).

Theoretical concepts presented in the CMS lectures are illustrated by state-of-the-art research applications. An intensive introductory seminar brings students up to speed with scientific programming and modern computing environments. During the research seminars, they have the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists and experienced engineers at the industrial partners. In accompanying practical exercises, students learn how to apply all relevant modern simulation methods — and that is just one of the truly outstanding aspects of this degree programme. In elective subjects, you will be introduced to special topics in computational engineering/mechanics — or to advanced topics in data mining and machine learning in data-driven materials science.

Among other things, you will learn the theoretical background and practical 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)
• Phase Field Methods (PFM)
• Statistical Analysis Methods
• Digital Image Analysis/Correlation
• Monte Carlo Methods (MC)
• Cellular Automata (CA)

CMS students are in the top five percent of their year, which ensures an intensive study environment with excellent performance. Small classes encourage interaction and discussion and allow you to develop your ideas. In addition, the study environment shines with an exceptional ratio of teaching staff to the total number of students enrolled.

For more, constantly updated information, visit the extra pages at https://cms-tubaf.de.

Alumni experiences can be found here: https://cms-tubaf.de/CMS/international-master-in-computational-materials-science/experiences.html.

Internships at German companies are possible but not mandatory.

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 2.0 (German grading system) and 3.0 of 4.0 maximum points (United States grading system)
• English certificate (see below)
• Programming skills are an advantage.

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

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

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.
2. Georgius Agricola Scholarships for international students
3. Equal Opportunities Scholarship to support international students who have to overcome special challenges and life circumstances
4. Study completion grant for international students with good academic performance in the last semester of their studies

• 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.

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.

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

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.