Programme content and areas of specialisation
The degree programme recruits from around the world, making the student body very diverse. The programme structure is very flexible, meaning any initial differences in skills and knowledge can be used in a constructive manner.
This three-semester postgraduate degree programme provides cutting-edge know-how with a strong international outlook. First-class labs (clean rooms) are available for use in the programme. Graduates who take the Microsystems specialisation can later further their qualifications by taking a doctorate at the University of Freiburg.
The programme is divided into 6-credit modules, five of which are taken in each of the first two semesters. The third semester is purely a thesis semester. The theoretical modules of the two teaching semesters fulfill the objectives of the programme. Every teaching semester contains one elective module which can be selected from a module catalogue, allowing for specialisation according to interests.
Teaching is carried out almost exclusively in English.
Programme objectives
The Smart Systems degree programme equips you with the knowledge and skills required in this interdisciplinary field bringing these together in a systematic approach. To successfully plan, design, simulate, program, produce, test and maintain smart systems, a solid grounding is essential in several of the following areas: control engineering, simulation, microelectronics, microsystems technology, sensors and actuators, optical electronics and encryption. Successful solutions to problems result from the connection of the various disciplines, each of which has its own procedural strategies.
Close involvement with R&D work means students can not only see and take future developments into consideration, but can actually shape them themselves.
Study and Examination Regulations
Learning outcomes - subject knowledge and skills
- Knowledge of basic theory and functions of smart systems
- Knowledge of important components and assembly groups of smart systems
- Understanding of design methods, production techniques and implementation of new smarter systems
- Understanding of signal processing for and communication between smarter systems
- Understanding of modelling and simulation methods for smart systems
- Understanding of use of smarter systems applications using examples
- Ability to take a holistic view and carry out interdisciplinary analysis and design of smart systems (systematic thinking)
- Synthesis of smart systems using instructions in a structured form
- Evaluation of solutions and critical comparison with the latest scientific stand
Learning outcomes - transferable skills
- Ability to discuss smarter systems issues and solutions with colleagues and customers
- Good proficiency of specialist English and ability to deal with specialist literature
- Teamworking in international teams
- Decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Ability to apply scientific work methods, particularly PhD work
Learning outcomes - employability skills
- Knowledge of interdisciplinary, system-oriented methods which take account of rapid technological developments in several Smart Systems areas (Electronics, Microsystems technology and Computer applications)
- Ability to foresee, evaluate and actively influence innovative developments
- Familiarity with complex, workplace-relevant soft and hardware tools in the areas of design, simulation and physical technology