Simulation Sciences M.Sc.

 

Simulation Sciences – SiSc – is an interdisciplinary, accredited Master’s program taught in English for graduates of a Bachelor’s program in science or engineering. The course is offered by RWTH Aachen and is supported by Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Simulation sciences is taken to mean those disciplines which, on the one hand, deal with basic methodological principles and, on the other hand, with applications of computer simulations in science and engineering. Due to the exponential development of modern high-performance computers, these disciplines are gaining ever greater significance and now represent the third pillar of research complementing experiment and theory. Well-known areas in which computer simulations are extensively used are, for instance, climate research, materials science and biotechnology.

More information on the program can be found on the Homepage of AICES.

 

Degree Content

The Master's program takes four semesters and consists of mandatory and elective courses and a written Master’s thesis. In the mandatory courses the students will acquire the basic knowledge which will enable them to deal rapidly with problems in the field of simulation sciences. In order to effective prepare for research work, students have the possibility to focus on simulations in engineering or physics after the first semester.

Furthermore, the have the opportunity to tailor the focus of their personal curriculum with a selection of electives – either application or method-oriented, interdisciplinary or subject-specific.

The Master’s thesis is a written paper in English giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently and scientifically on a problem from the field of simulation sciences within a given time frame of 22 weeks. At the end of this period, students will defend their thesis in a Master's colloquium.

All professors of the RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich are potentially available to supervise the Master's thesis if the topic is related to simulation.

An outline of the degree content is given in the curriculum, which you can find on the faculty overview page of courses of study.

 

Prerequisites

A prerequisite for starting studies in a first university degree, with which the necessary background education can be proven, as determined in the exam regulations. The exam board determines whether it fulfills the entrance requirements. On the faculty website you can find detailed information on how to apply.

 

Career Prospects

Career opportunities in numerous professional fields are open to graduates of the Master’s program in Simulation Sciences. Due to its interdisciplinarity, the program addresses the areas of methodology, basic principles and applications of simulation sciences that are currently in very great demand.

Potential employers can be found in both research and industry. For example, cost cutting means that computer simulations now replace expensive experiments, which makes it attractive for industry to employ well-qualified experts in the field. Since the program is taught in English, the graduates are moreover well qualified for the international market.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The Master course of study is offered under the auspices of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the Faculty of Medicine are involved as well.