Overview

Key features

The Molecular Science - Spectroscopy and Simulation (iMOS) program from Ruhr University Bochum focuses on the molecular understanding of chemical and biochemical processes. Topics are from the traditional disciplines of chemistry and physics with a focus on modern laser spectroscopy and microscopy, computer simulation, and quantum chemistry.

Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme have:

a decent background in quantum physics, mathematics, spectroscopy and computational chemistry

and might question:

how can laser spectroscopy and microscopy methods help us to fundamentally understand chemical reactions and biological processes?
which roles does water, as the 'matrix of life', play in protein folding or enzymatic reactions?
can we improve chemical reactions by choosing the right solvent?
which molecular interactions determine the macroscopic properties of liquids?
how quickly do chemical reactions take place at the molecular level?

Accreditation

Yes, via AQAS

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Programme Structure

Courses contain:

Physical Chemistry: spectroscopy / optics / lasers
Quantum Chemistry
Biophysical Chemistry
Computational & Theoretical Chemistry
Physical Organic Chemistry
Statistical Physics, Thermodynamics, and Scientific Programming

Students are poised to consider a range of technical issues. How can we...

design molecular sensors that are visible within the bio-transparency window?
design new spectroscopic techniques that allow us to better "see" molecular interactions, e.g. at faster timescales, different wavelengths/solvents/sample conditions?
best model complex biological molecules and their environment with computational methods?
design charge transport systems, e.g. in energy storage devices, for efficient photocatalysis, or even at biomembranes?
develop compact and high-energy laser sources & optical setups for use in a wide range of advanced spectroscopic methods?
use advanced microscopy to image biological functions and what role doe water play?

Audience

Graduates have worked in physical & theoretical chemistry, physics, and bioinformatics; conducting research and development in performance materials and advanced materials design, (bio)molecular modeling and biophysics simulations, Information Technology, data analysis & consultancy, neuroscience discovery, crop science, microscopy for medical technology, (fiber +) optical and laser technology.

Lecturers

Prof. Drs. Marx, Havenith, Sander, Schäfer, Hättig, Ebbinghaus, Schmidt, Sulpizi, Morgenstern, Herrmann, Petersen, Kruss. Please visit our Home Research Groups on our main website for a complete list.

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , Local

More details

Please apply early for rolling admissions. If you will not receive your degree prior to the deadline, please contact our office.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

6

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bochum, Germany

Disciplines

Physics Chemistry Natural Sciences View 15 other Masters in Natural Sciences in Germany

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Academic requirements

GPA

3

3 _{(recommended)}

An average grade of 2.0 or better on the German scale (1.0 is the highest and 4.0 is the lowest passing grade)

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Please visit our website for Application regulations and required documents.

Required credits and prerequisite knowledge include:

10 CP in Mathematics
8 CP in Theoretical Chemistry, Spectroscopic Techniques, Quantum Mechanics and / or equivalent topics
Mathematics themes - real & complex valued vector spaces, partial differentiation
Quantum Mechanics - particle wave dualism, operators, solutions to simple QM problems
General Physics and Spectroscopy - statistical mechanics, optics, analysis of molecular spectra
Concepts of Physical Organic Chemistry - chemical bond theory, functional groups / reaction mechanisms / basic chemistry of reactive intermediates

The course curriculum is designed to be accessible for students who have completed their undergraduate chemistry degree at RUB and elsewhere. Compatible Bachelor degrees containing the CP prerequisites above may include:

Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Biochemistry/Biophysics or a related Engineering field

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Ruhr University Bochum and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

The Ruhr University Bochum does not charge tuition. A required social fee of approx. 360 Euros every semester (6 months long) includes a public transit ticket.

Living costs

Bochum

Germany

680 - 930 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Our programme does not provide funding for students, however please apply by 15. May if also applying to our sister PhD programme in Solvation Science.

Accepted students are encouraged to apply for funding through the University's offered scholarships. Please visit the funding page of our international office for the most relevant and up-to-date offers.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Molecular Sciences - Spectroscopy and Simulation (iMOS).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key features

Accreditation

Get more details

Programme Structure

Audience

Lecturers

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Bochum

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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