Our preliminary course is aimed at all first-semester students who wish to start their studies in the winter semester.

With our preliminary course "Introduction to the Mathematical Tools of Physics" (or simply "Physics Pre-course") we pursue two goals:

  1. The mathematical competences required in the first semester are refreshed and deepened. Basic calculation techniques for the lecture "Physics I" and "Mathematical Methods I" are practised and new mathematical concepts applied in the lecture "Mathematics for Physicists I" are introduced. Here, existing school knowledge is built upon, but new subject areas are also worked on (e.g. vector calculus), so that the preliminary course provides new content for all students.
  2. Important competences with regard to the later ability to study are analysed and practised with many practical examples. Exercises are worked on and learning strategies for working at a university are learned.

We achieve these goals through a combination of classical lectures and work in small learning groups.

Piles of books on a light table

Image: Damian Gorczany

FAQ Pre-course

Who is the preliminary course for?

All students who start studying physics in the winter semester should take part in the preliminary course. It is designed for both 1-subject students (Bachelor of Science) and 2-subject students.

When does the preliminary course take place?

Der Vorkurs findet im September vor Beginn des Wintersemesters statt. Für das Wintersemester 24/25 findet der Vorkurs täglich vom 2. – 27. September 2024 von 8:30 Uhr bis ca. 16:00 Uhr statt.

Is there an additional introductory event?

Vor dem Vorkurs findet eine Einführungsveranstaltung statt. Für das Wintersemester 24/25 findet diese am 29. August von 10:00 – 12:00 Uhr im Hörsaal HNB statt.

Where does the preliminary course take place?

Der Vorkurs findet in Präsenz im Hörsaal HNB statt. Bei der Einführungsveranstaltung am 29. August 2024 im HNB werden die genauen Details bekannt gegeben.

Do I have to register for the preliminary course?

Info zum Wintersemester 24/25:

Sie müssen sich zunächst nicht für den Vorkurs anmelden, alle Interessierten, die das Physikstudium im Wintersemester 24/25 aufnehmen möchten, bekommen einen Platz im Vorkurs.

I have found various preliminary courses on the internet - which is the right course for me?

Wenn Sie ab dem Wintersemester 2024/2025 Physik studieren möchten – egal ob als 1-Fach Studierende (Bachelor of Science) oder als auch für 2-Fach-Studierende – dann ist unser Kurs der richtige. Der Vorkurs, der von der Fakultät für Mathematik angeboten wird ist in unser Vorkurspaket integriert. Die Fakultät für Physik und Astronomie kooperiert eng mit der Fakultät für Mathematik. In der Einführungsveranstaltung erhalten Sie alle weiteren Informationen.

If you do not plan to study physics, this pre-course package is not suitable for you. You can find the appropriate pre-course under the following link : Information on other pre-courses.

Does the preliminary course cost a fee?

No, a fee is not charged. 

Can I acquire CP (credit points) for the physics degree course by taking part in the preliminary course?

Yes, if the exam is passed before the start of the first semester. The preliminary course can be credited with 5 CP in the free elective area for 1-subject Bachelor and in the optional area for 2-subject Bachelor. Note: only one preliminary course can be recognised.

Die Abschlussklausur für das Wintersemester 24/25 findet am 1. Oktober 2024 von 10:00 – 12:00 Uhr statt.

What if I cannot attend the preliminary course?

If participation in the pre-courses is not possible, we recommend participation in the online mathematics bridge course OMB+.

You can find out whether you are well prepared for studying physics in terms of mathematics with the help of the StudiCheck . You can take an online test there and get an initial assessment of your abilities. If you find that you are not well prepared in some areas of mathematics, you can use Studifinder to find a maths course that allows you to work through the most important mathematical tools at home.

Contact for questions about the preliminary course

Torsten Cleve

Torsten Cleve

Pre-course contact

NB 02/172
Tel.: +49 234 32 25865

torsten.cleve(at)physics.rub.de

Contact Advice Bachelor's degree programmes

Dr. Dirk Meyer

Dr. Dirk Meyer

Advice on Bachelor's degree programmes

NB 04/595
Tel.: +49 234 32 23198

dmeyer(at)physik.rub.de

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