Photonics serves as a key enabling technology for numerous application fields including optical communication, sensing, and metrology, light harvesting and light generation, medical- and biotechnologies, and additive and subtractive manufacturing.
Graduates of the profile Photonics will know and understand the most commonly used photonic components, light-based processes and measurement methods. They use and combine them for dedicated applications and they know how to design photonic systems and how they are interfaced to electrical and mechanical systems. Photonic engineers conduct research on new photonics technologies and are able to evaluate the feasibility and market significance of new photonics-based systems.
What's your favorite MSE study memory?
«The lectures were amazing. They were very informative, structured and motivating.»
What advice do you have for new MSE students?
«Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.»
What are the most important personal skills of an MSE student?
«Having an open mind is the most important feature.»
In which areas were you able to develop the most through your MSE studies?
«It was during the projects that I was able to apply and expand my knowledge.»
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
«I see myself working in research or production, probably even leading projects.»
Nivethika Komathinathan, MSE Graduate
As a consecutive degree program, the MSE in Photonics requires solid competences in Natural Sciences and Engineering. Students holding one of the following Bachelor degrees generally fulfil these entry requirements.
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- BSc in in Microtechnology
- BSc in Materials and Process Engineering
- BSc in Systems Engineering
- BSc in Photonics
Students who do not hold one of the above mentioned Bachelor degrees will be individually assessed.
Graduates of the Photonics profile have a fundamental understanding of physical principles and processes in Photonics. They have a profound knowledge of photonics systems and, in combination with their previously acquired knowledge, become highly interdisciplinary allrounders. They are predestined for senior positions with management responsibilities in the area of R&D, smart manufacturing, industrial process and quality control as well as automation and digital factories.
How would you describe the cooperation with the MSE students you supervise?
«The collaboration and exchange are very motivating, inspiring and enriching for both, student and advisor. In the project work, current research subjects are addressed, leading to new findings, methods and systems. Students can work on a topic of their choice, with a very positive effect on motivation and results. As an MSE advisor, I support students with my knowledge, experience and guidance to help them achieve the highest possible level of personal success in their studies.»
What do you enjoy most about advising in the MSE?
«For me, the guidance in the project work is what I enjoy most as an MSE advisor. I can draw inspiration from it for my own research.»
Which Master thesis do you remember most and why?
«I do not want to pick out a specific master thesis. Each master thesis is unique and has its own beauty. As master theses are research works, the outcome cannot really be planned in advance and results are worked out iteratively.»
What are some lessons you've learned as an MSE advisor?
«I think as an MSE advisor you have to be adaptive enough and be able to adjust to the needs of the students. For example, some students wish and need closer guidance while others are better left to approach their challenges with a higher degree of autonomy.»
What’s your main reason to recommend the MSE degree programme?
«I think the MSE program offers a very good opportunity to either further deepen in a specific area or to acquire complementary knowledge for interdisciplinary tasks The master's degree provides an excellent basis for the following professional career to be attractive for exciting positions in industry and public institutions in an increasingly international competitive environment. For interested students, the MSE degree is the entrance to pursue a PhD study.»
Prof. Dr. Patric Eberle, MSE Advisor
