Overview

A thorough command of the basic principles of chemistry, physics and engineering of polymers and soft matter are aims of the training within our graduate school. All students work closely with a supervisor and meet a mentor regularly. In addition to the development of a broad background in polymer science, the acquisition of transferable skills is an important goal of the course program.

Research on synthetic and biological polymers

Polymer research at the graduate school comprises aggregation phenomena of proteins and investigations of lipid membranes in the field of biopolymers. For synthetic polymers, crystallization and self-healing concepts are in the focus. Doctoral students of the program in Polymers - Random Coils and Beyond from Martin Luther Universität Halle Wittenberg conduct their interdisciplinary studies and are closely connected with other groups in this wide range of polymer topics.

Scientific exchange and collaboration

More than 30 doctoral students are interconnected through our graduate school. Common projects, mutual support by, e.g., measurements in other research groups and seminars lead to active exchange. Highlights are full two-days advanced training modules giving an introduction to selected research methods. In addition, the faculty offers lectures on several polymer topics and lecture series by international guest researchers.

A diverse research field

The graduate school comprises the expertise of more than 15 leading scientists in polymer research in Halle (Saale) and Leipzig. This high number of working groups from the fields of Polymer and Soft Matter Physics as well as Polymer Chemistry enables a fast exchange and a highly interdisciplinary work.

Research is carried out in the individual groups. Working as a doctoral student combines experimental investigations in the lab with the theoretical modeling and data analysis at the office desk. In Theoretical Physics and Chemistry the experiments are carried out on large computer clusters. Funding is mostly provided through grants by the German Research Foundation “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft” (DFG).

Programme Structure

Research Topics:

Aggregation of biopolymers

Stages of amyloid formation

Folding, dynamics and stability of proteins

Effects of nanoparticles

Cataract formation

Simulation of amyloid structure formation

Investigation of isolated macromolecules in innovative traps

Monomolecular protein layers

Crystallization of synthetic polymers

Semi-crystalline structure formation

Supramolecular polymers

Simulation of crystallization

Polymers at surfaces

Influence of nano-patterned surfaces

Crystallization at the water/air interface

Influence of shear fields

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics Chemistry Natural Sciences View 11 other PhDs in Natural Sciences in Germany

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants should have – or are about to obtain – a master degree, diploma or an equivalent degree in Natural Sciences or related fields. In general, students hold a degree in physics, chemistry or bioscience.

This includes a written thesis, an written or oral test and two years of advanced course work. Degree certificates from non-german universities will have to be approved by the admissions office.

Applicants should have a strong interest in the iRTG research program centered on the topic “Polymers: Random coils and beyond” and in cross-disciplinary projects.

Very good command of the English language in reading and writing is mandatory, knowledge of the German language is recommended and helpful, but not mandatory.
The application includes the email address of one referee willing to write a letter of recommendation.

Tuition Fee

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International

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 36 months.
EU/EEA

Free

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 36 months.

No tuition fees charged. However, a semester contribution has to be paid for each semester.

Living costs for Halle

730 - 1100 EUR /month

Living costs

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Polymers - Random Coils and Beyond.

Available Scholarships

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

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