Bauphysik (grundständig)

The program is offered at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning takes place at the university in lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, and laboratories. It also includes learning at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses) and during the practical phase, for example, in engineering or architectural offices, in building physics institutes and laboratories, or in building authorities.

This is a foundational undergraduate (grundständiges Studium) program offered at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), with a standard study period of 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in Building Physics (Bauphysik) provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in technical physics, building and energy technology, and physical measurement techniques. This program is also available as a dual study program (dualer Studiengang). Admission requirements for universities of applied sciences include at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university. Compulsory modules include Building Physics, Building Damage Analysis, Business Administration, Energy Technology, Fundamentals of Physics, Room and Psychoacoustics, Law, Sound Insulation, Technical Noise Control, and Thermal Insulation. Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Building Physics can enter professional life in fields such as sales, marketing, or energy consulting and management. Leadership positions typically require further education after the Bachelor's degree.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, Statistischer Bericht - Statistik der Prüfungen an deutschen Hochschulen - Prüfungsjahr 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union (Studierendenwerk), student body, semester ticket). Where applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at: Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine a university degree with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate program of Building Physics (Bauphysik), there are practice-integrated study programs. Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include Building Physics, Building Damage Analysis, Business Administration, Energy Technology, Fundamentals of Physics, Room and Psychoacoustics, Law, Sound Insulation, Technical Noise Control, and Thermal Insulation. Elective modules may include Acoustic Measurement Technology, Building Services Systems, Structure-Borne Sound and Innovative Noise Control, Solar Heating and Cooling, and Thermal Building Simulation. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in engineering offices, possibly abroad), and excursions.

Students should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: attend lectures and seminars in university auditoriums and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises, such as building material tests, are conducted. Independent work, including preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing term papers (also during lecture-free periods), is essential. Students must independently plan their Studium (university studies) within the given structure, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Internships (Praktika), for example in engineering or architectural offices, and preparing for career entry may also be necessary.

The following study programs can be alternatives for Building Physics (undergraduate): In the field of Architecture and Building Technology, Civil Engineering (undergraduate) and Architecture (undergraduate) share the common goal of learning and developing energy-saving and environmentally friendly construction methods, and planning and equipping buildings more energy-efficiently. In the field of Materials Technology, Materials Science (undergraduate) and Materials Science, -Technology (undergraduate) share the common goal of acquiring knowledge in chemistry, material and material properties, technical physics, and measurement technology. In the field of Physics, Engineering Physics (undergraduate) and Physics (undergraduate) share the common goal of acquiring and applying fundamental physical principles and knowledge of technical physics.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university studies): Physics (e.g., to facilitate access to study content such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and climate technology), Mathematics (e.g., differential, integral, and vector calculus), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, or programming languages), and English (e.g., to read and understand foreign-language technical literature).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as presentation and moderation, foreign languages, and goal and time management are examples. Elective modules like Thermal Building Simulation can also provide additional qualifications. Internships (Praktika), for example in engineering or architectural offices, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university) and through the university search function of Hochschulkompass for universities in Germany.

The undergraduate (grundständig) study program in Building Physics imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in Technical Physics, Building and Energy Technology, and physical measurement techniques. It leads to a first university degree. This study program is also available as a dual study program (dualen Studiengang).

For Bachelor graduates in Building Physics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as sales, marketing, or energy consulting and management.

In the early 1970s, interest in efficient energy use in buildings grew due to the oil crisis. By the end of the 1970s, the Energy Saving Act came into force in 1976. Resource scarcity, rising energy costs, and climate protection requirements posed new challenges for building planning. In 1978, the first independent Building Physics degree program (Studium) was introduced. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, aimed to create a unified European higher education area, harmonize degree programs (Studium) and qualifications (e.g., introduction of Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improve the mobility of students and lecturers.

The degree awarded is Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).

If you discontinue your degree program (Studium), the following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives: In the field of Interior Finishing, Interior Finishing Manager (dual-qualified vocational training), Wood Mechanic specializing in the Assembly of Interior Fittings and Building Elements, Heat, Cold, and Sound Insulation Installer. Commonalities include interior finishing, heat, cold, and sound insulation. In the field of Supply and Installation, a Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating, and Air Conditioning Technology can be an alternative. The commonality here is the practical application of building physics knowledge. Searching by occupational fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a degree program (Studium), visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the degree program (Studium). For practical phases, such as an internship in a company, remuneration can be agreed upon. Remuneration during a dual degree program (Studium) varies depending on the vocational training (Ausbildung) model and the company.

At the federal level, the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) of January 19, 1999, as last amended by the law of November 15, 2019, applies. There are also joint structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs (Studium) by the federal states (Bundesland) (resolution of the KMK of October 10, 2003, as amended on February 4, 2010) and a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees (adopted by the KMK on February 16, 2017). At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations (e.g., on the accreditation of degree programs (Studium)), and qualification or higher education entrance ordinances apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs (Studium) are applicable.

The prerequisite for studying at Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective federal state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). For information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals, please refer to 'Access to Higher Education in the individual federal states (Bundesland).'

Bachelor graduates in Building Physics (Bauphysik) can continue their Studium (university studies) in an advanced subject, such as Renewable Energies or Civil Engineering, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. They can pursue advanced studies in Civil Engineering, Building Physics, or Renewable Energies.