Schools Is the IPSP at University of Leipzig Right for a Future in Theoretical HEP?

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The University of Leipzig's International Physics Studies Program (IPSP) is perceived as challenging, with a heavy emphasis on mathematics and theoretical physics from the outset, which some students find difficult. Despite concerns about the university's reputation, current students note that the quality of education is solid, with no definitive rankings indicating superiority among institutions. The program fosters self-reliance, as students must take responsibility for their learning, often encountering material before it is formally covered. Many students report that the rigorous nature of the program ultimately prepares them well for future careers in physics. Overall, while the IPSP is demanding, it offers valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
  • #51
Edmann said:
Hallo! Is there anyone that will apply for the Winter Semester of the International Physics Programme at Leipzig? I'm going to apply. Therefore, if someone is going to apply too, contact me please, I want to know future classmates (if we are accepted).

Yess, I am going to apply for the Winter16 semester as well:)
 
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  • #52
Hi everyone, I am thinking of applying to the IPSP BSc for Winter16 semester, however I am running out of time processing the application documents or entry requirements since the deadline in submitting these requirements will be on July 15. The English language proficiency proof/certificate takes time to secure in my country. For the Letter of Motivation, I think this is no longer necessary since the programme has no admission restriction indicated in the flyer.
 
  • #53
rudydutch said:
He Edmann, I don't think a motivation letter is necessary. It is not stated on the university website/IPSP page. Cheers.
Thanks bro! I have already sent my documents! Cheers man.
 
  • #54
GeorgeAMA said:
Hi everyone, I am thinking of applying to the IPSP BSc for Winter16 semester, however I am running out of time processing the application documents or entry requirements since the deadline in submitting these requirements will be on July 15. The English language proficiency proof/certificate takes time to secure in my country. For the Letter of Motivation, I think this is no longer necessary since the programme has no admission restriction indicated in the flyer.
Yep buddy, the motivation letter is not necessary, due to this, I sent my documents! About you, did you take the toefl or the ielts? Talk to me via inbox.
 
  • #55
Edmann said:
Yep buddy, the motivation letter is not necessary, due to this, I sent my documents! About you, did you take the toefl or the ielts? Talk to me via inbox.
Hi Edmann, what are the documents did you send?
 
  • #56
Hello. I really need your opinions here, guys. My inquiry is simple.

I did science in high school. Then graduated Filmmaking studies in Spain. Now I'm 23 years old, and I'd like to apply to the IPSP, and I am aware of the preparation I will be needing, since I have stayed away from math and physics for a long time. I'll start math and physics personal classes before applying, then I'll probably do the introductory courses at Leipzig University. What are your recommendations so I can start the IPSP in good shape? Thank you so much.
 
  • #57
Hey guys,
I'm also applying for Physik IPSP, has anyone been admitted yet? I submitted mine online in the 1st of April (sent the physical documents several days later) but have yet to receive any news. Anyway, I am not sure this is true but surfing through the faculty's page, I stumble upon this link:
http://www.omb-physik.de/
It's called Online Mathematik Brückenkurs (Online Mathematics Bridging Course). Apparently it was made by DPG (German Physical Society) and KFP (Conference of Physics Department) to prepare students for Physics course. Seeing the content, it doesn't seem to be too intimidating and it seems I have studied all of them. I plan to do the course anyway (since I was studying Environmental Engineering for a year before this, not too mathematically-intensive), continue to Linear Algebra and do some daily math problems to get the habit going. The only problem you might encounter is that it is in German. I personally have studied German to B1 Level - which is enough for Studienkolleg though not German courses, but I am not willing to waste another year on that - and I must say that the course is perfectly understandable.
To add to the admission process, it has no NC (numerus clausus), so everyone who fulfills the minimum requirements are admitted. So I would suggest everyone to research hard what they're going into, because I heard this course (especially IPSP) is notorious for its dropout rate.
Other than that, Wish you all good luck and see you in Leipzig! :smile:
 
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  • #58
Hi arya, have you logged in? Can u give us your username and psswd?

Hi maelSantiago, i am studying from this book called "Stewart's calculus" its quite elementary but quite lengthy. I am planning next year intake 2017. I want to finish this book and linear algebra before going there
 
  • #59
Hi Ravenclaw,

I don't necessarily think it is entirely a must to master Linear Algebra (it's good to prepare of course), as that will be the subject we will start with in the first Semester. I would say the requirement would be up to Basic Calculus and Differential Equations. I heard from the students there that they will have a speedy course on High school maths and also Calculus before going into Linear Algebra.

You can try this self-test made by the Physics' faculty and see if you are able to solve it with pen and paper:
http://www.leipzig-studieren.de/fileadmin/www.leipzig-studieren.de/PDF/STUDIENGAENGE/Physik_Lehramt/Selbsttest/Selbsttest_Physik_Universitaet_Leipzig_Stand_Juni_2014.pdf
If you're fine with that, you're good for the studies.

For the OMB-Kurs, Yes, I have logged in. You can register as well with the affiliation of DPG for non-University students.

If you insist in doing it in 2017 however, I would recommend you to study German as well and improve your academic records. Who knows, you might as well go to the top Unis like Heidelberg, LMU or Karlsruhe IT.
 
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  • #61
Hello guys, I am a Tunisian student and i will receive my secondary school diploma next week which luckily is equivalent to the abitur and allows to apply without a preparatory year. I got 84 in TOEFL and I hope I can send my documents before the deadline.
I am just worried about the difficulty of the courses. I can say that I am above average in mathematics and pretty good in physics in my school but educational systems are different... Can you guys tell me what are the most important topics I should cover this summer in maths and physics so I can have a good start.
 
  • #62
Hey masmoudi,
I am also applying for the course. If you can understand german start off with OMB course that I have given the link to, to get you fluent on applied mathematics. Then go to Heidelberg prep course for Math for Physics.
As for Physics, once you get the math, I shouldn't think going into the Physics would be hard. I personally just revise on my Physics school notes and read anything physics (Feynman's lectures, Neptune File, Great Physicists, etc.) really. Any University Physics studies would still go through to the fundamentals again quickly I believe, so don't worry.
Here is some links I found for you to know what you can expect.

Links:
OMB course : http://www.omb-physik.de/
Heidelberg course : http://www.thphys.uni-heidelberg.de/~hefft/vk_download/vk1e.pdf#
An exercise Sheet on Experimental Physics I 2013/14:
http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~pwm/teaching/ep1_ws1314/
A lecture note on theoretical Physics I 2012/13:
http://www.physik.uni-leipzig.de/~verch/TP1sub/Rem1-TheoPhys12.pdf
Exercise sets on Mathematics I 2015:
http://www.math.uni-leipzig.de/~sapozhnikov/12-PHY-BIPMA1-2/course.html

I heard that the theoretical physics lecturer might go into mathematical territory in which isn't covered in the Math course itself yet, and so a lot of self study is expected.
 
  • #63
Hey Prasetya, unfortunately I do not undersrand german, I didn't even finish A2 level, hope things will be different in germany (I probably won't have another choice but learning it).
Thank you for the links, that's what I was looking for, especially the math prep course.
 
  • #64
Hi masmoudi,
I am also applying for this same course. I have heard many views abt this particular course. Some say it's manageable some say its terrible. Even I was afraid of the same mathematical part all this time.
If u have a really good solid foundation in single variable calculus then there is nothing much to worry. Start building the rest from that.
As for the OMB course it's pretty easy. Don't worry abt the german language. The moment u start worrying abt it, the problem starts appearing even horrendous. So don't think of it as an obstacle.
Even I don't know german much. Just A1.1. bt I completed the OMB.
Use Google chrome for that and get the Google translator add on. It automatically translates the page. I won't say it's 100% accurate bt u can understand something from that.
Since u sd that u have received the secondary school certificate in ur country definitely u might have some basic knowledge that is more than enough to cope up with the OMB. Try to do the exercises. It's easy to understand because most of them are mathematical notations and symbolsd u know that Symbols speak themselves :) . So all the best and go ahead. Don't think of the distance u have between u and the course. Try to bridge the gap :) . U have enough time till October to prepare urself if u think of these as just passing clouds and not dead ends :)
 
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  • #65
Hello Bavithra,
Thank you for your response, u'r right, I shouldn't worry much. Since I chose mathematics as a special subject for the last two years, I do have a solid background, it's just I don't know what to expect in germany (it could be much more advanced) but since my secondary school diploma is equivalent to the abitur I should be okay. I just have to get to work, become familiar with the english terms since I received my education in french and fill some gaps.
 
  • #66
Hi masmoudi,
Knowing a language is just a skill. Not a knowledge. Some tips for working on the math part if u feel uncomfortable...
1. Make a plan, first find out the parts that are common with ur high school syllabus and the 1st semester math. Check the theoretical physics syllabus too. List out the ones u don't know. Find a good reference book that is suitable for u. If u ask me I wd suggest calculus - early transcendentals by j.stewart. it has all the necessary portions that u might need.
2. Start working on them now itself. I accept that it's a huge book. Bt since u sd that mathematics was a major portion in ur high school studies definitely u will know properly up to integration and if possible it's applications. The first 9 chapters focus on that. U can simply go through if u wish to revise wt u studied or skip if u feel confident. That's around half of the book. So u will half only half of it left. Simple :)
Although math need lots of practice and repetition of qstns, that's not always the case. If u really understand the logic and reason behind it, u might just need to practice 5 qstns to master it while a another person who purely depends on hard work needs 10 qstns.
So completing the required portions before semester start is solely in ur hands. U have to decide whether u r a hardworker or a witty physicist. :)
 
  • #67
Yeah that's what I meant by filling gaps (not the language thing). The good thing is that I'm excited about this journey so I am willing to put some effort into it. Thanks
 
  • #68
Hi guys I've already submitted my application for the University of Leipzig IPSP program. However I just received an email from uni-assist notifying me that my application form was not among the documents that I submitted. Where do I get the application form then?
 
  • #69
JJChong said:
Hi guys I've already submitted my application for the University of Leipzig IPSP program. However I just received an email from uni-assist notifying me that my application form was not among the documents that I submitted. Where do I get the application form then?
Check the Checklist pdf document at the bottom of this page
https://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants/bachelor-diploma-state-examination.html
I haven't completed my application yet so I can't help that much, but I think when you send your application form electronically you have to print it, signt it and send it along with the other documents.
http://www.uni-assist.de/faq+online+application.html#Do I have to apply online?
 
  • #70
fares-masmoudi said:
Check the Checklist pdf document at the bottom of this page
https://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants/bachelor-diploma-state-examination.html
I haven't completed my application yet so I can't help that much, but I think when you send your application form electronically you have to print it, signt it and send it along with the other documents.
http://www.uni-assist.de/faq+online+application.html#Do I have to apply online?

Yes you have to apply online and thanks for the info. I have checked with uni-assist and confirmed that the hard copies of the documents have to be sent to them by post for them to process after applying online.
 
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  • #71
hi guys.
I sent the application and I left out some of the documents that I wanted to send. and I want to send them now. What should I do ? Should I create a new application ? Also about the printed form, the option for that comes after you've sent the application (online) so you print that form out sign it and send it along with other documents by post right ?
Finally how and where do you pay the 75 euros ?
thanks
 
  • #72
richardfeynman said:
hi guys.
I sent the application and I left out some of the documents that I wanted to send. and I want to send them now. What should I do ? Should I create a new application ? Also about the printed form, the option for that comes after you've sent the application (online) so you print that form out sign it and send it along with other documents by post right ?
Finally how and where do you pay the 75 euros ?
thanks

Hey richardfenman!

You can send the missing documents to the same uni assist address. Just remember to write your Uni-assist applicant number. They will assign them to your application package. And the printed form should be signed and sent to Uni-Assist along with the other documents. You can do the payment by a bank transfer or a credit card payment. You can find the relevant information on the Uni-Assist web site.

And I just got the letter of admission to IPSP bachelor for the coming winter semester. Is there anyone who already got the letter of admission? If so I'd like to make contacts. I wish everyone good luck for their application process.

Thank you!
 
  • #73
Thanks for the help. So once we send all these documents only then will I hear from them right. not after I only submit the online application. I tried finding the the details how to make a bank transfer but could not find it. Could you please send me a link.
thanks
 
  • #74
richardfeynman said:
Thanks for the help. So once we send all these documents only then will I hear from them right. not after I only submit the online application. I tried finding the the details how to make a bank transfer but could not find it. Could you please send me a link.
thanks

They will send you a notification when they receive your documents. Check this link for bank account details. http://www.uni-assist.de/bank-account.html
You are mostly welcome!
 
  • #75
thanks. BTW how hard is it in your opinion to get in once applied . Are they extremely selective or do they let a lot of students in but then many leave because it gets beats many ?
 
  • #76
to the same uni assist address you mean on their website I just just upload the documents,send them the left out documents by post or send them to an uni assist email
 
  • #77
Aswinda said:
Hey richardfenman!

You can send the missing documents to the same uni assist address. Just remember to write your Uni-assist applicant number. They will assign them to your application package. And the printed form should be signed and sent to Uni-Assist along with the other documents. You can do the payment by a bank transfer or a credit card payment. You can find the relevant information on the Uni-Assist web site.

And I just got the letter of admission to IPSP bachelor for the coming winter semester. Is there anyone who already got the letter of admission? If so I'd like to make contacts. I wish everyone good luck for their application process.

Thank you!

Hey Aswinda i just got accepted too. Did you already look at the schedule for next semester?
 
  • #78
Hi Everyone!

I have some questions for you guys. I am aplying for the Wintersemeters 2016/17. So hopefully we will meet there! : )
I sent my documents and applications online already, they arrived at Uniassist on July 14. I'm worried about the format of the translated certificates. They were comprised of several pages, but neither the originals nor the authenticated photocopies provide any proof that they belong to the same document. The pages are just stapled together. This is just the way certified photocopies are done here. How did you guys send yours?

Also, how long did it take for Uniassist to forward your documents to University, from the time they reached Uniassist? And how long did it take for the final answer from university after the documents were forwarded?

Cheers! : )
 
  • #79
Alan Sammarone said:
Hi Everyone!

I have some questions for you guys. I am aplying for the Wintersemeters 2016/17. So hopefully we will meet there! : )
I sent my documents and applications online already, they arrived at Uniassist on July 14. I'm worried about the format of the translated certificates. They were comprised of several pages, but neither the originals nor the authenticated photocopies provide any proof that they belong to the same document. The pages are just stapled together. This is just the way certified photocopies are done here. How did you guys send yours?

Also, how long did it take for Uniassist to forward your documents to University, from the time they reached Uniassist? And how long did it take for the final answer from university after the documents were forwarded?

Cheers! : )
Hello Alan, my documents arrived on July 14 too, so we're on the same boat.
According to uni-assist news, now it takes approximately 4 weeks until they forward your documents to the university, and another 1-2 week(s) for the final answer.
I guess, as long as you translated your documents at a sworn translator, you're fine. Good luck with your application !
 
  • #80
Hi I am Galvin, a Singaporean who is interested to apply to the IPSP and begin my studies in 2018.

I am concerned over the quality of education that the program offers. I do hope that 3 years of undergraduate studies can provide me a firm foundation and better prepare me for physics research.

May I seek out to those who are studying under this program/ have completed this to share their opinions and experiences with me?

Yours sincerely,
Galvin
 
  • #81
fares-masmoudi said:
Hello Alan, my documents arrived on July 14 too, so we're on the same boat.
According to uni-assist news, now it takes approximately 4 weeks until they forward your documents to the university, and another 1-2 week(s) for the final answer.
I guess, as long as you translated your documents at a sworn translator, you're fine. Good luck with your application !

Hi fares-masmoudi,

Thanks! My application has been forwarded to the University! Now I'm just waiting for the final answer.
Good luck for you guys too! Hopefully we will meet soon : )
 
  • #82
Alan Sammarone said:
Hi fares-masmoudi,

Thanks! My application has been forwarded to the University! Now I'm just waiting for the final answer.
Good luck for you guys too! Hopefully we will meet soon : )
Haha , same for me!
 
  • #83
I am a senior right now and I am going to graduate from high school in July 2017, so could I apply for the 2017 winter semester or it will be too late to submit the high school diploma?
 
  • #84
Antony Osama said:
I am a senior right now and I am going to graduate from high school in July 2017, so could I apply for the 2017 winter semester or it will be too late to submit the high school diploma?
No, it's not too late, I got mine July 12 (I am a little bit late but there's hope), you have to prepare your documents and send them as soon as possible. If you need a visa it is better to send your documents before July 15
 
  • #85
I got the letter of admission! : )
If anyone wants to get in touch, just let me know. I'll be arriving in Leipzig probably on September 27, but I'll be in Germany since the 24th.
 
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  • #86
Hello, I'm Alice and I want to apply to the next summer (I've studied physics for more than 1 year in an university) or winter semester. Can anybody who has already been accepted help me with the application procedures?
 
  • #87
Alice Lipski said:
Hello, I'm Alice and I want to apply to the next summer (I've studied physics for more than 1 year in an university) or winter semester. Can anybody who has already been accepted help me with the application procedures?
Hey Alice, at the bottom of this page you'll find some information about the application procedure for IPSP.
http://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants/bachelor-diploma-state-examination.html
You need to apply through uni-assist. Please try to apply as early as possible if you have a visa to apply for. Feel free to ask any questions! best of luck
 
  • #88
Hey guys, I want to apply in Summer 2017. I am currently doing the first year of college that is required to apply (for my country at least). My current courses are Physics 1, Calculus 1, French, Biology, Chemistry, and some ´´fill´´ class (that is what we call them here) called Verbal Analysis. I am wondering if they will accept those credits, plus the ones I will have the second semester.

Also I would like to know how much math and physics I will need prior to starting, as I think the level at this college is a bit low.

Thanks!
 
  • #89
Alan Sammarone said:
I got the letter of admission! : )
If anyone wants to get in touch, just let me know. I'll be arriving in Leipzig probably on September 27, but I'll be in Germany since the 24th.
Hi I am from the United States and i have a few questions
What are the documents needed to send to the University?
Do the documents need the apostle stamp?
Do i submit the photocopies to uniassist while sending the originals to Germany?
What document do I need to sign and then send? Do i have to send that document through uniassist or post?

Perhaps you could just explain the whole process and that would be easier. Thanks in advance!
 
  • #90
Raymond Christian said:
Hi I am from the United States and i have a few questions
What are the documents needed to send to the University?
Do the documents need the apostle stamp?
Do i submit the photocopies to uniassist while sending the originals to Germany?
What document do I need to sign and then send? Do i have to send that document through uniassist or post?

Perhaps you could just explain the whole process and that would be easier. Thanks in advance!

http://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants/bachelor-diploma-state-examination.html
 
  • #91
patricio ramos said:
http://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/international-study/international-applicants/bachelor-diploma-state-examination.html
thank you very much!

Would you happen to know what things i should study before preparing myself for the program?
 
  • #92
Raymond Christian said:
thank you very much!

Would you happen to know what things i should study before preparing myself for the program?
I spoke with the buddy during the summer and he told me I should be very comfortable with Calculus 1 (Integral and Differential), as well as Linear Algebra. Most Non Eu students must take one year of college before applying, so they get plenty of time to learn. I would get a good non-calculus physics books such as Giancoli, as well as one with Calculus once you are comfortable with it.
 
  • #93
patricio ramos said:
I spoke with the buddy during the summer and he told me I should be very comfortable with Calculus 1 (Integral and Differential), as well as Linear Algebra. Most Non Eu students must take one year of college before applying, so they get plenty of time to learn. I would get a good non-calculus physics books such as Giancoli, as well as one with Calculus once you are comfortable with it.
Thank you for the information it really helps. Today I was able to get the apostille stamp. Yet, all they did was staple my notarized diploma copy, notarized high school transcript copy, and a notarized affidavit that states both the transcripts and the diploma have been notarized and then they gave me one apostille stamp for everything. Is this acceptable to send to the university or will they reject it?
 
  • #94
Hey

I'm working on that myself, so I cannot give a definite answer. You should contact the university or maybe the German embassy. They might be able to help. This should prove useful:

https://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Studium/akademisches_auslandsamt/pdf/internl_checklist_ipsp.pdf

Please note that you need not submit your proof of English proficiency if you are a native of an English-speaking country.
 
  • #95
Hey guys, the University website no longer displays the program, so I don't know if it got canceled or what.
 
  • #96
Hi Patricio, I am currently enrolled in IPSP and the programme is still well and alive. They've just moved the page recently. If you do have questions though, feel free to PM me.
 
  • #97
Rohan Kulkarni said:
Hey Issac-Einstein, You seem a fellow Indian. There are many criterias and exams for pursuing Physics as a career option. You can Private message me if you want. I could help you straighting up your path :)
Hi Rohan , I would like to contact in you in private regarding the IPSP. I am also from INDIA. Need some help.
 
  • #98
What English equivalent books can I read for "Lineare Algebra" by Siegfried Bosch. This book is fully in German.

I just want to prepare for this course. :)
 
  • #99
Bro. I don't really know but, Axler's Linear Algebra Done Right is a masterpiece.
 
  • #100
I am applying this year for the winter sem, IPSP...
 

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