Are you curious about how the universe works, what its theoretical foundations are and how we can use experiments and data science to understand it better? Do you want to design new materials or apply quantum mechanics to living matter? The Physics and Data Science (PhDS) program at Constructor University combines the fascinating world of physics with the powerful tools of data science to help you explore and make sense of the world around.

Physics explores the fundamental principles that govern our universe - such as space, time, and matter and forms the foundation of modern technology, including smartphones, GPS, and quantum devices. By studying physics, students gain insights into systems ranging from the smallest particles to large-scale structures.

At the same time, data science provides the tools to analyze large and complex datasets, uncover patterns, and support scientific and technological innovation. Applications range from designing material properties - such as superconductors and organic molecules—to analyzing experimental data, for example from high-energy physics.

PhDS is a three-year Bachelor's program that provides a thorough high level physics education, including the required foundations in mathematics and data science. Students begin with foundational courses and progress to topics such as quantum mechanics, computational modeling, and machine learning. The program is continuously updated to reflect current developments in science and technology.

The undergraduate program at Constructor University is a three-year, 180-credit-point program designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths.

The “4C Model” is the program's backbone, with disciplinary content grouped into three themes according to study years: CHOICE-CORE-CAREER. Additionally, the “CONSTRUCTOR Track”, an integral part of the program, runs parallel throughout the program. It provides students with multidisciplinary content and essential skills such as argumentation, data visualization, societal engagement, and communication.

The curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their goals and to explore different fields of study, with the flexibility to change their major within the first year. Moreover, the programs include a mandatory internship and a study-abroad opportunity in the fifth semester to provide students with hands-on experience and a global perspective.

Year 1

The first study year is characterized by a university-specific offering of disciplinary education that builds on and expands upon the students’ entrance qualifications. Students select introductory modules for a total of 45 CP from the CHOICE area of a variety of study programs, of which 15-45 CP will belong to their intended major.

To pursue an PHDS major, the following CHOICE modules (30 CP) need to be taken as mandatory modules during the first year of study:

• CHOICE Module: Classical Physics (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Scientific Programming with Python (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Modern Physics (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Mathematical Modeling (m, 7.5 CP)

The remaining CHOICE module (15 CP) can be selected according to interest and/or with the aim of allowing a change of major.

Year 2

In their second year, students take a total of 45 CP from a selection of in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. Building on the introductory CHOICE modules and applying the methods students have already acquired so far, these modules aim to expand the students’ critical understanding of the key theories, principles, and methods in their major for the current state of knowledge and best practice.

To pursue Physics and Data Science, the following 45 CP mandatory CORE modules need to be acquired:

• CORE Module: Analytical Mechanics (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Electrodynamics & Relativity (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Quantum Mechanics (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Statistical Physics (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Advanced Physics Lab I (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Advanced Physics Lab II (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Computational Modeling (m, 5 CP)

As well as 10 CP out of following mandatory elective CORE modules need to be acquired:

• CORE Module: Scientific Data Analysis (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Machine Learning (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Physical Chemistry (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Advanced Organic Chemistry (me, 5 CP)

The Physics and Data Science CORE modules contain an advanced discussion of the major fields of physics and data science, as indicated by their titles.

Year 3

In the third year of studies, students take 15 CP from major-specific or major-related, advanced Specialization Modules to consolidate their knowledge and to be exposed to state-of-the-art research in the areas of their interest. This curricular component is offered as a portfolio of modules, from which students can make selections during their fifth and sixth semester. The default Specialization Module size is 5 CP, with smaller 2.5 CP modules being possible.

To pursue Physics and Data Science as a major, 10 CP of the following major-specific PHYSICS Specialization Modules need to be taken.

• PHYSICS Specialization: Condensed Matter Physics (me, 5 CP)
• PHYSICS Specialization: Particles, Fields and Quanta (me, 5 CP)
• PHYSICS Specialization: Biophysics (me, 2.5 CP)*
• PHYSICS Specialization: Atoms and Molecules (me, 2.5 CP)*
• PHYSICS Specialization: Nanotechnology (me, 2.5 CP)*
• PHYSICS Specialization: Advanced Optics (me, 2.5 CP)*

and 5 CP of the following major-specific DATA SCIENCE Specializations Modules need to be taken:

• DATA SCIENCE Specialization: Deep Learning (me, 5 CP)
• DATA SCIENCE Specialization: Stochastic Modeling and Financial Mathematics (me, 5 CP)

A maximum of 5 CP can be taken from major-related modules instead of major-specific Specialization Modules:

• MCSSE: Quantum Informatics (me, 5 CP)
• MMDA Specialization: Foundations of Mathematical Physics (me, 5 CP)
• MMDA Specialization: Topology and Differential Geometry (me, 5 CP)
• ECE CORE: Electronics (me, 5 CP)
• ECE CORE: Information Theory (me, 5 CP)
• CBT CORE: Physical Chemistry (me, 5 CP)**
• RIS CORE: Machine Learning (me, 5 CP)**

(**: only eligible if not already taken as 2nd year mandatory elective CORE course)

Further specialization modules can be voluntarily taken on top of the 180 CP required for graduation (these will not be graduation-relevant). Please consult a Physics and Data Science SPC for further options.

As a core element of Constructor University’s employability approach students are required to engage in a mandatory two-month internship of 15 CP that will usually be completed during the summer between the second and third year of study. This gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand practical experience in a professional environment, apply their knowledge and understanding to a professional context, reflect on the relevance of their major in employment and society, reflect on their own role in employment and society, and find professional orientation. As an alternative to the full-time internship, students interested in setting up their own company can apply for a start-up option to focus on the development of their business plan.

The CONSTRUCTOR Track is another important feature of Constructor University’s educational model. The Constructor Track runs orthogonal to the disciplinary CHOICE, CORE, and CAREER modules across all study years and is an integral part of all undergraduate study programs. It provides an intellectual tool kit for lifelong learning and encourages the use of diverse methodologies to approach cross-disciplinary problems. The CONSTRUCTOR track comprises 45 CP in total and contains Methods, New Skills and German Language and Humanities modules.

Methods

Methods such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation skills, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills are offered to all students as part of the Methods area in their curriculum. The modules that are specifically assigned to each study program equip students with transferable academic skills. They convey and practice specific methods that are indispensable for each students’ chosen study program. Students are required to take a minimum of 20 CP in the Methods area. The size of all Methods modules is 5 CP.

To pursue PHDS as a major, the following Methods modules (20 CP) must be taken as mandatory modules:

• Methods Module: Matrix Algebra and Advanced Calculus I (m, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Matrix Algebra and Advanced Calculus II (m, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Probability and Random Processes (m, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Statistics and Data Analytics (m, 5 CP)

PHDS students may choose one additional Methods module from the following modules replacing 5 CP in the CT New Skills area:

• Introduction to Bioinformatics (me, 5 CP)
• Analytical Methods (me, 5 CP)
• Finite Mathematics (me, 5 CP)
• Numerical Methods (me, 5 CP)

New Skills Modules

This part of the curriculum constitutes an intellectual and conceptual tool kit that cultivates the capacity for a particular set of intellectual dispositions including curiosity, imagination, critical thought, and transferability. It nurtures a range of individual and societal capacities, such as self-reflection, argumentation and communication. Finally, it introduces students to the normative aspects of inquiry and research, including the norms governing sourcing, sharing, withholding materials and research results as well as others governing the responsibilities of expertise as well as the professional point of view.

All students are required to take 20 CP of New Skills modules in their second and third year of studies. Of the 20 CP required for New Skills modules, students may replace 5 CP with an additional Methods/Skills module.

Students choose New Skills Modules from the following portfolio:

• New Skills Module: Logic* (me, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Causation and Correlation* (me, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Argumentation, Data Visualization and Communication* (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Models, Matrices and Theories of Complex Systems (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Complex Problem Solving (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Agency, Leadership and Accountability (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Community Impact Project (me, 5 CP).

German Language and Humanities Modules

Students are required to take 5 CP of German language or Humanities modules. German language abilities foster students’ intercultural awareness and enhances their employability in their host country. They are also beneficial for securing mandatory internships (between the 2nd and 3rd year) in German companies and academic institutions. Constructor University supports its students in acquiring basic as well as advanced German skills in the first year of the CONSTRUCTOR Track. Non-native speakers of German are encouraged to take 2 German modules (2.5 CP each) but are not obliged to do so. Native speakers and other students who are not taking advantage of this offer take alternative modules in Humanities in each of the first two semesters.

Graduates of the Physics and Data Science (PhDS) program combine a strong foundation in physics with practical skills in data analysis, computational modeling, and machine learning. This combination enables them to approach complex problems from both a scientific and data-driven perspective.

The program prepares students for a wide range of career paths in research and industry. Typical areas include fundamental research, quantum technology, advanced materials, nanotechnology, data science, and scientific computing. Graduates are well equipped to work with complex datasets, develop models, and contribute to innovation in both academic and industrial environments.

The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies at the MSc or PhD level in physics, quantum science, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Our graduates go onto prestigious graduate programs at places like Cambridge, Oxford, ETH Zurich, Berkely, Harvard, etc. 

All applicants must show an adequate command of the English language to enroll at Constructor University. An applicant’s English language ability (non-native speakers) may be demonstrated through language proficiency test scores.

You will qualify for an English proficiency waiver if you:

are a native English speaker OR

have been instructed exclusively in English for a minimum of 6 years OR

have scored 600 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section OR

have scored 9 or higher on the ACT Writing section

English Language proficiency tests accepted by Constructor University and the minimum scores/grades:

• TOEFL (Paper-based): Minimum Score: 575

• TOEFL (Internet-based): Minimum Score: 90

• MELAB (Michigan Test): Minimum Score: 80

• IELTS (British Council): Minimum Score: 6.5

• GCSE (British General Certificate of Secondary Education): Minimum Score: A or B

• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Minimum Score: A, B, C and C1 pass

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Minimum Score: A, B, C

• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE – extended): Minimum Score: A

• International Baccalaureate English A Lit / Lang & Lit: Minimum Score: 6, 7

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: Minimum Score: 600

• ACT Writing: Minimum Score: 9

• Duolingo English Test: Minimum Score: 110

• Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum Score: 58

Physics plays an important role within the broader Constructor ecosystem. The Strategic Advisory Boards of Constructor Group include distinguished physicists, highlighting the importance of physics within the university’s academic and research focus.

Among them is Prof. Sir Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Laureate in Physics and President of Constructor University, whose work on graphene was recognised with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.

Students benefit from this environment through exposure to current research areas such as quantum physics, advanced materials, photonics, nanotechnology, and data-driven scientific approaches.

Key members of the Constructor ecosystem:

• Konstantin Novoselov (President of Constructor University)
• Alexandra Boltasseva (Purdue University)
• Andrea Ferrari (University of Cambridge)
• Artur Ekert (University of Oxford)
• Nicolas Gisin (University of Geneva)

The Physics and Data Science program is closely connected to the School of Science and its research groups.