M.Sc. Battery Science and Technology – Course Catalog

This page provides a collapsible, detailed overview of the M.Sc. Battery Science and Technology modules. Modules are grouped into: Compulsory Modules, Seminar (Compulsory Modules), Research Lab Testing (Compulsory), Research Labs (Elective Modules), Elective Modules, and Master Thesis. Click on each category and module to view details.

Compulsory Modules
Fundamentals of Chemistry and Engineering for Batteries (FCE)
ModuleFundamentals of Chemistry and Engineering for Batteries
Module IDFCE
Module levelMaster
SubtitleFCE
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LecturerDr. rer. nat. Felix Weber, Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Markert, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeWritten Examination (Klausur, 100%, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamental theories of reactions and properties of atoms and molecules relevant for batteries.
  • Translate this knowledge to similar reactions.
  • Discuss material structures on the atomic and microlevel and phase diagrams.
  • Understand electrical circuits (AC and DC) including voltage, current, resistance, power, and energy.
  • Apply Kirchhoff’s Law and explain transient processes.

Content

  • Chemistry: Atomic structure, periodic table, bonding types, galvanic cells, organic chemistry basics, thermodynamics.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Forces, moments, pressure, tension, ductility, elastic and plastic deformation, phase diagrams.
  • Electrical Engineering: Circuit basics, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s rules, components, measurement methods.
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Data Processing for Batteries (FTD)
ModuleFundamentals of Thermodynamics and Data Processing for Batteries
Module IDFTD
Module levelMaster
SubtitleFTD
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heinz Pitsch, Dr.-Ing. Weihan Li, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeWritten Examination (Klausur, 100%, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand the concepts of enthalpy, entropy, and orders of chemical reactions.
  • Explain chemical and phase equilibria.
  • Apply the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics and evaluate heat transfer processes.
  • Discuss probability distributions and basic control/data structures.
  • Identify key components of embedded systems and data transmission protocols.

Content

  • Thermodynamics: Laws, heat transfer (convection, conduction, radiation), gas properties, chemical kinetics.
  • Mathematics: Differential equations, Fourier and Laplace transforms, probability, regression analysis.
  • Information Technology: Programming basics, algorithms, embedded systems, ADCs/DACs, signal processing.
Fundamentals of Lithium-Ion-Batteries and Battery Systems (FLIBS)
ModuleFundamentals of Lithium-Ion-Batteries and Battery Systems
Module IDFLIBS
Module levelMaster
SubtitleFLIBS
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeWritten Examination (Klausur, 100%, graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Elaborate fundamentals of electrochemistry and various cell chemistries.
  • Interpret different state variables and distinguish battery components.
  • Conceptualize battery testing and system design; understand battery aging processes and safety features.

Content

  • Topic 1: Electrochemical laws, energy storage mechanisms, and state variables.
  • Topic 2: Lithium-ion battery classification, design, emerging technologies, and safety.
Energy Storage Systems - Future Technologies and Innovations (ESS-FTI)
ModuleEnergy Storage Systems - Future Technologies and Innovations
Module IDESS-FTI
Module levelMaster
SubtitleESS-FTI
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Egbert Figgemeier
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Pischinger, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Egbert Figgemeier
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeWritten Examination (Klausur, 100%, graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Assess hydrogen technologies and alternative battery innovations.
  • Develop strategies for disruptive battery developments.

Content

  • Topic 1: Hydrogen production, fuel cells, and alternative chemistries.
  • Topic 2: Disruptive technologies, battery aging, and product/innovation cycles.
Fundamentals of Battery System Design (FBSD)
ModuleFundamentals of Battery System Design
Module IDFBSD
Module levelMaster
SubtitleFBSD
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeDr. Damian Backes
LecturerDr. Wilstermann, Dr. Damian Backes
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeWritten Examination (Klausur, 100%, graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand industrial development processes for battery systems.
  • Analyze product conception, production steps, and factory planning.
  • Assess quality management and thermal management in battery production.

Content

  • Topic 1: Product development process, requirements, and factory planning.
  • Topic 2: Battery system design and thermal management (cooling concepts, temperature distribution).
Seminar (Compulsory Modules)
Technical, (socio)economic and political analysis of energy storage components and a sector-coupled energy system (STEPES)
ModuleTechnical, (socio)economic and political analysis of energy storage components and a sector-coupled energy system
Module IDSTEPES
Module levelMaster
SubtitleSTEPES
Semester allocation2 and 3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formSeminar (student-led presentations, discussions)
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h seminar, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Analyze technical, social, and economic impacts of energy storage and power generation.
  • Discuss future energy system challenges and socio-technical acceptance.

Content

  • Examination of key technologies with integrated non-technical aspects; student presentations combining technical analysis and systemic discussion.
Research Lab Testing
Battery Testing – Design of Experiment, Check-ups, Data Analysis and Model Parameterisation (RLT)
ModuleBattery Testing – Design of Experiment, Check-ups, Data Analysis and Model Parameterisation
Module IDRLT1
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLT1
Semester allocation2 and 3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
Lecturer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Teaching formHands-on laboratory experiments
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 150 h (Lab 120 h, Self-study 30 h)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand fundamentals of control theory in battery test design.
  • Develop experiments and test protocols for battery characterization.
  • Analyze testing results to drive design improvements.

Content

  • Introduction to measurement techniques, cell selection/characterization, test program development, and final data analysis.
Research Labs (Elective Modules)
Chemical and Physical Cell and Material Analysis (RLCMA)
ModuleChemical and Physical Cell and Material Analysis
Module IDRLCMA
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLCMA
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeProf. Dr. rer. nat. Mayer
LecturerDr. rer. nat. Finsterbusch, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Mayer, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h; min. 14 weeks)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Apply chemical and physical methods to evaluate battery cells and materials.
  • Plan, conduct, and document independent laboratory experiments.

Content

  • Familiarization with lab equipment, measurement protocols, and data evaluation methods.
Diagnostics (RLD)
ModuleDiagnostics
Module IDRLD
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLD
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck
LecturerDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Develop experiments and test protocols for battery diagnostics.
  • Analyze testing results and evaluate diagnostic algorithms.
  • Ensure safe handling during battery testing.

Content

  • Overview of diagnostic techniques, BMS hardware evaluation, and sensor data analysis.
Modelling (RLM)
ModuleModelling
Module IDRLM
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLM
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeDr.-Ing. Weihan Li
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer, Dr.-Ing. Weihan Li
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand fundamentals of battery models and techniques for parameter fitting.
  • Apply advanced AI/ML methods for battery state estimation and diagnostics.

Content

  • Battery modelling from micro to system level and integration of AI/ML for diagnostics.
Recycling and Life Cycle Analysis (RLRLCA)
ModuleRecycling and Life Cycle Analysis
Module IDRLRLCA
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLRLCA
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Friedrich
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer, Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Friedrich
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand recycling challenges and opportunities for battery systems.
  • Apply life cycle analysis and assess sustainability in battery recycling.

Content

  • Topic 1: Battery recycling, mining, circular economy, LCA, and second-life challenges.
  • Topic 2: Charging infrastructure planning, standards, and economic considerations.
Production (RLP)
ModuleProduction
Module IDRLP
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLP
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kampker
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kampker, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Heimes, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand production steps and quality assurance in battery manufacturing.
  • Analyze supply chain, logistics, and factory planning challenges.

Content

  • Examine production processes, energy requirements, factory layouts, and quality testing methods.
Battery Pack Design and Battery Management System (HW) (RLBPDMS)
ModuleBattery Pack Design and Battery Management System (HW)
Module IDRLBPDMS
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLBPDMS
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Pischinger
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Pischinger, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand the battery system design process (mechanical, electrical, thermal) and sensor integration for BMS.
  • Analyze different BMS topologies.

Content

  • Plan, construct, and verify battery module/pack design with integrated management systems.
  • Utilize software for battery modelling and diagnostics.
Sensors, Measurement Devices and Electronics (RLSMDE)
ModuleSensors, Measurement Devices and Electronics
Module IDRLSMDE
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLSMDE
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck
LecturerDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand fundamentals of sensor techniques and compare innovative methods (e.g. ultrasound, CT, EIS).
  • Analyze measurement and imaging data from battery systems.

Content

  • Electrical measurements, sensor technology, and physical/chemical analyses of battery cells.
Laboratory/Field Installation or Operation of Mobile or Stationary Battery Systems (RLLFIO)
ModuleLaboratory/Field Installation or Operation of Mobile or Stationary Battery Systems
Module IDRLLFIO
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRLLFIO
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Pischinger
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Pischinger, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formResearch Lab
Examination modePresentation & Colloquium (15 min each, not graded)
WorkloadTotal 300 h (Lab 290 h, Self-study 10 h)
ECTS-Credit Points10

Learning objectives

  • Understand installation/operation procedures for battery systems in lab and field.
  • Analyze and interpret field test data from mobile or stationary applications.

Content

  • Overview of installation, maintenance, and operation techniques along with data acquisition and analysis.
Elective Modules
Physical and Chemical Methods for Post-Mortem Investigations of Batteries (PCM-PMI)
ModulePhysical and Chemical Methods for Post-Mortem Investigations of Batteries
Module IDPCM-PMI
Module levelMaster
SubtitlePCM-PMI
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeProf. Dr. rer. nat. Mayer
LecturerDr. rer. nat. Finsterbusch, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Mayer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Classify imaging and analysis technologies for battery characterization.
  • Select appropriate methods for post-mortem investigations.
  • Learn advanced electrochemical methods and correlative analysis techniques (SEM, TEM, Raman, IBA).

Content

  • Overview of electrochemical methods, electron- and photon-based techniques, and multi-analytic approaches.
Battery Modelling and Machine Learning (BaMa)
ModuleBattery Modelling and Machine Learning
Module IDBaMa
Module levelMaster
SubtitleBaMa
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer, Dr.-Ing. Weihan Li
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentElective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Develop electrical and thermal models for batteries.
  • Generate measurement data for parameterization.
  • Apply AI/ML techniques for battery state estimation and lifetime prediction.

Content

  • Battery modelling from micro to system level and integration of AI/ML for diagnostics.
Advanced Battery Diagnostics and Mobile Applications (ABDMA)
ModuleAdvanced Battery Diagnostics and Mobile Applications
Module IDABDMA
Module levelMaster
SubtitleABDMA
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck
LecturerDr.-Ing. Florian Ringbeck
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand battery state variables and advanced BMS diagnostic methods.
  • Analyze charging system requirements and life cycle aspects of mobile battery systems.

Content

  • Fundamentals of diagnostics, sensor integration, and analysis of mobile applications.
Advanced Battery Production Technology (ABPT)
ModuleAdvanced Battery Production Technology
Module IDABPT
Module levelMaster
SubtitleABPT
Semester allocation1
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kampker
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kampker, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Heimes
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Analyze battery production processes and supply chain challenges.
  • Assess safety, quality, and new production methods in lithium-ion battery production.

Content

  • Topic 1: Battery cell production, quality assurance, sustainability, new production techniques.
  • Topic 2: Logistics, factory planning, transportation regulations.
Recycling, Circular Economy and Charging Infrastructure (RCEC)
ModuleRecycling, Circular Economy and Charging Infrastructure
Module IDRCEC
Module levelMaster
SubtitleRCEC
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Friedrich
LecturerUniv.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Friedrich, Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Uwe Sauer
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Examine material dependencies, recycling processes, and second-life applications.
  • Develop business models for charging infrastructure.

Content

  • Topic 1: Battery recycling, mining, circular economy, LCA, and second-life challenges.
  • Topic 2: Charging infrastructure planning, standards, and economic considerations.
Hardware of Battery Packs & Stationary Applications (HPSA)
ModuleHardware of Battery Packs & Stationary Applications
Module IDHPSA
Module levelMaster
SubtitleHPSA
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeTBD
LecturerTBD
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand and evaluate battery ageing processes, including chemical reactions, ageing modes, electrolyte interfaces, and safety implications.
  • Apply molecular dynamics modeling and assess the impact of operating/storage conditions and charge loss origins on battery performance.

Content

  • Topic 1: Stationary battery systems are used in various grid applications and require cost-effective, optimized design considering life cycle costs, market regulation, and alternatives. Key aspects include multi-use strategies, energy management, and sustainability through recycling and circular economy.
  • Topic 2: Battery pack design involves mechanical structure, safety, communication interfaces, and thermal management. A Battery Management System (BMS) ensures safe operation through monitoring, balancing, and integration into vehicles, aligned with legal and technical standards.
Understanding Battery Degradation (UBD)
ModuleUnderstanding Battery Degradation
Module IDUBD
Module levelMaster
SubtitleUBD
Semester allocation2
Person in chargeTBD
LecturerTBD
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand the mechanisms and factors influencing battery degradation.
  • Evaluate methods for assessing battery aging and performance loss.

Content

  • Discussion on chemical, mechanical, and thermal degradation processes and diagnostic methods for battery health monitoring.
Fundamentals of Design and Performance of Active and Passive Materials for Advanced Batteries (FDAP)
ModuleFundamentals of Design and Performance of Active and Passive Materials for Advanced Batteries
Module IDFDAP
Module levelMaster
SubtitleFDAP
Semester allocation3
Person in chargeTBD
LecturerTBD
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Elective Module
Teaching formExamination, Lecture, Exercise
Examination modeOption A: Written assessment & exam / Option B: Oral assessment & exam
WorkloadTotal 150 h (34 h lecture, 116 h self-study)
ECTS-Credit Points5

Learning objectives

  • Understand design principles and performance criteria for advanced battery materials.
  • Analyze the impact of active and passive material properties on battery performance.

Content

  • Overview of material selection, design considerations, and performance evaluation in advanced battery technologies.
Master Thesis
Master Thesis (MT)
ModuleMaster Thesis
Module IDMT
Module levelMaster
SubtitleMaTh
LanguageEnglish
AssignmentCompulsory Module
Recommended requirementsNone
Participation requirementsTypically 75 CP required before starting
Examination modeMaster Thesis (100% graded) + Colloquium (not graded)
Workload30 ECTS, approx. 600+ hours

Learning objectives

  • Independently propose and conduct academic research in battery science and technology.
  • Demonstrate advanced scientific research and presentation skills.

Content

  • Completion of a thesis document including research, documentation, and an oral defense.
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