At a Glance Contact

Target Group Main Features The University Head of programme The course targets on all • All classes taught in English Aalen University is one of the persons interested in • Thesis can be written in leading research institutions Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Kaiser engineering with polymers English or German among the Universities of Phone +49 (0) 7361 576-2194 and polymer science. • Intensive studies due to Applied Sciences in Baden- [email protected] comparatively small class Württemberg. One of the key Number of Semesters size missions of Aalen University is Assistant and Degree • Non-EU students: studying to deliver a superior education • 2 semesters of lectures and fees 1.500 EUR per semes- to our 5,800 students by laboratories ter; there are several exep- combining the developments • 1 semester for the master tions, please consider the in industry with the latest thesis checklist research findings. • International Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Application deadline/ Moreover Polymer Technology Start of lectures The institution builds on Shalem Raj Indrupati Winter semester: this tradition by expanding Phone +49 7361 576-2169 Admission Requirements July 15th (start of lectures in its research capabilities and [email protected] • First Academic Degree October) intensifying its relationship (B.Eng., B.Sc.) in Mechanical Summer semester: with companies. We offer an Secretary Engineering, Polymer Tech- November 15th (start of attractive, modern environ- nology, Polymer Chemistry lectures in March) ment to students. Therefore Susanne Discher Phone +49 (0) 7361 576-2523 or similar courses Aalen University is the first [email protected] • Language skills: How to apply choice to those who search an German + English (B2) or Online application or postal industry-oriented education English + German (A2) submission to: with international focusing. Student Advisory Service

Gaby Keil Zulassungsamt / Admission Phone +49 (0) 7361 576-2701 Office [email protected] Hochschule Aalen Polymer Technology Beethovenstraße 1 Master of Science (M.Sc.) 73430 Aalen Germany

 +49 (0) 7361 576-1299  [email protected]  www.hs-aalen.de/bewerbung www.hs-aalen.de/ptc 1904-V05 Polymer Technology Programme Content Course Process

Students of Polymer Technology can gain a high level of engineer- The scientific educational programme includes Polymer Materials, Educational Format and Didactical Concept ing knowledge through Aalen University. The goal of the Polymer Polymer Physics, Polymer Testing, Polymer Design and Polymer The master programme comprises three semesters. Technology master programme is to provide a well-balanced Processing, Mold Design and CAD/CAM/Simulations lectures and Two semesters studies target on the polymer technology combination of theory and practical laboratory training in the training in laboratories. related subjects, providing the students thorough knowledge polymer science and technology field. of polymers, their physical properties and applications, Since 1969, the Polymer Technology Department of Aalen Univer- polymer testing, how to design polymer products and molds, sity has been educating students in Polymer Technology and has on polymer processing and related techniques as well as on shared its scientific expertise in books and publications. simulation. One semester is required for the elaboration of the master Studying Polymer Technology promises you personally a great thesis. The thesis can be written either at Aalen University, at career success. By joining an academic institution in Germany, one of the international academic partners institutions or in you access one of the leading countries for that technology in the cooperation with industry. world. So go ahead! Expertise Our academics and research activities intend the students to achieve expertise in the application of scientific and engineering principles to develop novel material concepts, new polymeric products, production technologies and troubleshooting capabili- ties related to the use, processing and recycling of polymers.

After your Degree The Polymer Technology industry is worldwide vastly growing. Study Course Structure Polymers represent the most significant material class for light weight and high-tech applications, as e.g. in WS/ Master Thesis • Aerospace SS • Automobile Industry • Consumer goods SS Multi Materials Polymer Thermal Advanced Process Intercultural Elective Module Manufacturing* Analysis* Simulation* Communication (two of ten) • Medical Application

Advanced Advanced Semester Polymer Polymer Polymer Physics Polymer Design Polymer Processing - Polymer Processing - WS Materials Testing* and Rheology and Mould Design It strives for advanced and sophisticated products engineered Extrusion* Injection Moulding* for the demands of the modern world. Consequently, polymer Mandatory Module Elective Module *Modules include laboratory technology expertise is highly demanded. As a graduate with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Polymer Technology of Aalen University, you will represent an expert in polymer engineering, well prepared to become a demanded member of staff in the industry or a scientific researcher (PhD). Polymer Technology Master of Science (M.Sc.) Information Booklet for Prospective Students Aalen University

Contents Introduction

Dear readers, Introduction ...... 3 this booklet shall be an information for both The polymer technology industry strives for Studying in Germany ...... 4 prospective students interested in Polymer advanced and sophisticated products enginee- red for modern world demands and benefits. Studying in Aalen ...... 5 Technology and first-year students. Consequently, polymer technology expertise is The Master Programme ...... 6 The comprehensive information provided is highly asked for. Introduction of Professors...... 8 considered to advertise and recommend the polymer technology field to be both a very Studying Polymer Technology promises you Curriculum ...... 10 attractive subject for studying and promising personally a great success. By joining an aca- best chances to the graduates for their future demic institution in Germany you access one of Description of the Courses ...... 11 career, whether employed at industry or stay- the leading countries for that technology in the Facilities & Laboratories ...... 14 ing as a researcher. It might help Bachelor world. So go ahead! graduates to decide positive for a career in the International Relations ...... 15 polymer technology field and how to get en- I am looking forward to meeting you at Aalen Experiences of Former Students ...... 16 rolled as a polymer technology master student University. Have a good start and all the best at Aalen University (Germany). for your studies. Admission ...... 18 Yours sincerely, Programme Schedule ...... 19 The polymer technology industry is growing fast worldwide. Since polymers represent Achim Frick Financial Aspects ...... 20 the most significant material class for light Visa Regulations & Insurances ...... 21 weight and high-tech applications, like in

Student Services & Associations ...... 22 • Aerospace • Automobile Industry • Consumer goods • Medical Application • Packaging • Safety Prof. Dr.-Ing. Achim Frick Head of programme • Sports Polymer Technology

2 3 Aalen University

Studying in Germany Studying in Aalen

The advantages for foreign students are A German university degree is recognized Aalen is an attractive town with 65,000 in- It incorporates about 5,700 students with a obvious: German engineering education is worldwide and shows to the employer that habitants located in Southern Germany, ea- share of about 15% international students. among the best in the world - its industry a respectable basic education and further sily reachable by train, located 80 km east Beside the student’s education, Aalen Uni- is strong, successful and offers fine oppor- technological knowledge was imparted. of Stuttgart, 200 km north-west of Munich versity has an excellent research capacity tunities to highly qualified international gra- Practice in the study plays a major role in and 250 km south-east of Frankfurt. The and is the strongest University of Applied duates. Also German industrial companies Germany. Thus in many courses a labora- town is situated in a wide valley surround- Sciences in research in the Federal State rank in the world’s top position. tory is offered. Germany and its system of ed by green forests. One of its hillsides even of Baden-Württemberg. Several technology higher education strives for excellence by boasts a ski slope during the winter time. transfer centers located at Aalen University providing equal chances to all qualified gra- Further attractions are a well-known hot- are in a close collaboration with many in- duates. spring spa, the World Heritage Site Limes dustrial partners. and a Mining Museum situated in a former GERMANY Aalen University is divided in two campuses: DEUTSCHLAND Aalen University and the Federal State of iron ore mine exploited for many centuries. Baden-Württemberg welcome students Also there is the local football club VfR Aa- The main building is at the Beethovenst- from abroad in order to intensify intercul- len playing in the second best league Zweite rasse, where amongst others the faculty of tural communication as well as commercial Bundesliga. Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and cultural relationships with their home and the department of Polymer Technolo- Local industries have made the Ostalb - the gy are located. The other campus Burren is Hamburg countries. The studying language in the programme region of Aalen - an economically pros- only a 5 minutes walk from the main buil- of Polymer Technology is English - German perous one with a very low unemployment ding, where there is the library. Aalen is a Hannover Berlin plays a role in the daily life communication. rate. perfect place for studying: it offers excellent education and leisure in nature landscape, as well. Leipzig Aalen University was founded by the Fede- Köln ral State of Baden-Württemberg in 1962 as Aalen University has currently more than Frankfurt/Main a School of Engineering. Nowadays Aalen 50 bilateral agreements with universities all University represents a modern educational around the world with which it exchanges students and academic staff. With its nati- radius 1 hour Nürnberg institution which comprises five faculties: • Mechanical Engineering & Material Science onal and international partners, Aalen Uni- Aalen Stuttgart • Chemistry versity carries on continuous cooperative Ulm • Optics & Mechatronics research and development projects. München • Electronics & Computer Science • Management & Business Sciences

4 5 Aalen University

The Master Programme Main Features of the Programme Structure Overview

The polymer technology industry is growing to provide a well-balanced combination of The Polymer Technology programme, its The master programme is designated to fast worldwide. Since polymers represent polymer science and technology, theory and instruction and examinations are given in last three semesters. the most significant material class for so- practical laboratory training. Since 1969, the English. The course has no tuition fees. The phisticated products development and light Polymer Technology Department of Aalen programme takes in total three semesters, Two semesters provide concentrated stu- weight applications. Polymers are a unique University has been educating students in out of which two semesters are lecture and dies of the polymer technology including class of materials offering a wide range of Polymer Technology and has shared its sci- laboratory work and one semester is dedi- thorough knowledge of properties from rigid strong to rubberlike entific expertise in books and publications. cated for the master thesis. Aalen Univer- • polymers, their physical properties and soft. With its outstanding benefits and fu- sity offers a learning environment in small applications, ture developments - which target multi The department’s activities range from lec- course groups. The programme starts twice • polymer product and mould design, functionality, safety and sustainable energy tures, seminars, intensive laboratory trai- a year beginning in March and October. • part simulation, polymer product qualifi- saving light weight constructions - polymers ning to research. The faculty members are cation and evaluation guarantee a modern world. recognized not only in Germany but world- Applications for this highly qualified course • processing behavior and the various wide for their role in polymer technology, programme will be considered from stu- processing techniques. Consequently, advanced education in the research and education. They are also ack- dents holding the relevant Bachelor certi- fields of polymer engineering and polymer nowledged for their immense services to ficate (or equivalent). Students with study One semester is required for the elabora- processing must be intensified in order to the polymer industries. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Pro- tion of the master thesis. The thesis can be satisfy the demands of industry and poly- duction Engineering, Industrial Engineering, written either at Aalen University, at one of mer technologist. The aim of our academics and research is Mechatronics, Materials Science, Chemistry the international academic partners insti- the practical application of scientific and en- or Polymer Technology are very welcome. tutions or in cooperation with the industry. Aalen University provides exceptional edu- gineering principles to develop novel mate- It can be submitted either in English or in cational opportunities and understanding. rial concepts, new polymeric products, pro- Students who successfully graduate receive German. Students of Polymer Technology can gain duction technologies and troubleshooting their Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Po- that high level of engineering knowledge capabilities related to the use, processing lymer Technology. Graduates of the M.Sc. programme in Poly- through Aalen University. The goal of the and recycling of polymers. Research opportunities for the master the- mer Technology may directly pursue a PhD Polymer Technology master programme is sis include Polymer Testing, Polymer Design, study or join the industry. Processing, Rheology, Compounding, Mould Design, CAD/CAM/ Simulations or Product Development.

6 7 Aalen University

Introduction of Professors Introduction of Professors

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Achim Frick Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Hans Leyrer Head of Programme [email protected] [email protected] office: 270 main building office: 182 main building phone: +49-7361/576-2388 phone: +49-7361/576-2171 Expertise and field of R&D: Expertise and field of R&D: • Injection Moulding • Polymer Materials and Rubber • Moulding Process Development • Polymer Engineering, Light Weight Design • Polymer Materials and Processing • Polymer Testing, Thermal Analysis • Structure Properties Relationship of Polymers Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolf-Dieter Ruf • Micro Processing Techniques [email protected] • Multi Component Injection Moulding office: 113 main building • Polymer Tribology phone: +49-7361/576-2147

Expertise and field of R&D: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Kaiser • Engineering Mechanics [email protected] • Control Engineering office: 623 main building • CAQ phone: +49-7361/576-2194 Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Tobias Walcher Expertise and field of R&D: [email protected] • Polymer Rheology office: 139c main building • Mould Design phone: +49-7361/576-2260 • Filling Simulation • CAD / CAE Expertise and field of R&D: • Material Science • Polymer Physics • Polymer Extrusion • Multi Layer Film Extrusion • Film Materials Development

8 9 Curriculum Description of the Courses Aalen University

On the following pages all modules and Explanation: courses will be described shortly to give a SWS Semesterwochenstunden - weekly hours per little insight in the course and its contents. semester (2 SWS = 90 min lecture) CP Credit Point (total course: 90 CP)

Master of Science in Polymer Technology Semester 1

Polymer Materials 4 SWS - 5 CP Introduction to polymer materials, its synthesis, material built-up, viscoelasticity, Third additives, filler and reinforcement. Master Thesis Semester Polymer Testing 2+2 SWS - 5 CP The module comprises lecture and laboratory. • Multi Materials and Manufacturing* The basic concepts of testing is tought in the area of Mechanical / Thermal / Chemical • Polymer Thermal Analysis* and Physical / Optical and Processing Testing. • Advanced Process Simulation* • Intercultural Communication Advanced Polymer Processing - Extrusion 2+2 SWS - 5 CP Students get to know the polymer processing method of extrusion, both in theory Elective Modules (two of ten) • Advanced Mould Design* and by laboratory work. Summer • Modelling and Control Semester • Scientific Project* Polymer Physics and Rheology 2+2 SWS - 5 CP • Polymers in Application The goal is to understand the basic concepts of polymer material science and of polymer • Composites physics. Also, the engineering scientific basics of highly-viscous liquids such as molten • Strukturmechanik • Robotik polymers are given. • Produktentwicklung* • Physikalische Modellbildung* Advanced Polymer Processing - Injection Moulding 2+2 SWS - 5 CP • Strukturberechnung Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of injection moulding.

• Polymer Materials Polymer Design and Mould Design 2+2 SWS - 5 CP • Polymer Testing* Winter • Advanced Polymer Processing - Extrusion* Students will learn about polymer part design and injection mould design, how to ap- Semester • Polymer Physics and Rheology proach the problems given with respect to the part functionality, the material selection, • Advanced Polymer Processing - Injection Moulding* processing, cost and recycling. A laboratory in simulation increases the theoretical • Polymer Design and Mould Design knowledge.

Application requirements

*Modules include laboratory

10 11 Semester 2 Composites 4 SWS - 5 CP Aalen University Materials and construction of lightweight parts. Intercultural Communication 4 SWS/8 SWS - 5 CP German students are obligated to attend course 14201 whereas international students Strukturmechanik (German elective module) 4 SWS - 5 CP have to take the course 14202 - to be able to reach this level, the application requi- Die Lehrinhalte umfassen die Grundlagen der Elastizitätstheorie, die Statik spezieller rements for German students English B2 level and for English speaking internationals Tragwerke, die Stabilität sowie das viskoelastische und plastische Verhalten von Werk- German A2 level is mandatory. stoffen.

Multi Materials Manufacturing 2+2 SWS - 5 CP Robotik (German elective module) 4 SWS - 5 CP The subject deals with multi layer products and their production. Die Lehrinhalte umfassen die Anwendung und Einsatzbedingungen von Robotern und Also the relevant characterisation and qualification methods are given. Robotersystemen, mögliche Roboterarten sowie die Robotersteuerung und -regelung einschließlich der zugehörigen Aktorik, Sensorik und Messtechnik für Roboteranwen- Polymer Thermal Analysis 2+2 SWS - 5 CP dungen. Students are introduced into thermal–mechanical testing techniques, and the applica- tion of these testing techniques in the identification and study of polymers. The role of Produktentwicklung (German elective module) 2+2 SWS - 5 CP these analysis methods in the evaluation of the lifetime and performance of the polyme- Die Lehrinhalte umfassen die Werkzeuge zur digitalen, rechnergestützten Produktent- ric material is also emphasized. wicklung und -fertigung (Additive Manufacturing). Die Vorlesung wird durch Projektar- beiten ergänzt. Advanced Process Simulation 2+2 SWS - 5 CP Students will find out about the topics of optimization of the mould design and process Physikalische Modellbildung (German elective module) 4 SWS - 5 CP optimisation with 3D simulation programs. Die Lehrinhalte umfassen die Modellbildung und Simulation dynamischer Systeme und beinhalten Modellierungs- und Simulationsübungen im Matlab/Simulink.

Elective Modules (two of ten) Strukturberechnung (German elective module) 4 SWS - 5 CP Die Lehrinhalte umfassen den Produktentstehungsprozess für Leichtbaukomponenten Advanced Mould Design 2+2 SWS - 5 CP und -systeme und die Bewertung von Bauteilen und Leichtbaustrukturen mittels FEM Optimization of the tool quality for the improvement of the process ability und Topologieoptimierung in Abaquas. as well as gating types are introduced to the students. Semester 3 Modelling and Control 2+2 SWS - 5 CP Students will learn about material and process simulation and suitable materials for Master Thesis 30 CP polymer processes. Furthermore they are taught the monitoring of the process related With the Master Thesis students demonstrate their ability to work scientifically on an characteristics. open question subject independently. Within a given time period they apply the scientific methods and the knowledge and skills acquired during their course of studies. Scientific Project 2 SWS - 5 CP Students can choose the topic of their project out of five categories: Engineering & Quality / Simulation / Processing / Control Engineering / Testing

Polymers in Application 4 SWS - 5 CP In this course the focus is directed to engineering with polymeric materials.

12 13 Aalen University

Facilities & Laboratories International Relations

At Aalen University and in the department of polymer technology there are several labora- The Department of Polymer Technology cooperates especially with the following universi- tories in which students can gain practical experience. ties and has multiple contacts to further national and international academic institutions:

Especially in the field of polymer technology the following facilities are in use:

Polymer Testing Polymer Processing Europe Africa

• rheological properties - injection moulding Finland Egypt - capillary viscometer test (single/two component, gas assisted) ► North Karelian Polytechnic, Joensuu ► German University of Cairo - rheometer test - extrusion (mono/multi layer, blow film) - melt indexer - blow moulding Malta - compression moulding ► University of Malta, Msida Asia • mechanical properties - thermoforming - tensile, compression and flexure test, North Ireland Pakistan - relaxation and creep test ► Queen´s University of Belfast ►National University of Sciences and - tensile and flexure impact test, Simulation & Software Technology, Islamabad - hardness test Poland - Autodesk Moldflow Insight ► Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice Thailand • thermal properties - Moldex 3D ► King Mongkut‘s University of Technology - Vicat softening point test - VISI Portugal North Bangkok - differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) - CATIA ► Universidade do Minho. Braga - dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) - Creo (Pro Engineer) - thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) - ABAQUS FEM Spain - dilatometer (TMA) - Labview ► University of Vigo - MatLab ► Universidad Polytechnica de Valencia • chemical / physical properties - Origin - FT-NIR (near infrared) spectroscopy UK - cryo-microtome cutting ►University of Warwick, - microscopy (light / SEM) School of Engineering, Coventry - moisture test

14 15 Aalen University

Experiences of Former Students » Someone has said,‘‘your attitude determines your altitude‘‘. Therefore, I would thank to all the faculty of Aalen University who » I‘m involved in Rajoo Engineers Limited (India), a leading worked hard along with the students for delivering the knowledge and plastic extrusion machinery manufacture with installations in skills in the field of polymers. The course was very well designed in 60 countries. I am working as a production head of all the hot which the theoretical knowledge was coupled with the practical expo- parts of the machinery like die, extruder and moulds, thus in a sure in the form of extensive laboratory work. All of such effort of the very close interaction with the design department of the com- faculty and working environment at Aalen boosted me to adapt the pany. « right attitude towards learning and achieving the goals in life. «

Ustav Doshi Dr. Eng. Ahmad Nawaz Khan The Indian graduate of 2010 wrote his thesis on HFFR Wire The Pakistani wrote his thesis at the GKN Driveline International and Cable compounding for Low and Medium Voltage ap- GmbH, Lohmar (Germany), and finished his studies in 2005. plications at the Lucobit AG, Cologne (Germany). Now he is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Enginee School of Chemical and Materials Enginee- ring at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad (Pakistan).

» I have just moved from Pakistan to Denmark. But I have had worked ever since graduating from Aalen University in the areas of product development, production, mould & dies manufacturing, and engineering departments in the home » Aalen is area of outstanding natural beauty and this was my appliances industry. My last designation was Manager En- first opportunity in Aalen University to study in the field of Poly- gineering and Technology. Moreover, based on my MSc in mer Technology which i still working continue in the research of Polymer Technology I was able to get PhD scholarship in the Polymer and PolymerComposites in my home country. « UK. « Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Suchart Siengchin Dr. Kashif Kamran Ahmad He finished his studies at Aalen University in 2002, the Thai is In 2005, the Pakistani finished his thesis on micro-injec- now working as President of KMUTNB at the King Mongkut‘s tion moulding for Varta Microbattery GmbH, Ellwangen University of Technology, North Bangkok (Thailand). (Germany).

16 17 Aalen University

Admission Programme Schedule

General Admission Requirements further training, the committee may impro- Programme starting in October The admission policy of Aalen University ve this average mark up to 0.3 points (Ger- requires of applicants for the programme man mark system). • their first professional degrees May Start of Application Procedure (with 2.5 or better - German grading The application in detail: July 15th Application Deadline system), • Application form (see webpage) End of July Decision on Final Admission • additional skills and knowledge, • Certificate for the University Admission* • all to be of good quality. (e.g. high school certificate) September First-Year Arrival; Introduction Programme • Certificate of first Professional Degree* Beginning of October Start of 1st studying semester The scientific requirement for student’s en- (e.g. Bachelor certificate) February Exams and Evaluation rollment is a Bachelor degree (B.Sc., B.Eng.) • Curriculum Vitae Mid March Start of 2nd studying semester in Mechanical / Production / Industrial En- • Certification of language skills*: July Exams and Evaluation gineering, Mechatronics, Materials Science, - German (A2 level; if not native speaker) Chemistry or Polymer Technology. - English (B2 level; if not native speaker) August - January Master Thesis It is also required that students be highly • Residence permit* motivated, strongly interested and have a (if not German resident) Programme starting in March good command of the English language. • Certificate of Health Insurance* Furthermore basic skills in German are re- * documents need to be authenticated October Start of Application Procedure quired to apply for the master programme. November 15th Application Deadline This requirement focuses mostly on the The application needs to be sent to the End of January Decision on Final Admission daily life as this takes place in German so- university‘s Admission Office until the ciety. application deadline (see next page): February/March First-Year Arrival; Introduction Programme Mid March Start of 1st studying semester After all applications are submitted at the Aalen University July Exams and Evaluation end of application deadline, a committee of Admission Office Beginning of October Start of 2nd studying semester the programme will decide about the ad- Polymer Technology mission and inform applicants immediately. Beethovenstr. 1 February Exams and Evaluation The only crutial factor - next to the com- D - 73430 Aalen March - August Master Thesis pliance of all requirements given - is the GERMANY average of marks achieved in the Bachelor. Depending on qualification and possibly

18 19 Aalen University

Financial Aspects Visa Regulation & Insurances Health Insurance Krankenversicherung Fees (approx. € 75 per month) Visa Regulations All students have to provide proof of ade- Non-EU students: studying fees 1.500 EUR • Liability Insurance Depending on their home country, interna- quate health insurance during their studies. per semester; there are several exeptions, (approx. € 5 per month) tional students will require a visa and a re- International students are advised to check please consider the checklist. • Immigration office, visa prolongation sidence permit. Visas are issued only by the with their health insurance company whe- (about € 80) German Embassies in the student‘s home ther or not they will cover costs in Germany Service and enrollment fees of € 147 per • Transportation with SemesterTicket 2 country. To obtain the visa, an official letter and which forms they provide. For the con- semester. These are (€ 98 per semester, if needed, for further of acceptance from the Aalen University is firmation an international form (e.g. E 111) • student contribution € 65 information check p.23) needed. In addition to the letter of accep- is accepted but needs to be confirmed by • administration fees € 70 tance, the German Embassy requires proof the public health insurance company (AOK) • contribution for the student For more information on financial aspects of sufficient funding for the period of stu- in Germany. representative organizations € 12 and how best to find a flat, please check our dy abroad, usually about € 600 per month. In case the international insurance company homepage for FAQ: Please allow at least four to six weeks to does not cover costs, students are required Housing and Living www.hs-aalen.de/s/ptc obtain the visa from the Embassy. At Aalen, to purchase health insurance in Germany. The International Relations Office helps stu- all international students will have the legal dents find accommodations. Students can one of the student status of a full-time student and will obtain residence halls choose between private accommodation a residence permit from the local Immigra- Liability Insurance and student residence halls. tion Office (City of Aalen) for their period of Haftpflichtversicherung study in Aalen. This insurance is recommended however Living Costs Furthermore, when applying for a visa at the not compulsory. When living in Germany or The estimated minimum costs of living, e.g. German Embassy, international students working at the university, having laborato- for accommodation, food, obligatory medi- will need a financial statement proving that ries during the studies, it‘s best to be insu- cal insurance are approx. € 700 per month. they have sufficient funding for the entire red for any damage done. This is also the amount of money the Ger- period of study abroad - usually about € 700 man Embassies needs students to state per month. with their application. For further information, please check the • Accommodation homepage of the German Federal Foreign (between € 200 to € 400 per month) Office: • Food www.auswaertiges-amt.de (approx. € 150 to € 200 per month) • Health Insurance

20 21 Aalen University

Student Services & Associations

International Relations Office Library Student Union walk from the university but there are buses Akademisches Auslandsamt (AAA) Bibliothek Aalen University has three different Student connecting the station with the university! The IRO is responsible for organising ex- The library is located on the campus Burren Unions: AStA, UStA and StuRa. For more Information: www.ostalbmobil.de change programmes. It aims to help inter- - only a 5 minutes walk from the university‘s Their offices are located in the main buil- national students with any problems they main building where the Polymer Depart- ding. Different events (film showings, con- may have. At the beginning of each semes- ment is located. certs, parties) and sports activities (e.g. vol- Activities in Aalen ter, it organises orientation weeks for in- On three floors the library offers several leyball, football, tennis) are organised. At the City Council (Rathaus, Marktplatz 30), ternational students (and German friends). subject-specific books as well as some no- Interested students are welcome to join the Tourist Information (Marktplatz 2) - both lo- During the semester, it arranges company vels or books on foreign languages. union UStA to find out more! cated in Aalen‘s historic city centre - or on- visits and trips to various places of interest Furthermore with their computer account, Link to Aalen City Guide: line (www.aalen.de), students can obtain in- (information on the IRO Notice Board). students are offered a multitude of e-books. formation about the various activities to be Link to IRO: done in Aalen. E.g. which clubs (sports and cultural) there are or which cultural events Language Centre will take place. Sprachenzentrum The university‘s Language Centre offers va- Transportation in Aalen Student Service Organisation rious language courses which mostly take Since 2012, the local transport associati- Studentenwerk place parallel to the semester. on OstalbMobil and Aalen University are The Studentenwerk is the body that runs As there are many courses offered, Aalen collaborating: all students have the so called some student services. When enrolling at a University cooperates with the local adult SemesterTicket 1 included in their student German university students have to pay a education centre (Volkshochschule). contribution. With this ticket they are allo- contribution. wed to drive buses and local trains for free For example, students receive benefits each day from 6 p.m. as well as on Saturdays, when buying lunch at the refectory (Men- Sundays and holidays in the region of Aalen. sa) or for snacks and drinks at the cafeteria. Furthermore two additional Tickets can be Also the Studentenwerk offers social con- bought: sulting. SemesterTicket 2 increases the timeframe of the ticket to a 24/7-possibility. SemesterTicket 3 increases the range of drive from the local region up to Stuttgart, Schwäbisch Hall and Heilbronn. Aalen‘s train station is located 30 minutes by

22 23 Editor Admission Office Department Polymer Technology www.hs-aalen.de/zulassungsamt Prof. Dr.-Ing. Achim Frick Director Head of Programme Sabine Stradinger Prof. Dr.-Ing. Achim Frick E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +49 7361 576 2162 Phone: +49 7361 576 2171 Fax: +49 7361 576 2250 International Students Stefanie Erhardt Assistant E-Mail: [email protected] Vibunanthan Muralidharan, M.Sc. Phone: +49 7361 576 2207 [email protected] Phone: +49 7361 576-2169 International Relations Office Secretary www.hs-aalen.de/international Stefanie Schmid E-Mail: [email protected] Director IRO Phone: +49 7361 576 2523 M.Sc. (UMIST) Pascal A. Cromm E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +49 7361 576 1700

Incomings Antje Discher E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +49 7361 576 1701

M.Sc. Polymer Technology (PTC) Beethovenstr. 1, 73430 Aalen GERMANY

www.hs-aalen.de/s/ptc 1705-V04