Research Phase and Master's Thesis in the M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics

During the last year of the Master's program Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics you will have the unique opportunity to work on exciting research topics. During this so-called research phase, you can choose from an extensive number of thesis supervisors and current projects.

Aliaksandr Bandarenka and a Master's student in his group discuss about their research. Foto: TUM.PH/Eckert. The research phase constitutes one thematic block, culminating in the dissertation of the Master's thesis.

Research Phase

The build-up of the research phase

To the scope of the one year research phase (60 ECTS) belong firstly, the development of the necessary special knowledge within a cutting-edge research line and secondly, the acquisition of the corresponding experimental or theoretical skills, that are necessary for the realization of the research project within the frame of the Master's thesis. Each of these steps conforms a module, the Master's seminar and the Master's training. Both modules belong intrinsically together and account in total for 30 ECTS. Subsequently, the independent research project can be carried out as part of the Master's thesis, which corresponding module comprises 30 ECTS. The research phase is completed with the Master's colloquium, the defense of the Master's thesis, within this module.

During the research phase, the fulfilment of an independent scientific work is tighly connected with the acquisition of additional skills, such as project management, team work as well as the depiction and presentation of scientific results.

Module	Description	Credits (CP)	PL/SL*
Master's seminar	Literature research and specialization	15	S
Master's training	Methodology and project planning	15	S
Master's thesis		30	P
Sum		60

*: P="Prüfungsleistung", graded exam,
S="Studienleistung", non graded exam (pass/fail)

Finding a topic

For this program, the Examination Board has created a list of possible thesis supervisors; they are listed below. To find a topic, please contact the possible thesis supervisors yourself.

The thesis supervisors have the possibility to advertise topics (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However, not all possible topics are advertised here, so it is advisable to ask the thesis supervisors directly

Furthermore, it is advisable to start searching for a suitable topic early, about one semester in advance. In a personal interview, you can quickly see whether a topic appeals to you and whether you feel comfortable in the group. We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Who can be my supervisor?

Filtering in the offers for possible theses

Offers of Master’s thesis topics

	Topic	Supervisor
	Advanced image processing for clinical darkfield chest X-ray applications	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Contact person Wolfgang Noichl Rafael Schick
	Advanced material decomposition using clinical dual-layer spectral CT (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the application of advanced three-material decomposition algorithms for use at latest clinical spectral (dual-layer) CT systems. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Johannes Hammel (johannes.hammel@tum.de), Lorenz Birnbacher (lorenz.birnbacher@tum.de), Daniela Pfeiffer (daniela.pfeiffer@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Johannes Hammel
	Advanced processing algorithms for X-ray dark-field CT reconstruction	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Contact person Florian Schaff
	AI/machine learning algorithms for the automated detection of respiratory diseases in chest CT scans	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on using AI/machine learning algorithms (i.e. deep convolutional neural networks) for the automated detection of respiratory diseases (e.g. COPD, COVID-19) in chest CT scans. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and an external industrial collaborator. Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Manuel Schultheiß (manuel.schultheiss@tum.de), Tobias Lasser (tobias.lasser@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Manuel Schultheiß
	Application of Machine Learning / AI-based image processing to X-ray dark-field imaging (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on applying modern machine learning / AI-based image processing methods to grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging with the aim of improving medical diagnostics and reducing radiation exposure to patients. The project will mainly involve data analysis and image processing (primarily in Python). Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Florian Schaff
	Evaluation of limited angle, sparse sampling CT algorithms for head and chest CT applications (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on the potential usage of advanced CT reconstruction algorithms (i.e. model-based iterative CT) for reducing the number of projections in neuro-radiological CT applications. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and an external industrial collaborator. Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Clemens Schmid (clemens.schmid@tum.de), Tobias Lasser (tobias.lasser@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Clemens Schmid
	Evaluation of spectral photon-counting detectors for improvements in 2D (panoramic) dental imaging applications	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the image quality in 2D (panoramic) dental imaging applications. More specifically, the project aims at developing advanced dual-energy/ spectral artefact reduction algorithms and their experimental demonstration of their applicability in preclinical experiments. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with an industrial collaboration partner in the Munich area. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Thorsten Sellerer (thorsten.sellerer@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Thorsten Sellerer
	Evaluation of spectral photon-counting detectors for improvements in 3D (cone-beam CT) dental imaging applications	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the image quality in 3D (cone-beam CT) dental imaging applications. More specifically, the project aims at developing advanced dual-energy/ spectral artefact reduction algorithms and their experimental demonstration of their applicability in preclinical experiments. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with an industrial collaboration partner in the Munich area. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Thorsten Sellerer (thorsten.sellerer@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Thorsten Sellerer
	High-resolution phase-contrast tomography at a rotating anode x-ray source (topic is not available any more)	Herzen
	Research group Physics of Biomedical Imaging
	Machine Learning (AI)-based denoising of limited angle, sparse sampling CT post-processing for head and chest CT applications	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on the potential usage of AI-based CT denoising methods (i.e. convolutional neural networks) for post-processing of CT scans aquired with a reduced number of projections in head or chest CT applications. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar and an external industrial collaborator. Character of thesis work: mainly computational physics & image processing For more information, please contact: Manuel Schultheiss (manuel.schultheiss@tum.de), Tobias Lasser (tobias.lasser@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Manuel Schultheiß
	Optimierung von Dual Energy CT in der Kleintier-Computertomographie am MRI	Wilkens
	Research group Associate Professorship of Medical Radiation Physics (Prof. Wilkens) Description Introduction: Computed tomography is a three-dimensional imaging method in which X-rays can be used to calculate slices of an object. Dual Energy CT uses the energy dependence of X-rays: The respective object is measured with different X-ray spectra, and the images obtained are subsequently processed and reconstructed. With the help of different algorithms, Dual Energy CT can extract much more information from the image than conventional imaging (monoenergetic images, electron density, material images, ...). Dual Energy CT devices are in use in human medicine since a few years; in this work the method is used on a small animal irradiation device for mice. Our dual energy method uses a calibration using calibration cylinders and two different X-ray spectra. Tasks: The master thesis focuses on the optimization of X-ray spectra and calibration and its effect on the measurement. When choosing the X-ray spectra, many combinations are possible by using different voltages and filters. The optimal combinations should be found by using different criteria and verified with a phantom. The calibration cylinders should be examined and improved with regard to their geometry and material. It should also be considered whether different calibration phantoms are advantageous for different measurement objects. Furthermore, it should be checked how stable the calibration is depending on the position in the device and the time. In all optimizations, the focus is on ensuring that the subsequent measurement of the object provides the most accurate possible result. Requirements: You are interested in medical physics, especially in X-ray diagnostics/radiotherapy? You like to work experimentally and can imagine working in a clean room? You have basic experience with Python and enjoy programming? Contact: Manuela Duda manuela.duda@tum.de Medical Radiation Physics / Prof. Wilkens Klinikum rechts der Isar (MRI) Contact person Manuela Duda
	Pre-clinical evaluation of spectral photon-counting detectors for chest X-ray cancer and tuberculosis screening	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will explore the use of latest hybrid-pixel photon-counting detectors for improving the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-ray examinations. More specifically, this work will use dedicated phantoms for assessing the potential clinical benefit of photon-counting-based material decomposition algorithms for better lung cancer and tuberculosis detection. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Radiology at the TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar. Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Thorsten Sellerer (thorsten.sellerer@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Thorsten Sellerer
	Quantitative phase-contrast imaging at highly brillant X-ray sources	Herzen
	Research group Physics of Biomedical Imaging
	Quantitative X-ray dark-field imaging	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on methods to extract quantitative structural parameters from grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging that enable hardware independent studies in medical and material science applications. The project will mainly involve experimental (laboratory) work, and image processing (primarily in Python). Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Florian Schaff
	Rapid kV-switiching K-edge imaging with a compact synchrotron source (topic is not available any more)	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on the development of an experimental scheme for rapid kV-switching with a compact synchrotron source. Subsequent to the implementation, first application experiments around the K-edges of suitable contrast agent in biomedical samples shall be performed. Character of thesis work: mainly experimental physics For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Martin Dierolf
	Rekonstitution von aktiven Zytoskelettsystemen	Bausch
	Research group Cellular Biophysics Description Das zytoskelett ist ein aktives Polymernetzwerk innerhalb von jeder eukaryontischen Zelle. Die Aktivität diesesNetzwerks ermöglichen alle lebensnotwendigen Prozesse von Zellen - von der Zellteilung, Zellbewegung bis hin zum Zelltod. Im Rahmender Arbeit sollen einzelne Komponenten in vitro rekonstruiert werden und deren Dynamik quantifiziert werden. Ziel ist es eine Art künstliche Zellen zu bauen, um die biologischen Prozesse besser verstehen zu können. Zum Einsatz kommen eine Reih von hochauflösenden Mikroskopiemethoden, Bildverarbeitung und biochemische Technologien.
	Selbstorganisationsprozesse bei der Organbildung	Bausch
	Research group Cellular Biophysics Description Wie entstehen Organe? Welches physikalischen Konzepte beschreiben die Zellbewegungen, die ultimativ zu der Formierung von verschiedensten Geometrien führen? Es ist seit Neuestem möglich, Mini-Organe im Labor wachsen zu lassen. Einzelne Zellen werden in ein 3D Zellkultur eingebettet, und aus dieser entstehet dann ganz von selber ein kleiner Pankreas oder Brustdrüsen. Diese Systeme eröffnen die einzigartige Möglichkeit den Wachstumsprozess direkt zu beobachte, aber auch gleichzeitig fehlgeleitete Prozesse in Krankheiten zu untersuchen. Ultimativ dienen diese Organoidsysteme für die Entwicklung von personlasieriten Medikamenten. Im Rahmen der Arbeit soll die Zellbewegung in den Epithelzelllagen bestimmt werden. KI Technoligien werden dabei eingesetzt, um die komplexen 3D Bewegungen zu analysieren. Es soll herausgefunden werden, ob die kollektive Bewegungen der Zellen anhand von einer Navier-Stokes Gleichung für aktive Fluide beschrieben werden kann.
	X-ray diffraction imaging at a compact synchrotron source	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description This project will focus on investigating the potential X-ray diffraction imaging at a compact synchrotron source. The student will design, conduct and evaluate experiments at the world's first X-ray source of its kind, the Munich Compact Light Source. The project will mainly involve experimental (laboratory) work, and image processing (primarily in Python). Character of thesis work: experimental physics (50%) & image processing (50%) For more information, please contact: Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de) or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Florian Schaff Martin Dierolf

Registering the research phase

The registration to all modules belonging to the research phase is done at once in the Dean's Office (Dekanat), normally at the beginning of the third Master's semester. When doing this, the certificate of mentor counseling has to be included. After agreeing on a topic with the future supervisor, students can print out the registration form in the student access.

After six months the Master's thesis should begin. Passing the Master's seminar and the Master's training will be recorded in TUMonline and you are officially alowed to start the thesis.

Handing in the thesis and getting the grade

Before handing in the Master's thesis, you must fill in the final titel of the thesis in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Afterwards, you have to hand in two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat). You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind.

Extension of the deadline is only possible for good reasons. See FAQ on Thesis extension.

The Master's thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second examiner. The second examiner is appointed by the examination board on suggestion of the supervisor (after official registration of Master’s thesis).

The supervisor and the second examiner will also grade the Master's colloquium, which completes the research phase.

Re-enrollment during the research phase

For any examination you must be enrolled as a student of TUM. Hence you need to re-enroll for one semester more e.g. if you hand in your Master’s thesis or your Master’s colloquium takes place after the current semester ends.

With a due date for your thesis or a scheduled date for the colloquium e.g. in October, you should not forget to re-enroll for the winter semester and the corresponding deadline would be August 15.

Organization of the colloquium

The Master’s colloquium is organised and conducted by the supervisor together with the second examiner. The Master’s colloquium takes approximately 60 minutes, consisting of a 30 minutes talk and 30 minutes examination. Naturally, the inclusion of the colloquium in a group seminar is possible.

Completing your Master studies

At the end of the semester in which you reach the necessary 120 ECTS in your Master's degree program and passed all required exams you will be exmatriculated (according to §13(1) enrolment rules of TUM). In most cases the Master's colloquium will be the last exam to reach this point.

Taking further exams and final documents

You are principally allowed to take further exams after reaching the 120 ECTS, i.e. to replace previous results in the catalog of the focus areas with better results. Therefore it is generally not possible that the final documents are generated before you are exmatriculated. In case you need the final documents (or even preliminary documents) earlier, you have to request for it explicitly. See the Remarks on end of studies and final documents for further information.

Deriving the final grade

The final grade is the ECTS-weighted average of the graded exams.

Module	CP	ca. %
PH2001 Biomedical Physics 1	5	6,25
PH2002 Biomedical Physics 2	5	6,25
Fokus area	40	50
Master’s Thesis	30	37,5
Summe	80	100