Astronomy Studies in Bonn

                   
Prof. Dr. K. S. de Boer     (Studienberater Astronomie)
Argelander-Institut für Astronomie der Universität Bonn
Auf dem Hügel 71,   53121 Bonn

Tel. +49-228-733656/55       (Fax. +49-228-733672)        (E-Mail: deboer@astro.uni-bonn.de)

The official time I am available for advice is Thursday 15:00-16:30 hrs. However, I am willing to give advice at (almost) any time. Please call to make an appointment, as well as to make sure I'm not away for other obligations at the official time.

Study with Astronomy as Goal

 Astronomy in the "Diplomstudiengang"   Master in Astrophysics   PhD in Astronomy   Astronomy as Auxiliary Topic

Diplomstudiengang

In the frame of the studies for the "Diplom" in Physics in Bonn the study of astronomy may play optionally an important role.

In the first academic year two introductory classes in Astronomy can be taken and one can opt to have Astronomy as the auxiliary topic in the "Diplom-Vor"-Exam. It allows an early familiarization with the foundations of Astronomy while modern research aspects are included in these classes. Only in exceptional cases does a career into Astronomy go through Mathematics or Information Technology. The first 3 Semesters end with the oral examinations in Experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy as auxiliary topic ("Diplom-Vorprüfung").

For the following 5 semesters, Astronomy can be taken as Auxiliary Topic but also as Main Topic ("Vertiefungsfach Astrophysik").
= When Astronomy is taken as Vertiefungsfach Astrophysik students will deal thoroughly with astrophysical topics. In addition to the central themes such as Stars and Stellar Evolution, Cosmology, Physics of Galaxies, the Interstellar Medium and Radioastronomy, many Specialised Classes and various Seminars are offered. With Astronomy as main topic, the final exam (Diplomprüfung) deals with: Experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics, the Vertiefungsfach Astrophysik, and an Auxiliary Topic.
= Opting for Astronomy as Auxiliary Topic clearly requires a smaller amount of astronomy classes.

The education is then brought to completion in the Diploma-Thesis work period (12 months).

One graduates with the German Diplom in Physik which formally equals the level of the Masters in Physics, with Thesis.

Since the University of Bonn introduces the Bachelor and Master System in the fall of 2006, one then cannot start the Diplomstudiengang in Physics any more but enters the "Bachelorstudiengang" in Physics.

As at other German universities, there is no "Diplom in Astronomie". However, the newly established studies in the Bachelor/Master system allow as of the 2006/2007 winterterm new possibilities for astronomy in Bonn. A M.Sc. in Astrophysics is introduced.

The Bachelor and Master Programmes

 As of the winterterm 2006/2007 one can enter the programme of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Astrophysics. The study uses the English language. It is based on a B.Sc. in Physics (or equivalent), preferrably including introductory astronomy. Admittance is upon an evaluation of previous achievements. Details are available through the Dept. of Physics-Astronomy (Fachgruppe Physik-Astronomie).
The necessary forms for the application can be downloaded.

For B.Sc. studies, introductory astronomy classes will be offered as of the WS2006/07.

The M.Sc. studies brings in depth classes on Astrophysics (Stars and Stellar Evolution, Cosmology, Physics of Galaxies, the Interstellar Medium and Radioastronomy, many Specialised Classes and various Seminars) with a total workload of 48 credit points (CP) and two units in physics of 7 CP each (a lab course and a class in Theoretical Physics). The final part of the M.Sc. studies is the research phase, which includes the Master thesis.

The degree obtained is the M.Sc. (in Astrophysics).

Having obtained a M.Sc. degree it is possible to start the phase to work toward the Ph.D. in Astronomy.

Moving from the "Diplomstudiengang" into the M.Sc. programme

Students of the "Diplomstudiengang Physik" who wish to intensify their astronomy studies may move over into the M.Sc. Astrophysics programme. Required is a completed "Vordiplom" and documented further mandatory achievements within the Diplom-Physik programme up to the end of the 6th semester (not including achievements in the auxiliary topic). These students have to engage in making a Bachelor thesis. Interested students may contact the study advisor.

Ph.D. in Astronomy

 The education to astronomer culminates with the Ph.D. One registers for the "Promotionsstudium Astronomie". This phase includes classes on special topics while starting with participation in research projects, leading to substantial independent research. The Ph.D. phase ends with the presentation of the Ph.D. Thesis and its defense in front of the Thesis Committee.
For the Ph.D. phase a research project and a supervisor are needed, both emerging from successful personal consultations.

The degree awarded is the Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) / Ph.D..

Astronomy as Auxiliary Topic

 Astronomy is a subject fit as auxiliary topic for many a study programme. This is especially so for Physics, Mathematics, Informatics, Meterology, etc. The astronomy group is happy to introduce interested students to the basics of astronomy as a science.
= For the Vordiplomsprüfung introductory astronomy classes are required (maximum of 8 SWS; the actual amount is defined by the main studies programme).
= For the Diplomprüfung classes from the M.Sc. Astrophysics programme can be used. The total of required coursework is defined by the main studies programme (for Physics it is 8 SWS).
= In the Bachelor of Physics programme a total of 8 CP has to be obtained.
Astronomy in the "Diplomstudiengang"   Master in Astrophysics   PhD in Astronomy   Astronomy as Auxiliary Topic  

Direct links: Top of page,   Fachgruppe Physik-Astronomie,   Argelander-Institut für Astronomie der Univ. Bonn.

www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~deboer/studberd.html
Last update: 2006.11.13