Universität Hamburg - der Forschung, der Lehre, der Bildung, zur Homepage
Quantum Universe
Cluster of ExcellenceQuantum Universe

Photo: UHH/Michael Grefe

Quantum Universe

QURS Curriculum

The Quantum Universe Research School offers a graduate school for PhD students as part of the MIN Graduate Center (MINGZ) of Universität Hamburg's Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. The framework for the QURS graduate school is given by the academic regulations for doctoral degree coursework on the MIN Doctoral Program (PDF).

Curriculum of academic and soft skill courses in QURS

QURS offers a first-rate course program on research topics of the Center in Hamburg for Astro-, Mathematical and Particle Physics:

  1. Field Theory,
  2. String Theory,
  3. Mathematical Physics ,
  4. Theoretical and Experimental Particle Physics,
  5. Cosmology, Astrophysics, Astroparticle Physics and Gravitational Physics,
  6. Accelerator Physics.

Currently offered lecture courses may be found here. The page also contains an overview of the past semesters.

1. Core Courses

Core Courses are recommended from year 1, depending on the respective background of the doctoral candidates. They aim at providing QURS fellows, who enter the graduate school with different backgrounds, with an overview of the six QURS research areas.

There are usually two Core Courses in each area on offer. In Mathematical Physics, the topics cover regularly the following varying topics: Mathematical Methods of Classical Physics, Mathematical Methods of Quantum Physics, Algebra, Differential Geometry, Topology, Algebraic Geometry, Symplectic Geometry.

The accounted credit points (CP) correspond to those listed in STINE:

C1 Quantum Field Theory I, Quantum Field Theory II, Quantum Mechanics II (8 CP each)
C2 Introduction to Supersymmetry and Supergravity, Introduction to String Theory (6 CP each)
C3 Mathematical Physics (module M-Math) (12 CP each)
C4 Physics of the Standard Model, Phenomenology of Physics beyond the Standard Model, Experiments on Physics beyond the Standard Model
Advanced Particle Physics, Instrumentation and Analysis Methods, Particle Physics and the LHC		 (6 CP each)

(8 CP each)
C5 General Theory of Relativity, Experimental Astroparticle Physics
Theoretical Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology, Cosmology		 (8 CP each)
(6 CP each)
C6 Accelerator Physics I, Accelerator Physics I (5 CP each)

2. Advanced Courses

Advanced Courses are recommended from year 2. Although these courses are based on the Core Courses, a successful participation in these Advanced Courses is independent of the Core Courses. Advanced topics in Mathematical Physics are specific courses on different topics and duration.

Depending on the research area several advanced courses are offered on an at least 2-years basis.

A1 Conformal Field Theory (3 CP)
A2 String Theory: corresponding courses are offered as block courses (see below)
A3 Mathematical Physics (module M-Spez) (3 CP each)
A4 Renormalization of spontaneously broken theories, Higgs Physics, Quantum Chro-modynamics (3 CP each)
A5 Gravitational-Wave Detection (8 CP)
A6 Plasma Acceleration (8 CP)

3. Focus Courses

Focus Courses can be taken from year 1. The Focus Courses consist of two types of classes: a) block courses and b) special lectures series.

F1 Computer Algebra and Particle Physics (2.5 CP, 5 days)
F2 String Steilkurs 1, String Steilkurs 2 (2.5 CP, 5 days)
F3 PIER Graduate Week (up to 2 CP, 0.5 CP per attended course)
F4 Quantum Universe Lectures (3 lectures) (0.5 CP)
F5 External schools (e.g. summer schools, Helmholtz Schools etc.) (CP calculated case by case, typically 0.5 CP per full day)

4. Seminars

There are several seminars offered on a regular basis in mathematical physics, particle physics and astrophysics. Given active participation up to 6 CP can be awarded (corresponding to CP listed in STINE).

In the QURS PhD Seminars doctoral fellows give an overview of their research area/project, or important developments in the area. Fellows who have e.g. a scheduled conference talk may use the seminar also for a “test run” and to get peer feedback. 1 CP is awarded for attendance including one presentation.

Doctoral fellows should give a presentation on their research at least once a year. This can be in various contexts such as the Quantum Universe Days, seminars listed on the cluster website (see link above), but also local or external conferences or workshops (e.g. DPG Spring Meeting). 1 CP is awarded for attendance including a student’s presentation.

5. Teaching Experience

Teaching experience is very important for early career researchers pursuing a scientific career. Therefore, QURS encourages all doctoral fellows to teach exercise classes. Teaching experience will be credited for the Transcript of Records (TOR) as part of the skills section (1 teaching hour (LVS) = 1 CP).

6. Skill Courses

QURS offers a comprehensive set of skills courses organized by the PIER Education Platform (PEP) in a joint effort with several graduate programs on Campus Bahrenfeld. In addition, it is possible to choose from the offer of general academic skills training courses offered by the Hamburg Research Academy, by the MIN Graduate School, by the University Career Center, by the University HR Development, or by DESY Education. Skills courses must be relevant to the PhD or future scientific or non-academic career. A 1-day skills course is normally accredited as 0.5 CP.

Language classes are offered, but not accounted for credits.

Regulations for the QURS Transcript of Records

Under the following conditions full members of QURS obtain a Transcript of Records (TOR) at the end of their doctoral program (associate members do not receive a ToR from QURS):

  • at least 18 CP are collected over the PhD period;
  • at least 12 CP of these are collected via academic lectures/scientific events (see items 1 to 4);
  • up to 6 CP of these are collected via teaching or skills courses (see items 5 and 6);
  • the advisory panel meetings have taken place and the panel reports are documented.

Attendence of lecture courses and locally offered skills courses is regularly documented via registration on Geventis (further information on Geventis may be found here).

In the case of local lectures, the CPs may be assigned in Geventis directly by the lecturer after successful completion of coursework. Alternatively, you may send the filled and signed certificate of attendance (PDF) to the QURS coordinators: qurs.champp"AT"uni-hamburg.de.

In the case of skills courses organized by the PIER Education Platform or the Hamburg Research Academy, please apply for recognition via Geventis and upload their certificates. 

The successful completion of external activities needs to be proven by certificates issued by the organizers or via a copy of the program and the list of participants. Please apply for recognition via Geventis and upload corresponding documents.

Please upload your regular advisory panel reports in the documents section of your Geventis profile and inform the QURS coordinators via qurs.champp@uni-hamburg.de.

All attended courses and achievements will be listed in the TOR. You may also apply for recognition of your language classes. Please upload corresponding certificates via Geventis.

A project of Universität Hamburg
in cooperation with

Cluster of Excellence
Quantum Universe

Universität Hamburg
Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg