QURS Curriculum

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:

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.

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.

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 per year and for at least 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 listed seminars, the QURS PhD Seminar, group seminars, as well as at internal or external conferences or workshops.

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 semester hour (SWS) = 1 CP).

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.

• PIER Education Platform
  Several graduate programs on the Campus Bahrenfeld including QURS teamed up to set up a comprehensive offer of soft skill courses coordinated by PIER.
• PIER Graduate Week (soft skills)
  0.5 CP per soft skill course attended over 4 days
• Hamburg Research Academy (HRA)
• MIN Graduate School (MINGS)
  
• University Career Center
  Courses at the Career Center are free of charge for all registered students at the University.
• University HR Development – Compass Program
  Courses at University HR Development are available to University employees.
• DESY Education
  Courses at DESY Education are available to DESY employees and externals. Costs may apply.