Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy
Encyclopedia
The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) is a joint venture of the Universities of Bonn
and Cologne
, offering a combined Master's
and Doctorate
program in Physics
.
2007, it was selected for funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
as part of the excellence initiative.
. In the BCGS, the transition from masters
to PhD
studies is intended to be seamless, although two separate degrees are awarded.
Two of the schools principles are an early introduction to current research (early on research) during and even before work on their masters thesis and continued learning during the PhD phase. During their entire studies, each student is mentored by two professors, one from each university.
In addition, intensive weeks take place outside of the regular lecture period. Here, students and lecturers spend one week working full time on a specific topic.
Shortly after the start of the winter term in early autumn, the welcome meeting introduces new students to the school. An invited speaker gives a talk about a current topic in physics. Past speakers have included Michael Berry and Walter Kutschera.
A poster session in spring is an opportunity for older students to present their research topics and results. The presenting students receive feedback and new stimuli for their work, and younger students can get an overview of the current research topics pursued at both universities.
In the summer, a physicist will talk about his career after leaving university under the heading Science meets Business.
University of Bonn
The University of Bonn is a public research university located in Bonn, Germany. Founded in its present form in 1818, as the linear successor of earlier academic institutions, the University of Bonn is today one of the leading universities in Germany. The University of Bonn offers a large number...
and Cologne
University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Europe and, with over 44,000 students, one of the largest universities in Germany. The university is part of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, an association of Germany's leading research universities...
, offering a combined Master's
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
and Doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
program in Physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
.
2007, it was selected for funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is an important German research funding organization and the largest such organization in Europe.-Function:...
as part of the excellence initiative.
Studies
The BCGS is open to excellent students from all over the world after the completion of their Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
. In the BCGS, the transition from masters
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
to PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
studies is intended to be seamless, although two separate degrees are awarded.
Two of the schools principles are an early introduction to current research (early on research) during and even before work on their masters thesis and continued learning during the PhD phase. During their entire studies, each student is mentored by two professors, one from each university.
Lectures
The BCGS allows students to attend courses in Cologne and Bonn. To facilitate this, some Lectures are transmitted as video conferences. Others take place at both universities in turn .In addition, intensive weeks take place outside of the regular lecture period. Here, students and lecturers spend one week working full time on a specific topic.
Recurring Events
During the academic year, the BCGS has several fixed events. Usually, each event alternates between Bonn and Cologne.Shortly after the start of the winter term in early autumn, the welcome meeting introduces new students to the school. An invited speaker gives a talk about a current topic in physics. Past speakers have included Michael Berry and Walter Kutschera.
A poster session in spring is an opportunity for older students to present their research topics and results. The presenting students receive feedback and new stimuli for their work, and younger students can get an overview of the current research topics pursued at both universities.
In the summer, a physicist will talk about his career after leaving university under the heading Science meets Business.