Astroparticle Physics (intPhD) Program at a Glance

Astroparticle Physics is a cross-disciplinary field spanning from particle physics to astrophysics.
It is a very topical subject that focuses on some of the most exciting and fundamental questions in nature such as:

• What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?
• What powers cosmic explosions?
• Where do the highest energy cosmic rays come from?
• How does the Sun influence space weather?

Recent advances in astronomical observations have allowed to gain fundamental knowledge about the constituents of matter that is hardly accessible via particle physics laboratories on Earth.
Prominent examples for this development include the discovery of neutrino masses from detection of neutrinos coming from the Sun and disturbing result from the WMAP satellite that the matter we know contributes merely 4 % to the energy content of the Universe.

Astroparticle Physics is a research oriented integrated PhD program with a strong computational component. Graduate students entering with a BSc degree will typically graduate with a PhD degree after 4-5 years of study and research, or alternatively with an MSc degree after 2 years.

The proposed study plan is as follows:

Semester 1:
Core Courses: 15 ECTS
Supplementary Courses: 10 ECTS
Graduate Student Seminar: 5 ECTS Assessment test within the first two weeks; preliminary exam with the first six months.

Semester 2:
Core Courses: 15 ECTS
Supplementary Courses: 5 ECTS
Research methods/practical component: 5 ECTS
Graduate Student Seminar: 5 ECTS

Semester 3:
Core Courses: 15 ECTS
Graduate Student Seminar: 5 ECTS
Independent Research: 10 ECTS
Qualifying Examination for graduate students wishing to persue a PhD

Semester 4:
MSc Thesis: 30 ECTS
Research Proposal for students in the PhD track

Prof. Marcus Brüggen, PhD - Professor of Astrophysics

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Haerendel - Distinguished Professor of Space Physics

Dr. Betti Hartmann - University Lecturer in Physics

Prof. Dr. Stephan Rosswog - Professor of Astrophysics

Prof. Peter Schupp, PhD - Professor of Physics

Prof. Dr. Joachim Vogt - Professor of Physics

Graduate Students at Jacobs University are viewed as professionals. They are integrated into our faculty’s international research collaborations from the very beginning – a head start into a successful career in academia or industry.