General

In the Master's degree program "Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere" you will expand your knowledge in your chosen main focus, geophysics or meteorology. In four semesters you will be made "fit" for your future career - in addition to deepening your knowledge of geophysics and meteorology at the level of current research, you will learn to think and act independently and critically in a scientific manner.

Prerequisites and program structure

The Master's degree program builds on the basic knowledge of the Bachelor's degree program. If you are a graduate of a related degree program from another university, you can of course also apply to the IGMK. Check whether you meet the admission requirements.

In the first two semesters, you will learn the principles of modern prognostic modeling in joint lectures and exercises for geophysicists and meteorologists. You will then understand, for example

• how weather forecast models and climate models work exactly
• how to simulate the movement processes in the Earth's interior and crust
• the interactions between solar wind, the planets and their moons

You will also learn about methods that can be used to obtain as much information as possible about the state of the atmosphere and the Earth from an insufficient number of measurements. Such inverse methods are not only widely used in geophysics or meteorology, but also in many other areas of the natural and human sciences.

Modules

Below you will find further information on the specific specializations (modules) offered in the separate areas of the Master's degree program.

Main focus Geophysics

• Geophysics of the Solar System
• Direct Current and Electromagnetic Exploration Methods
• Seismology
• Advanced Geophysical Field Course
• Space Geophysics/Space Physics

Main focus Meteorology

• Atmospheric Radiation
• Physical Climatology
• Clouds and Precipitation
• Atmospheric Boundary Layer
• Atmospheric Dynamics and Modeling

Master's thesis

Whether you are a future geophysicist or meteorologist: the last two semesters are dedicated to preparing and writing your Master's thesis. You will learn how to work independently on scientific problems - in areas with scientific issues that fascinate you!

Take a look at the wide range of research areas at our institute that you can get involved in - and if you have your own ideas or research questions, you can of course incorporate them!
 

Partner degree program

The Master's program is a partner program between the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne. This gives you an even greater choice of elective modules during your studies.
 

Further information

Take a look at our institute pages. There you will find more detailed information about the Master's program, the current course catalog, and the research areas and working groups at the institute. You may also find it helpful to take a look at the list of thesis topics. If you have any further questions, simply contact the Student Advisory Service or the Student Council.