Bachelor's degree

Astrophysics and particle physics as part of the Bachelor's degree programme in Physics

Even in the early stages of the Bachelor's degree programme in Physics (C2007), there are a number of optional courses in the subject area of astro and particle physics. From the first semester onwards, for example, there is the opportunity to attend introductory lectures on astronomy, the solar system or astroparticle physics. In addition, our institute offers lectures on the physics of near-Earth space and relativistic physics, the latter of which is also supplemented by exercises.

Students gain a deeper understanding of particle physics in the 4th semester as part of the lecture Physics IV: Nuclei and Particles. Typically, students then have the opportunity to focus on astrophysics in the 5th semester, as two to three of the elective modules Astrophysics 1, Solid State Physics and Atomic and Molecular Physics must be taken as part of the Bachelor's degree programme in Physics.

As part of the Bachelor's degree programme in Physics, students also have the opportunity to gain additional insights into topics of astrophysics and particle physics with experiments on spectroscopy, muon lifetimes, differential absorption spectroscopy, cloud chambers and CCDs as part of the compulsory advanced practical course (6th semester).

Further insights into the workings of astrophysics can be gained in the astrophysics laboratory practical course, in which students work with various programmes and analyse real observation data. Every year, a Excursion to the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory in Italyis also offered, where students can deepen their understanding of observations with telescopes, as well as the evaluation and reduction of data. If you are interested in particle physics, the regular excursion to the CERN research centre in Switzerland is also recommended.

When choosing your Bachelor's thesis topic, you can of course also focus on astrophysics and particle physics. The various working groups from which you can request a topic can be found at Institutshomepage. Here you can gain an initial insight into the working methods of astrophysics and particle physics and usually work on the chosen topic for one semester (in parallel to other courses). At the end, the work is presented in the Bachelor's seminar to other students who are also writing their Bachelor's thesis at the Institute of Astro- and Particle Physics, as well as to the supervising professors and lecturers.

The current courses can always be found at Course catalogue.

List of theses: https://xims.uibk.ac.at/goxims/content/uniweb/astro/teaching/bachelorarbeit

Seminar with bachelor thesis

Binding preliminary meeting:
Tuesday 4 March 2025, 12:00 noon in PR 8/18
Victor Franz Hess House, 8th floor

Dates of the presentations/lectures: later HERE

The suggested topics listed here are an overview. Topics will only be bindingly assigned if proof of admission according to the curriculum (at least 105 ECTS from the compulsory subjects) is given. Please ask the supervisors directly for further information if no abstract is given.

Contact organisation: Markus Holler (Astroparticle Physics) & Norbert Przybilla (Astrophysics)

Co-lecturers of the LV:
Sebastian Grandis, Stefan Kimeswenger, Ralf Kissmann, Emmerich Kneringer, Francine Marleau, Anita Reimer, and Olaf Reimer, Tim Schrabback and Qixin Yu

The entry as to whether a topic is permanently assigned or not can be supplemented by further variants: The note "n.a." (not available) stands for the case that a supervisor is already busy with other assignments. As a rule, only two assignments per supervisor are usual in order to optimise the supervision ratios. The reference "u.c." means "under consideration" - i.e. a student has had the topic (provisionally) reserved. Such "reservations" are generally maintained for a maximum of one week.

Procedure

The thesis must be submitted in writing (in any case in electronic form) to the head(s) of the seminar and presented in the seminar.

In this context, please also note the admission requirements. According to the amendments to the curriculum for the Bachelor's degree programme in Physics dated 2 June 2014, the following conditions apply at the start of the course
A prerequisite for enrolment is the positive completion of courses totalling 105 ECTS-Credits from the compulsory modules.

Some implementation information (e.g. forms) can also be found at the Faculty Service Centre (Examination Office)

The lecture will be held as part of a seminar. This will take place in the relevant period (from around June, the dates will be allocated at the preliminary meeting) in room 8/18. The typical speaking time is 25 minutes, followed by approx. 15 minutes of discussion. The presentations should be held in English if possible (some of our staff and participants in the seminar are not fluent in German). According to the curriculum, there is an obligation to attend the seminar in its entirety (examination-immanent course). However, the lectures are given in a concentrated block at the end of the semester. During the semester, therefore, only individual meetings with the respective supervisors are planned instead of the course with the whole group.
Registration takes place with the course leaders, who discuss and allocate the topics and establish contact with the supervisors. In addition to the topics listed above, your own suggestions are also welcome. We will be happy to review these and assess any opportunities for integration.

A summary of the assessment criteria from the previous year can be found here. The paper itself consists of an approximately 25-30-page elaboration, which should range from the "Introduction" to "Main Sections" to the "Conclusion". The description of a good FP1 protocol (here two documents (link 1, link 2) copy from the pages of the FP1 internship) is certainly a suitable guide. Tips for organising good presentations: Link 1, Link 2

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