Faculty of Natural Sciences

Doctoral degree program

 (Dr. rer. nat.)

Two research training groups are currently available to participants in the doctoral study program:

Research training group Natural Sciences

Open to doctoral candidates of all departments in the faculty.

Research training group Biodiversity in Changing Times

This research training group is offered in cooperation with the Stuttgart Museum of Natural Science. The focus in research is mainly on the following topics:

  • Ecosystems in climate change
  • Mechanisms of speciation
  • Ecosystem services and insect declines
  • Plant species decline

Objective

The objective of the doctoral degree program is to provide structural assistance to the doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Natural Sciences in completing a dissertation in the context of achieving the degree “Dr. rer. nat.” and to convey current subject knowledge, abilities, and methods of natural scientific research and scientific work.

Structure and contents

The standard period of study is 3 years and begins with your acceptance into the doctoral study program. During this time, at the same time as you are carrying out your doctoral project, you will complete modules amounting to at least 30 ECTS credits, which can be assigned to the following categories:

  • Scientific working methods
  • Specialized in-depth module
  • Free elective modules, at least at the Master's level, which should be related to the doctoral topic or attendance at summer schools
  • Portfolio module(s) in which credit may be given for the following:
    • Attending at least one national or international conference
    • Presentation of the results from the dissertation in the form of a poster or talk as part of this conference
    • In addition to independent research work, you will be expected to participate in teaching and supervising tasks whenever possible

The faculty's departments offer modules specifically designed for doctoral candidates which are listed in the module catalog.

In addition, modules/courses from other universities and research institutions can be recognized. The choice of modules and other achievements will ideally be determined in close consultation with the supervisor.

Requirements and registration

An application for admission to the doctoral study program may be submitted by all doctoral students accepted to the faculty.

Admission to the program is possible at any time. You can submit the application form to the doctoral committee (promotionnatur@uni-hohenheim.de) at any time. The committee decides on admission and the modules to be completed.  

Funding opportunities

Departments that enable their doctoral students to actively participate in meetings and conferences can apply for a travel allowance through the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (see website of the Faculty N).

Outstanding students of Faculty N are eligible for funding according to the State Graduate Funding Act: