Program Overview

Program Overview

The Public Understanding of Science doctoral program encompasses the writing of a dissertation on one's own independent scientific research work. The program includes a curricular component of at least 12 ECTS credits. The curricular component is determined individually for each doctoral student by the Promotionskommission, taking into account the specific environment of the research area. In addition, doctoral students must regularly attend scientifically relevant conferences or summer schools for their dissertation. Regular participation in research seminars is mandatory. Furthermore, doctoral students must take on at least one teaching assignment per semester.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program is generally based on the University of Zurich's admission regulations (VZS). Admission to the doctoral program requires a university master's degree or an equivalent university degree. The dissertation project must be approved by a professor from the Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät or a person with the right to award doctorates from the Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät. There is no entitlement to admission. Admission can be conditional on additional academic achievements. Conditions must be met before entering the doctoral program, and additional requirements can be fulfilled during the doctoral program. Conditions and/or additional requirements may not exceed 60 ECTS credits in total. They are based on the requirements of the field in which the dissertation is to be written. The Prodekanin Lehre or the Prodekan Lehre decides on admission, recognition of equivalent degrees, and any conditions and/or additional requirements.

Program Details

• ECTS Credits: 12 ECTS credits
• Degree: Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. sc. nat.)
• Primary Language of Instruction: English
• Research Areas: Public Understanding of Science

General Information

• Semester Periods:
  • Herbstsemester 2025: 15 September 2025 - 20 December 2025
  • Frühjahrssemester 2026: 16 February 2026 - 30 May 2026
• Mobility Programs: Available

Program Director

Kai Niebert

Offered By

Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Additional Information

• Regulations: Available
• Lecture Offerings: Available
• Glossary: Explanations for dotted underlined terms are available by hovering over the word.