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Institute of Oceanography

Photo: © Arra Vais – stock.adobe.com

First Semester

All modules in the first semester of study are compulsory for all students. They take the modules Mathematics 1 and Physics 1 to acquire the mathematical and physical foundations. Parallel to this, there is an introduction to the Physics of the Earth System 1, which provides an initial overview of the Earth system and its subsystems. Students learn about the subject areas of geophysics, oceanography and meteorology. Within this module, there is an Introduction to Python to acquire initial programming skills, which are required as a basis for various subsequent modules.

Work load: The first semester comprises 20 on-campus hours per week during the semester and a 2-week block course in the semester break. During the course of the semester, students are advised to complete the take-home exercises. Towards the end of the semester, students must complete two graded written exams and one graded written home work.

Modules of the first semester [weekly work hours on-campus]:

  • Module Mathematics 1 [6 SWS]
    • Lecture Mathematics 1 for Earth System Physics students [4 SWS]
    • Exercises for Mathematics 1 for Earth System Physics students (in small groups) [2 SWS]
  • Module Physics 1 [11 SWS]
    • Lecture Physics 1 [4 SWS]
    • Lecture Introduction to Theoretical Physics 1 [4 SWS]
    • Exercises in Physics 1 and Introduction to Theoretical Physics 1 (in small groups) [3 SWS]
  • Module Physics of the Earth System 1 [5 SWS]
    • Lecture Physics of the Earth System 1 [3 SWS]
    • Block course Introduction to Python Programming (in the semester break) [2 SWS]

For an examplary week schedule of the first semester, see Documents > WiSe 2025/26.