All modules in the second semester of study are compulsory for all students. They continue to acquire the mathematical and physical foundations by taking the modules Mathematics 2 and Physics 2. In the lecture Physics of the Earth System 2 students learn about the relationships between geophysical, oceanographic and meteorological processes in the Earth system, including possible geohazards, and their interactions with the climate system. In Basics of Academic Research students get an introduction to scientific practices such as literature research, writing scientific texts and preparing presentations. These skills are required in the subsequent modules, especially in the final Bachelor’s thesis.

Work load: The second semester comprises 22 on-campus hours per week. In addition, students are advised to complete the take-home exercises. At the end of the semester, students must complete two graded written exams and one graded written home work. Additionally, a presentation may be required.

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

• Module Mathematics 2 [6 SWS]
  • Lecture Mathematics 2 for Earth System Physics students [4 SWS]
  • Exercises for Mathematics 2 for Earth System Physics students (in small groups) [2 SWS]
• Module Physics 2 (Electrodynamics and Optics) [10 SWS]
  • Lecture Physics 2 [4 SWS]
  • Lecture Introduction to Theoretical Physics 2 [3 SWS]
  • Exercises in Physics 2 and Introduction to Theoretical Physics 2 (in small groups) [3 SWS]
• Module Physics of the Earth System 2 [6 SWS]
  • Lecture Physics of the Earth System 2 [4 SWS]
  • Lecture and Exercises Basics of Academic Research [2 SWS]

For an examplary week schedule of the second semester see Documents > Summer term 2026.