Teaching

Some information put together by Christian Fendt in September 2008, some points could be outdated! Please help to improve this page and keep it up to date. Feel free to add and change information.

In the past, the rules did differ from institute to institute and also changed in time. What should count in the end is the paper you have signed when you registred at the faculty (one of these German forms which are now also vailable in English).

The teaching duties are counted in units of a "Semester-Deputat" corresponding to either

  • 2 SWS (2 hours per week during the semester) supervising lecture exercises during the semester plus preparation/ corrections, or
  • 6-8 SWS (2 afternoons each 3-4 hours) lab course during the semester, or
  • Similarly a lab course as block course (4 weeks) between the semesters ("Ferienpraktikum").

The current rule says that at least one Semester-Deputat of teaching is "expected" during the three years before you finally register for your defense/examination (see attached form).

There are several options for doing teaching

  • To help supervising the "Astronomisches Praktikum" (Contact: Jochen Heidt)
  • To supervise one of the two the astronomy experiments for the physics undergraduate students (located at MPIA).
  • Tutorials for the astronomy courses (practical courses besides the lectures). Please, check with the lecturers directly (e.g. Ralf Klessen for Theoretical Astrophysics, Eva Grebel for Galaxies etc.). Master students are required to take part in these practicals.
  • Tutorials for physics courses, topics are changing every semester (e.g. Atomic/Quantum Physics, Statistical Mechanics).
  • Tutorials for physics lab courses (rarely).
  • Beginner's lab classes in Physics are given every semester. This is for Physics students as well as students who have a different major but have to do Physics anyways like Geo-scientists or Medicine students. These classes have to be given in German.

For the most of these you have to check every semester. Please, also ask you supervisor for help.

Proof of duty fulfillment

According to Christian Fendt (15 Sep 09) you need a certificate that you have fulfilled your teaching duty. You should contact the lecturer / lab leader for this.