BIGS-Land and Food is an integral part of the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences at the University of Bonn, serving as a dynamic hub for education and research. Our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary excellence has led us to establish a specialized organizational structure that fully embodies this ethos.
As depicted below, BIGS-LF stands firmly on multiple pillars: the various institutes within the faculty and interdisciplinary research projects. This distinctive foundation ensures the creation of a Graduate School that seamlessly accommodates the diverse needs of PhD students within the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences.
At BIGS-Land and Food, we are providing a meticulously designed structured PhD program. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the tailored experience that awaits each student. Each student is entrusted to a dedicated Thesis advisory Committee (TAC), consisting of a minimum of two principal scientists affiliated with the graduate school. This collective expertise ensures comprehensive guidance and mentorship throughout the academic journey.
Collaboratively, the student and their TAC engage in formulating a personalized course program that aligns seamlessly with the student's research trajectory. Beyond the conventional classroom setting, we actively encourage students to broaden their horizons through research visits abroad. This international exposure enriches perspectives and fosters cross-cultural learning, ultimately enhancing the quality of research outcomes.
Furthermore, active participation in national and international congresses, as well as courses offered by our partner institutions, is not just encouraged, but embraced. These opportunities provide a platform for students to showcase their findings, engage with peers, and expand their intellectual network. This interconnectedness amplifies the academic experience and propels students towards becoming adept contributors to the global academic discourse.
At BIGS-Land and Food, we're not just nurturing scholars; we're cultivating leaders who will shape the future of land and food sciences. Join us in this transformative journey where structured guidance, international exposure, and collaborative enrichment converge to empower your pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Module Structure
The curriculum of BIGS-Land and Food is structured into three comprehensive modules: Mandatory, Scientific, and Miscellaneous. These modules have been meticulously crafted to provide a holistic learning experience. Each doctoral student enrolled in BIGS-LF is expected to accumulate credit points (CP) within these modules, as illustrated. To offer a sense of scale, the workload of a standard day accounts for 0.5 CP. Upon the accumulation of 15 credits, the BIGS-LF final certificate will be awarded, signifying successful completion of the program.
Customizable Course Plan
At BIGS-LF, we understand that each doctoral student's journey is unique. Hence, we emphasize flexibility by empowering our students to design their individualized course program in conjunction with their dedicated supervisors. This approach ensures that the program aligns seamlessly with the demanding requirements of doctoral studies. It's important to note that course sizes are often limited to maintain quality interactions, which might impact enrollment availability. To overcome this, we encourage proactive planning and recommend charting your individual study path well in advance. Your proactive approach will enhance your chances of securing a spot in your preferred courses.
Dr. Arnim Kuhn
BIGS-LF coordinator
Katzenburgweg 9
53115 Bonn