Continued Education

Doctoral Degree

The Department of Materials and its research institutes offer the opportunity to take a doctoral degree either in technical sciences (Dr. sc. techn.) or in natural sciences (Dr. sc. nat.). The doctoral program introduces the candidates to current research and represents one of the most important parts of scientific work at the ETH. The doctorate is a proof of ability to carry out independent scientific work at an international level. Admission to the doctoral program requires a diploma from the ETH or an equivalent qualification, and the consent of a professor to supervise the work.

Post-Graduate Studies

Several departments at the ETH offer Post-Graduate studies and courses. Most of them are directed towards graduates working in industry. They usually last for two to four semesters.

Assistants

A limited number of positions for teaching and research assistants is at the disposition of the professors. Assistants look after students in laboratory courses and exercises, and also guide them during their semester- and diploma theses. They additionally help in marking assignments and exams. Besides their educational duties, assistants can also take part in research projects and work on their doctoral thesis. Students who have passed the preliminary exams can also be employed as teaching assistants on a perhour basis.

Teaching Qualification

Students from all departments of the ETH are free to take courses in education during or after their main studies. After passing the corresponding exams, they become eligible as teachers at Swiss high schools.

Materials Science Colloquium

This biweekly event is directed towards the scientific staff at the ETH, as well as visitors from industry and is intended to provide an overview of current research in materials science.

General Education

Two main strategies are open to the engineer in industry for continued education. One consists of the practical work itself, the other in the study of literature and in the participation in conferences and courses. To this end, most courses at the ETH are open to the public. This independent mode of selfeducation depends on the establishment and maintenance of contact to the sources of information.