Structure of the LogiCS program

Structure of the LogiCS program (click to enlarge)

The LogiCS program is based on a structured curriculum with compulsory and elective courses. The curriculum comprises predominantly advanced courses, since incoming students are required to hold a Master’s degree (or comparable). In exceptional cases, outstanding students with excellent marks on their Bachelor’s degree can also be admitted.

Duration of the program is three to four years, and students are expected to complete the majority of course work within the first year of their studies. The work load of the courses is awarded in terms of ECTS credits, and one academic year corresponds to approximately 60 ECTS credits, or 1500 to 1800 hours of study). The official language of instruction is English.

Compulsory courses (9 ECTS)

  • Introduction to Logical Methods (3 ECTS)
    In this one-semester course, each faculty member presents an introductory overview of their individual area of expertise. The main goal of this course is to inspire interdisciplinary research and inform the students about the research areas pursued inside LogiCS.
  • Research Seminar (3 ECTS)
    Throughout the program studies, students participate in the research seminar held each term. They present and discuss your current work, which includes dry runs for conference presentations.
  • Research and Career Planning for Doctoral Students (3 ECTS)
    This established and very popular course provides an introduction into the research community in computer science by equipping the students with skills and methodological knowledge that build the basis of a successful career in academia. The course took place with great success in previous years and will be held as an intensive course (over a short period, e.g.~one month) once a year.

Elective courses (9 ECTS)

Elective courses enable the students and their advisors to choose courses according to their needs. The selection of courses will be determined at the beginning of the student’s studies and will be closely aligned with the research topic of the student, providing the required in-depth knowledge of the respective field. Confer the current Master’s courses for some examples.

Guest Lectures

The elective courses also include courses given by guest lecturers. In 2012 to 2013, we had a number of renowned guest lecturers including Dana S. Scott (Carnegie Mellon University), Aaron Bradley (CU Bolder), Diego Calvanese (University of Bolzano), Nikolaos Galatos (University of Denve), Norbert Preining (JAIST), Petr Cintula (Czech Academy of Sciences), Libor Behounek (Czech Academy of Science), Giorgio Levi (University of Pisa), and Bruno Buchberger (University of Linz), giving lectures on topics such as model checking, description logics, universal algebra, fuzzy logic, advanced mathematical logic, and abstract interpretation.

Career Seminar for Female Students

In order to improve the career options and the networks of our female students we provide a special career seminar where Agata Ciabattoni, Laura Kovacs, Martina Seidl, and Magdalena Ortiz act as mentors and supervisors.

Doctoral Thesis (162 ECTS)

A further 162 ECTS are awarded for the doctoral thesis, the research topic of which is chosen by the student’s advisors upon admission.

Stay Abroad

Each student spends at least six months at a university or research institution abroad. The research institutions are chosen to complement the expertise of the student’s advisors.