The AIUB has its research focus on fundamental astronomy, most likely the oldest branch of astronomy. In the academic curriculum the Astronomical and the Physical Institutes of the University of Bern offer the astronomy and astrophysics modules in the bachelor and master programs of the university of Bern.
Combining observational skills and theoretical work has tradition at the AIUB. Modern observations are performed at the Zimmerwald observatory. The observation methods include astrometric positions of natural and artificial celestial bodies, distances, and distance differences of artificial Earth satellites.
