Graduation Studies - Programme Survey
During the six semester of the Graduation studies the PhD students shall be able to complete a scientific thesis. Besides this PhD thesis the Graduation studies comprise an oral examination (defence) at the end of the studies and three mandatory modules in the form of seminars. A total amount of 180 credits (ECTS) will be awarded and every seminar as well as the Doctoral thesis and the defence will be graded indiviually. All grades will be included in the calculation for the final grade.
The language of instruction and research is English. Research studies abroad may be integrated.
PhD thesis and defence
The Doctoral research shall be based on interdisciplinary and / or international topics. It is necessary to consider the international status of research in the desired research area. A crucial point for a PhD research is to get new scientific findings.
The Graduation studies will be finalised with the oral examination / defence. The PhD student presents his research work for 30 minutes which will be followed by 40 minutes of scientific discussion.
Seminar Description
- Research areas
All three seminars are a mandatory part of the Graduation studies. Therefore it is necessary that the PhD students are present at the university during the lecture periods. Examination is usually done in form of presentations and / or reports which will be graded and included in the final grade.
Seminar Scientific Working
This seminar provides basic and specific skills for scientific working, e.g. test design, test analysis, application of statistical methods. Two hours per week are reserved for the seminar in the 1st and the 2nd semester.
Postgraduate Research Seminar
Regular presentations of the student’s working-process and discussion with professers and fellow students are put across. The seminar takes place 2 hours per week all six semesters.
Seminar Latest Developments in Environmental Research
Internal and external scientists give scientific lectures about current research topics. PhD students have to take part once in the seminar and contribute with a presentation (speech or poster) related to the annual topic. Further, preparation and rework for the seminar is part of the workload. Four hours per week during one semester is reserved for the seminar.