Guidelines

Preparatory Studies (Fast Track Programme)

The 2-semester preparatory studies create the base for the independent scientific work in the subsequent research course. Students have to chose one of the three specializations which are related to the master programmes of the faculty.

For details consult the GSCB office and the study regulations for the PhD programme.

Chemistry

18 semester week hours (SWS) lectures/exercises/seminars and 31 SWS practicals (in total 60 CPs) from the chemistry master programme.

Biochemistry

18 semester week hours (SWS) lectures/exercises/seminars and 38 SWS practicals (in total 60 CPs) from the biochemistry master programme.

Molecular Sciences and Simulation

21 semester week hours (SWS) lectures/exercises/seminars and 28 SWS practicals (in total 60 CPs) from the iMOS programme.

Proposal (Exposé)

Within the first three months after admission to the research course of studies a proposal (exposé) for the research programme has to be presented to the examination office. The proposal should discuss the following points:

the research questions that will be investigated
the current state of the research on this subject in the literature
the research methods and techniques that will be applied
The proposals should comprise 3-5 pages.

The Research Course Study Programme

The 6-semester research course of the studies comprises in addition to the independent scientific work, which forms the main part, the following compulsory tasks:

(A) Literature and Methodology Seminar

Two talks (oral progress reports) in internal group seminars have to be attested by the superior.

(B) Contributions to Conferences and Workshops

Oral or poster presentations given at national or international conferences and workshops. Two contributions have to be certified by the supervisor.

(C) 3-Day Scientific Communication Workshop

Presentation and communication workshops (offered e.g. by the RUB Research School). Workshops covering in total 3 days have to be attested.

(D) Modern Aspects of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Regular participation in advances lectures in chemistry, biochemistry or related fields, workshops or methodology seminars. Attendance has to be attested by the lecturer. Workload should be around 30 hours contact time (2 SWS).

(E) Subsidiary Subject Lectures

The subsidiary subject lecture(s) may be choschen from the lectures of the Master programmes in chemistry or biochemistry or from other faculties and must cover a volume of 4-6 semester weekly hours (SWS). The chosen subject area must not be too close to the research topic or courses attended in the previous study programmes. The selection of courses has to be approved by the examination office (see subsidiary lectures approval form). The course(s) must be concluded with an oral or written examination, which must be passed, but can be either graded or ungraded. Attestation is given by the examiner on the exam protocol sheet, which is forwarded to the GSCB office for filing.