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) Interdisciplinary Lecture Programme

Regular participation in GSCB, HLN or similar interdisciplinary colloquia. Details of eight lectures have to be stated on the course completion form.

(B) Modern Aspects of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Inter-departmental seminars/colloquia and advanced lectures. Regular participation in such lectures covering at least two semesters have to be attested by the supervisor or lecturer on the course completion form.

(C) Scientific Communication

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

(D) Literature and Methodology Seminars

These are internal group or departmental seminars. Two talks (oral progress reports) have to be attested by the supervisors.

(E) Doctoral Research Seminars and Conferences

Oral or poster presentations given in external seminars, workshops or conferences.
Two achievement certificates have to be approved by the Graduate School or the supervisor.

(F) Project-planning and execution *

At the end of the first year a written progress report as well a project (i.e. work) plan for the following 2 years of study have to be presented. Progress report and project plan should be of the order of 10 pages.

(G) Subsidiary Subject Lectures **

The subsidiary subject lecture(s) may be chosen from the lectures of the Master's programmes in chemistry or biochemistry or from other faculties and must cover a volume of 4-6 semester week hours (SWS). The chosen subject area must not have a too close affinity to the research topic or courses attended in the previous study programms. The selection of courses has to be approved by the examination office.

* - if admitted according to the study rules from 2002:

The documents have to be discussed with the supervisor.
- if admitted according to the study rules from 2016:
A summary of the research progress and work plan have to be presented in a research group seminar and the project progress and work plan have to be discussed with both supervisors. Minutes with the conclusions from the discussion with the supervisors have to be presented to the examination office. The seminar talk counts as one achievement for (D).

** - if admitted according to the study rules from 2002:
The achievement certificate is graded and consistes of a 30-45 minute oral examination. Attestation is given by the examiner on the exam protocol which is forwarded to the GSCG office for filing.
- if admitted according to the study rules from 2016:
The achievement certificate can be graded or ungraded, but the course(s) must be concluded with an oral or written examination which must be passed. Attestation is given by the examiner on the exam protocol which is forwarded to the GSCG office for filing.

You can find all detailed information and guidelines in the download area.