Outline of the Programme

Rotation Period

The programme begins with a 6-month training period, comprising three seven-week research projects in different laboratories. This training period provides the students with a comprehensive practical background of experimental techniques and approaches. It also helps them to familarize with the different labs of the Graduate School and to select a lab for their thesis research. At the same time, the research group leaders have the opportunity to assess the individual students. The decision of the final thesis research lab is made jointly, on the basis of both the students' and the supervisors' priorities.

In outline, we operate this scheme as follows: all accepted students hand in a list of five labs in which they would particularly like to work. Based on these lists, students are assigned to their labs of choice, if possible. At the end of the rotation period, both students and supervisors hand in lists of first, second and third choices of labs and students, respectively. These lists are then used for final thesis lab assignments.

Thesis Research Project

The rotation period is followed by the thesis research project, which should be completed within three years (the maximum length of funding). During this period, the student will be assisted and supported by a Thesis Committee consisting of two experienced scientists (tutors) and the Thesis Advisor. Although most of the time is devoted to the individual research projects, students also give progress reports on a regular basis, participate in journal clubs and attend research seminars and lectures by invited speakers. Further "soft skill" courses, e.g. on scientific presentation and writing, complement the curriculum.

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Thesis Committee

Each student chooses a thesis committee consisting of the supervisor and two further independent scientists.It is recommended that one tutor is from a closely related field and the other from a different field but with supportive complementary expertise. All tutors need to be at least independent group leaders. The committee meets with the student once per year to discuss the planning and progress of the research project and any other matters of importance. The members of the committee read and comment upon the project proposal and the first year report, and also comment on all oral presentations. The thesis committee is involved in the decision about when the experimental work should be considered complete and the student should write up. They are available for discussions and advice to the student on all matters at all times.Thesis committee form sheet

Written and Oral Reports

To offer possibilities for learning to plan a project and identifying with the purpose of the experiment, students will be expected to write a research proposal for their chosen or assigned project within three months of starting work. The project proposal will be discussed with the thesis committee. Format of project proposal
One year later a progress report in the format of a scientific research paper will be submitted which will contain a critical discussion of results and of problems encountered. The two reports, i.e research proposal and first year report, will form the basis for meetings with the thesis committee, following an oral progress report, in which the project and its progress, as well as any other matters of relevance, will be discussed. Format for progress reports
In addition oral reports will be presented to other members of the programme, usually on the occasion of a graduate student symposium or retreat. The oral representations are also attended by the members of the thesis committee and will be followed by a critical assessment and suggestions for improvements, if necessary.

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International Seminars

Students have set up an international conference called Crossroads in Biology now for the third time. They were always able to win speakers of world wide fame covering a variety of scientific fields.

Attendance of Scientific Conferences/Travel Funds

The Graduate School encourages its students to attend scientific conferences. Travel funds are available for students who present their research on a scientific congress (oral or poster presentation) with the endorsement of their advisor.

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Organisational Duties of the Students

Each class is represented by its Spokesperson. This position rotates and every student is expected to take a turn. The Spokesperson's roles include

coordinating the student activities of the Graduate School
keeping a list of speakers for Progress Reports, and a calendar with important dates for the Graduate School
announcing meetings, news, or any date changes for events in the Graduate School
The spokesperson also serves as the primary link between the students and the Administration Office.

Language

The language of the Graduate School is English. Knowledge of German is not required for enrolment as Ph.D. student with the University. The Graduate School provides an intensive course in German during the first semester.