Courses

Lecture

A lecture is usually held by a professor for the duration of the whole semester on a specific topic. The main aim is to provide an overview of a specific topic. There are usually no discussions during lectures. There is no attendance limit and students are not obliged to attend.

Exercise class

This course type is usually intended for those at the beginning of their studies and to provide an introduction into subject-related themes and problematic. It serves to provide more in-depth information concerning materials discussed in lectures. It aims to encourage discussion between the tutor and students.

Seminar

In a seminar, all participants analyze a predetermined topic under various aspects. Active participation by all students is required. At the end of each semester or the start of the next semester, students are provided with a list of subjects for written reports. In the subsequent seminar sessions, a student or group of students will then give a presentation, which serves as the basis for discussion. There are lower level seminars ("Proseminare"), higher level seminars ("Hauptseminare"), and advanced seminars ("Oberseminare").

Internship

During practical courses, you will have the opportunity to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. There are mandatory practical courses in natural sciences, which are held primarily in the laboratories and practice rooms of the university.

Another type of mandatory practical course enables students to gain practical experience in career fields outside of the university. Students studying to be teachers, for example, have to complete five internships in schools.

If an internship is not required for a specific degree, each student should still try to organize an internship themselves, in order to gain practical experience and make initial contact with potential future employers.

Excursion

Excursions are necessary for subjects such as Biology, Geography, or Art History, in which materials have to be studied in specific locations. Excursions often take place during the lecture-free periods, as longer trips are required.

Tutorial

Tutorials accompany lectures, exercise classes, and seminars and are intended to help first-year students and foreign students in particular. Tutorials are often led by students in advanced semesters or by academic staff in the department.

Colloquium

A colloquium is only intended for students in more advanced semesters. It is a discussion session, to which students are sometimes personally invited by professors. The sessions are used to present current research projects, etc.