The defense of your thesis
The defense is a scientific discussion with your examination committee. You will give a short presentation on your doctoral project and then answer questions by the committee.
The organization of your defense
- The defense is organized by you after the review of the dissertation has been completed
- The doctoral committee selects the members of your examination committee.
- You will be informed of the names of the committee members by the doctoral office once the evaluation has been completed.
- You arrange the place and time of the defense with the members of the examination committee and inform the doctoral office at least 4 weeks before the planned examination date
- The doctoral office requires: Place, room and time of the planned examination.
- The official invitation to your defense will be issued by the doctoral committee and sent out by the doctoral office.
The examination proceedings
- Total duration: approx. 60 minutes
- a maximum of 30-minute presentation of the dissertation
- 30 min examination discussion led by the chair of the examination committee
- The examination session mainly deals with topics and questions that are factually or methodologically related to the dissertation.
- Guests: The examination is not open to the public. Authorized members of the faculty may be present and may ask questions, other accepted doctoral candidates for the Dr. rer. nat. may be present in limited numbers if the doctoral candidate agrees.
More questions?
You have any questions? Just have a look at our FAQs. If you cannot find the answers to your questions there, please contact our team in the Doctoral Office.
An overview with all related documents for download is available in our Download Center.