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.

Seminar meeting

The organization of your defense

  • The defense is organized by you after the review of the dissertation has been completed
  • The examination committee consists of the reviewers of your dissertation.
  • 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. 30 to 60 minutes
  • 15-minute presentation of the dissertation
  • 15 to 45 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. A limited number of doctoral candidates who have been accepted for the Dr. rer. biol. hum., Dr. med. or Dr. med. dent. may be admitted as listeners if the doctoral candidate has no objections.

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.
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