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 completion of the evaluation of the dissertation
  • The examination committee consists of 4 members who are selected by the doctoral 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 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 will be sent by the doctoral office at least 2 weeks before the examination.

The examination procedure

  • Total duration: approx. 30 to 60 minutes
  • Maximum 20-minute presentation on the topic of the dissertation
  • Followed by 15 to 45 minutes of a question and answer session led by the chair of the examination committee
  • Guests: The examination is not open to the public. Accepted doctoral candidates for the Dr. rer. biol. hum., Dr. med. or Dr. med. dent. may be admitted as listeners in limited numbers 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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