6.1 – Master Theses

The master thesis is completed by a written report, an oral presentation with discussion, and a poster. A mark is given for the overall performance. The master thesis is passed with a grade of at least 4.0 (best grade 6.0, worst grade 1.0; . marks). The poster is not graded, but needs to be presented in the ‘Masterfeier’. A failed master thesis can be repeated once, but with a new subject and maybe a new supervisor. (Study Regulations Art 321-3)

The grade consists of:

• Execution of thesis research, written thesis (80 %)
• Oral presentation and defence (20 %)

The following aspects are assessed during execution of the thesis research: Planning, time management, organization, adherence to safety rules and laboratory guidelines, maintaining accurate records, initiative, development of own ideas, critical review of given ideas, independence, co-operation/teamwork, engagement.

The following aspects are assessed in the written report: Deduction and clarity of the research question, reproducibility of the methods used and clarity of the presentation of the relevant results, reproducibility and completeness of the interpretation (in terms of the research question and the discussion of the relevant literature), structure, comprehensibility and formal correctness of the thesis.

The following aspects are assessed during oral presentation: Clarity of the research question, selection and presentation of the most important results, reproducibility of the conclusions, coherence and originality of the presentation, demeanour, use of (audio)visual material, time management, answers to questions.

6.2 – Bachelor Thesis

Bachelor Theses are graded with the same criteria as Master theses (See Section 6.1), with the exception that oral presentation is not a part of the grading, and no poster is necessary. Many groups, however, expect that you give a presentation at the end of the project to the whole research group.