Frequently asked questions
Also that varies between different universities. At the faculty of mathematics and natural sciences at the Technische Universität Dresden, the actual defense, after the dissertation has been accepted by the committee, consists of a so-called 'Rigorosum' (non-public exam about two selected topics, ca. 45 minutes) and a public disputation. The latter comprises a talk by the PhD student (ca. 30 minutes), followed by a public scientific discussion. There is also an alternative procedure to the 'Rigorosum', which allows you to do the two exams beforehand. If you choose this option, it has to be approved by the faculty and there is an additional requirement to attend lectures in the amount of 20 SWS ('Semesterwochenstunden' - number of hours per week in a given term). Some of the lectures offerd within the IMPRS can count as such. PLEASE NOTE: These are just guidelines provided by the IMPRS to help you plan your PhD, which have no formal/legal validity! Below, you can find some official links / forms of the faculty of mathematics and natural sciences at the Technische Universität Dresden on this topic.
- helpful guidelines (in English)
- Promotionsordnung (in English)
- Ordnung für das Promotionsstudium (in English)
- Form to apply for alternative rigorosum
- Form to confirm attendance of the 20 SWS of lectures
Further help can be found in the PhD student Wiki of the mpipks (only accessable from within mpipks).
This depends on the university from which the PhD degree is to be awarded. At the Technische Universität Dresden, there may indeed be some teaching obligations: tutoring exercise groups or supervising undergraduate labs for one or two terms. Note that this also applies if you are not affiliated with the TUD but another partner institution in Dresden such as MPI-PKS or MPI-CPfS. This is because the degree awarding institution determines the teaching requirements.