Organisation of Studies
In order to ensure a very varied study programme which offers extensive educational interrelationships, it is especially important to organise studies that as far as possible avoid overlapping in order to fulfil the obligation to provide learning paths that are feasible within the standard course length. This task is fairly unproblematic on single-subject degree programmes, because course planning for a comparatively predictable curricular path can be arranged in advance by the responsible faculties. The issue is far more complex on Master degree programmes where there is a possibility of combining various module packages. Naturally, efforts to avoid overlapping are especially important on two-subject Bachelor degrees, where theoretically far more than 1,000 subject combinations may be chosen. Here, as on the single-subject degree programmes, there are previously arranged study plans for the most important combinations of subjects. Between 400 and 500 of the possible combinations are actually used. In addition, in roughly 30 of these combinations there are only ten or more students in the same cohort. This – entirely desirable – great variety and individuality in the choice of combination of subjects leads to it being impossible to realise a priori plans coordinating every conceivable learning path and also not cost-effective. In order nevertheless to enable students who are affected by this to complete such courses within the standard time, the Faculty of Humanities as lead faculty for the two-subject Bachelor degree has devised a successful strategy to avoid overlapping studies in a combination of subjects, and the elements of this not only benefit the two-subject Bachelor degree but also Master degree programmes with module package combinations.
The strategy covers firstly various scheduling and organising measures, such as agreement of standard timeframes, setting compulsory courses at “traditional” times and double-scheduling of modules. On top of this, the regulations are treated flexibly insofar as courses are polyvalent so that as few modules as possible are required to be taken in a specific order, and to enable easier planning, module descriptions must contain information on the semester structure and rate of recurrence. At a technical level the UniVZ (University course register) portal enables individual timetabling and lecture rooms are equipped to make recordings of courses.
The advise service for students has been expanded so that students can obtain detailed information about the structure and organisation of their studies right from the orientation phase at the beginning of their studies, as well as information on a proper approach to the preparation of their individual timetables in the form of a guideline. On top of this, students receive all relevant information in an a information folder. In future it is also planned to simplify the start of studying by offering video tutorials. One especially important part of the strategy is the support provided by the coordinator of two-subject Bachelor degree programmes. Before semester starts she reviews the times of the courses for the most important subject combinations, indicates in advance where there are conflicts, and coordinates suitable amendments. In addition, students are asked to notify the coordinator of any scheduling conflicts via a form available on the Internet, so she can then work intensively with the degree programme supervisors and/or academic studies advisors and tutors to find an individual solution. Reports of overlaps therefore contribute to subsequent modifications as well as to long-term optimisation of scheduling. Students on a teaching-related profile two-subject Bachelor degree including one science subject – chemistry, physics or mathematics – are offered separate planning of learning paths, taking into account the all-day internships. Development of this strategy has resulted in a clear reduction of reports of overlaps, which indicates that the measures are sound and students can generally be provided with feasible sequences of modules.
In order to support students in special circumstances and with combining studying with caring responsibilities, the Institute of Education (IfE) has a “Vorwahl Tool“(PDF, German, 2,7 MB), which enables the fair and rule-based award of course places when booking courses using the Stud.IP registration system.