Doctor of Philosophy Programme Biology
Curriculum (2009W)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Duration/ECTS-Credits
6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits
Mode of Study
Full-time
Language
German/English
Requirements
Admission Requirements and Language Certificates
Faculty
Faculty of Biology
Level of qualification
Doctorate (Third Cycle)
ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
ISCED-F
0511 Biology
Study Code
UC 094 xxx | UC 794 650 xxx
Information on the Curriculum (2009W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
- English version of the curriculum (from Ocotber 1 2014)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin September 17 2014, Issue 47, No. 667 (Equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 17 2014, Issue 30, No. 498 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 22 2009, Issue 67, No. 259
- English version of the Curriculum
Requirements
Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
- Diploma Programme Biology
- Teacher Training Programme with Diploma Thesis - Subject Biology and Environmental Protection
- Master's Programme Botany
- Master's Programme Environmental Management of Mountain Areas (EMMA)
- Master's Programme Microbiology
- Master's Programme Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
- Master's Programme Ecology and Biodiversity
- Master's Programme Zoology
- Master's Programme Secondary School Teacher Training (General Education) Subject: Biology and Environmental Protection
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.
The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.
Modules and Dissertation
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Modules 15 ECTS-Credits | Dissertation 150 ECTS-Credits |
| Concept of the Dissertation5 ECTS-Credits Participation in Scientific Discourse5 ECTS-Credits Doctoral Thesis Defense5 ECTS-Credits | The dissertation is a scientific piece of work which – in contrast to a diploma or master thesis – serves to prove the student's ability to cope with scientific questions in an independent way. The dissertation topic has to show a meaningful relationship to one of the master programmes offered at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Innsbruck. The dissertation can also consist of articles that are related in terms of subject matter or methods. The quality criteria mentioned in the curriculum are valid. The student has to propose a team of supervisors, consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee), and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject‐related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor. The student has to communicate the dissertation topic and names of the supervisors in writing to the Director of Studies prior to beginning the work. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the Director of Studies does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal. |
| Elective Modules15 ECTS-Credits | |
| Research Training5 ECTS-Credits Statistics5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Writing and Publishing5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Basics/Core Skills of the Thesis Topic5 ECTS-Credits Generic Skills5 ECTS-Credits |
Qualification Profile and Skills
- The Doctor of Philosophy Programme Biology belongs to the group of studies in the natural sciences.
- Graduates are able to work on issues in the natural sciences on a high level of expertise and in an independent and creative way. They employ modern methods and integrate the current state of knowledge in the respective field.
- Graduates are able to extend and evaluate biological issues as well as to interdisciplinary use the competences acquired.
- Graduates possess scientifically well-founded theory- and method-driven key competences in order to solve problems. In particular, they have interdisciplinary competences that enable adapting to rapidly changing requirements. Apart from the acquisition of highly subject-specific and methodical competences, doctoral students train general scientific and communicative competences which are required for successful performance of a scientific profession, e.g. in the academic, private and public sector. These competences also include the ability to independently present and discuss scientific contents at national and international scientific events as well as to critically analyse own and other scientific results, concepts and experiments. Moreover, they acquire the ability to publish scientific results in suitable form (especially in international scientific journals).
Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate
- Graduates are able to solve problems scientifically well-founded and theory- and method-driven. This competence enables them to elaborate relevant issues scientifically and practice-oriented in their professional fields, such as scientific and managing activities in private and public companies and institutions.
- The Doctor of Philosophy Programme Biology serves to develop and enable independent scientific work as well as to promote young scientists based on diploma and master programmes.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
Occupational activities may include scientific and managerial careers in private and public institutions. In particular, this includes research and teaching activities at universities and other national and international research institutions. Doctoral or research projects can develop into programmes which are subsidized by recognized national or international research funding institutions and in which the main supervisor is involved as the project leader.
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
| A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian grading scheme | Definition | %-age | ||
| 1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance | 81.6 | = 100% | |
| 2 | GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors | 13.5 | ||
| 3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors | 4 | ||
| 4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria | 0.9 | ||
| 5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
December 2021
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Location Technikerstraße 17
Dean of Studies
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Birgit Weinberger
Information portal for Biology Students of the University of Innsbruck
biopage.info