Special Edition International Doctoral Student Round Table Let Us Keep in Touch
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C A U Nachkontaktprogramm des International Center 2007 Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel kieler anker Cluster of Excellence University of Kiel is family-oriented Bachelor and Master in Kiel special edition International doctoral student round table let us keep in touch Dear Alumni, dear readers, Welcome to a new edition of the English “Kieler Anker”! Numerous projects have gotten underway since the CAU Kiel succeeded in its application for the Excellence-Cluster “The Future Ocean”. One of these is the Integrated School of Ocean Sciences (ISOS), which we would like to introduce to you in this edition. We are also able to report that the application by a Kiel research group for a second excellence cluster, “Inflammation at Interface”, has likewise succeeded. A few things have changed here at the CAU: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are now being offered in most subjects, there’s a new legislation for all universities in Schleswig-Holstein, and we have been commended as a ‘family-oriented university’ by the German government’s Family Minister. We hope that the contributions to this edition arouse your interest. Please don’t hesitate to send us any comments about or suggestions for our magazine. With many thanks Dr. Martina Schmode Director of the International Center index 01 let us keep in touch research in kiel 08 integrated school of ocean sciences (ISOS) launched 12 excellence cluster and graduate schools successful inside cau 04 bachelor’s and master’s in kiel—new program structures for europe 10 university of kiel commended with certificate as family-oriented university 15 new legislation for schleswig-holstein's universities foreign students in kiel 03 international doctoral student round table 16 imprint 2 foreign students in kiel international doctoral student round table A scholar coming to Kiel as a doctoral student from a foreign country doesn’t always have an easy time meeting people. The doctoral student round table at the University of Kiel can help. Foreign students who come to Kiel as undergrads have a variety of ways to meet new people in this initially strange place. The International Center holds an orientation program twice a year at the beginning of each semester designed to help students get star- ted in their new city. Also, there are tutors in indivi- dual departments that provide practical help and advice. At the very latest, students meet regularly in lectures and seminars, where they get to know each other quickly. Foreign doctoral students have a harder time in this respect. Since they’ve already got their first degree, they aren’t taking classes any more. The staff of the International Center and foreign tutors can offer prac- tical help and advice, but the questions that foreign Some of the visitors of the Kiel Week-Meeting doctoral students have are sometimes very specific Photo by: Daniela Sonders / CAU Kiel or unusual, and don’t always have to do with the uni- versity. One might be just looking for friends or for in the group, who are from Kiel, revealed the insider people to do things with. The international doctoral locations that everyone should definitely check out. student round table provides help. Doctoral students from different countries and disciplines meet once a Every participant describes the international doctoral month to exchange experiences and information, students’ round table as a thoroughly positive and discuss problems, or just to be social. helpful experience and many people find themselves looking for the email announcing the next meeting as The round table is run by Fabiana Farias, who is also early as the following morning. active with the Brasilian Student group “Opeba SH”. (ds) It has been initiated by the International Center in order to support doctoral students´integration. Contact: Interested doctoral students stay in touch via a mai- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel ling list, and new members are always welcome. International Center The current meeting time can be found on the Tel: + 49 (0) 431/880-3716 International Center web site. German doctoral stu- Fax: + 49 (0) 431/880-1666 dents who want to improve their contacts to their foreign colleagues are of course also welcome. In June, the round table was held during Kiel Week at the International Market, where numerous coun- tries peddle their foods and beverages at colorful booths. Eleven doctoral students from different parts of the world met to check out the Rwandan cous- cous, listen to live music from Britain, or try Belgian beer or Danish soft-serve. Meanwhile, the concert line-up of Kiel Week was discussed in a mix of Ger- man, English, and Portugese, and the “old hands” 3 inside cau bachelor’s and master’s in kiel — new program structures for europe Starting winter semester 07/08, students will pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs according to the “Kiel Model”, so that programs of study are compatible internationally. This is especially noteworthy for international students. It began in Bologna, Italy: The European education career goals. In addition, international student mobi- ministers gathered there in 1999 and decided to crea- lity and degree recognition is to be improved. The te a coordinated framework for European universi- evaluation process serves primarily to ensure and ties, to which the programs of study in 45 European reinforce the overall quality of higher education. countries are to be adapted by the year 2010 (the “Bologna process”). Along with the already existing single-subject In the ministers’ statement, they called for the intro- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, there will also duction of a two-tiered degree system (Bachelor’s/ be two-subject Bachelor’s and Master’s programs Master’s degree programs), the introduction of a accommodating public school teachers’programs grade-point system linked to the so-called European and the study of additional subjects. Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and a restructuring of studies by the introduction of content modules. The The University of Kiel is offering the following new goal is the formation of comparable programs and degrees as of October 2007: degrees among Europe’s universities. - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.), Kiel is implementing these changes beginning in which will be granted in language and cultural stu- winter semester 07/08. All existing magister and dies, sports studies, social sciences, arts, and eco- public school teacher’s programs, as well as many nomics Diplom programs, are being adapted into Bachelor’s - Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Science and Master’s programs. These have been accredited (M.Sc.), granted in natural sciences, mathematics, by the agencies AQAS and ASIIN, which review and agriculture, forestry, nutrition, economics, and engi- evaluate the new programs and judge whether they neering fulfill general and subject-specific standards. - Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Master of This is based upon an evaluation of the structure and Engineering (M.Eng.), granted in the engineering content of a program by independent experts. The sciences evaluation process seeks to reinforce the quality of - Master of Education (M.Ed.), granted in pedagogy. teaching and to establish whether the programs of study are in fact feasible and relevant for students’ Program Structure, Modules, ECTS A Bachelor’s program leads to a post-secondary degree that, by itself, shall constitute qualification for employment. Bachelor’s studies, which will normally last three years, provide a foundation of formal study for numerous professions. The presumption is that first and foremost basic knowledge of the science and methods of a discipline, but also other key com- petencies such as creativity, flexibility, teamwork skills, the ability to recognize interrelationships, and the assumption of responsibility all make an essenti- al contribution to a good career start. A student may begin a Master’s program only after exceptional success in completing a Bachelor's degree. A Master’s program generally takes two years and may begin either directly following the Photo by: Jürgen Haacks /CAU Kiel completion of a Bachelor’s degree or later, for exam- 4 inside cau ple after several years of professional experience. A Master’s program provides in-depth knowledge for specific professions and prepares students for acade- mic paths. Under certain conditions, doctoral studies are possible. All Bachelor’s and Master’s programs consist of coor- dinated modules – these are units of study that are linked in method and content. Working through a module typically takes one semester, or at most one academic year. There are three kinds of modules: a) basic modules b) advanced modules and c) extension modules. They are offered as required modules, required elec- Another novelty is the introduction of a “Diploma tive modules, and elective modules. There are also Supplement”. In addition to the final transcripts interdisciplinary modules providing additional quali- reflecting work done in Bachelor’s and Master’s pro- fications. Modules consist of courses of various for- grams, this document provides information about the mats, such as lectures, labs, and seminars. Students contents of the program studied and shall serve gain content knowledge of their majors and other future employers at home or abroad as a means of skills that correspond to education goals set by the evaluating the degree received. It gives information university. Every module includes at least one exami- especially about the requirements for acceptance to nation, which is calculated into a student’s final ave- the program, the standards of the program, the cour- rage. se of studies pursued, and about the status of the In Germany, the standard length of studies for a granting institution. Bachelor’s program is six semesters (= three years). The “diploma supplement” shall also facilitate the A Master’s program typically lasts four semesters process should a student wish to transfer to a diffe- (= two years).