University of Cologne

Nature of the test
The final module examination is a 30-minute combined examination in which the study project is documented in summary form as a scientific poster and presented in a lecture and colloquium.

Formal and content-related examination requirements
The poster should meet the usual design criteria (see http://www.wissenschaftstagung.de/de/programm/anleitung_postergestaltung.pdf) and be in DIN-A-0 format. Where you have your document printed (e.g. in a copy shop or in the university's computer centre) is up to you. A reimbursement of costs by our chair is not possible. The content of your poster is about the presentation of your study project.

It is often a good idea to structure the poster as follows:
1 Introduction
2 Method
3 Results
4 Discussion

The bibliography is not a separate bullet point, but should still be part of your poster. Bring the poster to the exam date. Do not give it to your examiners or examiners in advance.

Period of examination
The examination period begins at the earliest 14 days after the end of the practical semester and ends before 31.03. or before 30.09.

Aim of the examination
The aim of the examination is to document the ability to adapt a research project flexibly to concrete situations, to carry out a project competently, to evaluate the data appropriately and to present or reflect the results competently.

Prerequisite for participation in the examination
1. successful completion of the basic module practical semester (project outline).
2. submission of the confirmation of participation in the ungraded balance sheet and perspective discussion with your supervisors from ZfsL and school at ZfL.
3. submission of the certificate of at least 250 hours of training at school in the ZfL.

Registration and deregistration modalities for the examination
The registration and deregistration for the MAP in the AM practical semester is done via the ZfL.

Procedure of the examination
At least 14 days before the exam, you submit your poster as a DIN A3 printout (Klosterstraße mailbox) plus PDF and the data file (via e-mail). You arrange a 30-minute examination appointment with your examiner. During the exam, you have ten minutes to present your study project along your poster. This is followed by a 20-minute examination interview with questions on the conceptual theoretical and methodological reflection of your study project as well as on the general state of research of the subject area you are examining.

Criteria for evaluating the test
The grade "very good" is awarded for performance that was very clearly above the usual level. The poster met the highest standards. During the examination, the candidates showed that they had extremely sound technical and professional knowledge. They reacted extremely flexibly to critical questions. Candidates were able to incorporate theoretical models and empirical findings at appropriate points in their explanations on the basis of an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and to reflect on them at an unusually high level. At each point of the examination, an outstandingly well internalized ability for critical scientific thinking was demonstrated.

The grade "good" is awarded for performance that was clearly above the usual level. The poster met above-average high standards. During the examination, the candidates showed that they had a sound technical and professional knowledge. They responded flexibly to critical questions. Candidates were able to incorporate theoretical models and empirical findings into their explanations at appropriate points based on a solid understanding of the subject matter and to reflect these at a high level. The candidates showed that they are capable of critical scientific thinking.

The grade "satisfactory" is awarded for performance that corresponded to an acceptable level. The poster met satisfactory standards. During the examination, the candidates showed that they have satisfactory technical and professional knowledge in a large part of their field. Knowledge questions were generally answered correctly. However, a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to think critically and scientifically were not always apparent. Difficulties were sometimes encountered in relating the contents of the examination to common theoretical models and relevant empirical findings.

The grade "sufficient" is awarded for performance that corresponded to a level that was still acceptable. The poster met moderate standards. During the examination, the candidates showed that they had, in part, satisfactory technical and professional knowledge. Many knowledge questions could be answered correctly. However, a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to think critically and scientifically were often not apparent. Overall, the candidates were only to a limited extent able to transfer the contents addressed in the examination to common theoretical models and relevant empirical findings.

The mark "unsatisfactory" is awarded for performance that corresponded to an insufficient level. The poster met low standards. During the examination, the candidates showed that they had some expertise and knowledge, but that there were considerable gaps in this respect. Some knowledge questions could be answered correctly. However, a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to think critically and scientifically were not apparent. Overall, the candidates were not in a position to transfer the contents addressed in the examination to common theoretical models and relevant empirical findings.

The mark "unsatisfactory" is awarded for performance that corresponded to a completely inadequate level. The poster did not meet acceptable standards. During the examination demonstration, the candidates did not demonstrate any technical or professional knowledge. Knowledge questions could not be answered correctly. Offered help was not used. The ability to reflect or to think critically and scientifically was not apparent at any time.

Notification of the result of the examination
The marks will be announced at the end of each examination. The grades are entered after all examinations have taken place (this is the case at the end of the semester at the latest).

Status of the examination
The module grade for the overall grade is 12/120.

Possibilities of repeating the examination
The examination can be repeated twice.