The 2nd year examination takes place a year after the 1st year examination. The 2nd year examination is organized by the candidate, who contacts the examiners and agrees on a date and place. The presentation should include an introduction which puts the candidate's own work into the context of the latest developments in the field, and systematically present the data obtained so far and the objectives for the remaining work of the thesis.
The examination consists of a 30-40 minute public scientific presentation conducted in the presence of the thesis committee, followed by a discussion about the research. The presentation and discussion should include an outlook on the final phase of the project.
The presentation is held at a regular colloquium or seminar series at an institute or clinic that is part of the GHS program. Online examinations are permitted if at least one examiner is present with the candidate.
The presentation is followed by a public discussion of 15 to max. 60 minutes, moderated by the thesis advisor or co-thesis advisor, during which examiners and audience ask critical questions and involve the candidate in a scientific discourse. After the public discussion, a closed discussion is held between the candidate and the examiners only.
The examination is assessed by three examiners. One examiner must be thesis advisor or co-thesis advisor. If both the thesis advisor and the co-thesis advisor participate, they express one common grade. The second examiner must be the co-referee and the third must be chosen from the following options: a member of the candidate's Expert Committee (FK) or an independent lecturer from the faculties involved. An independent lecturer is a person who has their own research project (not dependent on a supervisor), even if they are not a PD. The person should also be involved in teaching (lecturer). It should be someone with whom the candidate does not share projects or publications, therefore not a lecturer from the candidate's own group. Please see also the supervision overview table.
In the 2nd year examination record, the points that should be included in the closed discussion and the grading criteria are listed.
The grades are recorded on the 2nd year examination record. The signed form must be submitted to the GHS Coordinator with the GHS Office in cc.
An unsatisfactory 2nd year examination can be retaken once within three months.
