Grammar school/comprehensive school & vocational college
Teaching Chemistry - Bachelor of Arts
Many people only think of formulas and Erlenmeyer flasks when they think of chemistry. But chemistry is so much more! With the help of chemistry, for example, we can explain many exciting everyday phenomena, design new materials or bring a little "magic" into our lives through fascinating experiments.
In a teacher training course in chemistry, you will learn the most important concepts of chemistry in theory and practice. You will also learn how you can pass on your enthusiasm for the subject to your pupils later on.
Overview
Overview
Overview
Announcements & Dates
For prospective students
Are you interested in studying to become a chemistry teacher in the Gymnasium/Gesamtschule (GG) or Berufskolleg (BK) study profiles? Then you will find detailed information on the following pages to help you get started on our degree courses.
At the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL) you will find a lot of general information about the teacher training courses at the University of Cologne, including helpful information on application and counseling services.
Structure of the study program
The Bachelor's degree program has a modular structure. Credit points (CP) are achieved by successfully completing the modules. The Bachelor's degree program comprises a total of 180 credit points, of which
- 69 CP in the subject Chemistry,
- 69 CP in the second subject,
- 18 CP in the educational sciences,
- 12 CP in the practical phases,
- 12 CP for the Bachelor's thesis.
The regulations on the structure of the degree program and the examinations are legally binding in the examination regulations are legally binding. The information presented here serves as a guide, but is not legally binding.
Below you will find an overview of the modules in Chemistry with helpful information. Detailed module descriptions can be found in the module handbook.
The sample course of study shown is for guidance only and can be adapted to suit individual requirements. It is recommended that you make use of a student advisory service to plan your personal course of study.
Modules of the study program
B01: General Chemistry (9 CP)
In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of general chemistry, such as atomic structure, the periodic table of elements, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base reactions.
- Foundation Module, scheduled for the 1st semester
- is offered every winter semester
- Lecture, Exercise Session, Seminar, and Semester-long Practical Training
- Module Final Examination: Written Exam
- Prerequisite Module: Successful completion of this module is a prerequisite for admission to all modules from the 3rd semester onwards
B02: Inorganic Chemistry (9 CP)
In this module, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the chemical elements, their compounds, and their reactivity.
- Basic Module, scheduled for the 2nd subject semester
- is offered every summer semester
- Lecture, Seminar, and Semester-long Internship
- Module Final Examination: Oral
B03: Fundamental Aspects of Subject-Specific Didactics (6 CP)
In this module, you will become acquainted with the fundamentals of chemistry didactics, as well as the theory-guided analysis and reflection of chemistry-related teaching and learning situations.
- Basic Module, scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd subject semesters
- The lecture "Fundamental Aspects of Subject Didactics" and the seminar "Introduction to Academic Work" are offered every summer semester.
- The seminar "Fundamental Aspects of Subject Didactics" is offered every winter semester.
- Includes inclusion-oriented topics corresponding to 2 CP.
- Module Completion Examination: Written Exam
B04: Organic chemistry (12 CP)
In this module, you will gain an overview of the classes of organic compounds, as well as their properties and reactions.
- Basic Module, scheduled for the 3rd semester
- is offered every winter semester
- Lecture, exercise session, seminar, and practical course. The seminar and practical course are offered as block courses during the lecture-free period.
- Module Completion Examination: Written Exam
B05: Specialization in Chemistry and Chemistry Education (6 CP)
In this module, you will become familiar with concrete concepts for lesson design and apply them. The content of Module B03, "Fundamental Aspects of Subject-Specific Didactics," is presupposed and expanded upon here.
- Advanced Module, intended for the 4th semester
- is offered every summer semester
- Seminar on Subject-Specific Learning and Communication Processes
- Semester-long Internship: "School-Oriented Experimentation"
- Includes inclusion-oriented topics equivalent to 3 CP.
- Final Examination: Term Paper
B06: Physical chemistry (6 CP)
In this module, you will learn, among other things, the fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and electrochemistry.
- Basic Module, intended for the 4th semester
- is offered every summer semester
- Lecture with Integrated Exercises, Semester-long Practical Course
- Module Completion Exam: Written Exam
B07: Structure of Matter (6 CP)
In this module, you will explore atomic models as well as the interaction between light and matter, thereby gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.
- Advanced Module, scheduled for the 5th semester
- is offered every winter semester
- Lecture with Integrated Exercises
- Module Final Examination: Oral
B08: Analytical Methods in Chemistry (6 CP)
In this module, you will gain an overview of key analytical methods. You will learn their operating principles and discover which analyses each method is suitable for.
- Advanced Module, scheduled for the 5th semester
- is offered every winter semester
- Lecture with Integrated Exercises
- Module Final Examination: Oral
B09: Elective: Chemistry (6 CP)
In this module, you can delve deeper into a specialized field of your choice. If you intend to write your Bachelor's thesis in Chemistry, it is recommended that you complete this elective module in the same specialized field as your thesis.
- Advanced Module, intended for the 5th or 6th semester.
- Options:
- Inorganic Chemistry: offered every semester; intensive practical course during the lecture-free period.
- Organic Chemistry: offered every semester; block practical course during the lecture-free period.
- Physical Chemistry: offered every winter semester.
- Biochemistry: offered every winter semester; block practical course.
- Nuclear Chemistry: offered every semester.
- Theoretical Chemistry: offered every summer semester.
- Macromolecular Chemistry: offered every winter semester.
MNF-B: Scientific Foundations (3 CP)
- Supplementary module; may be taken in any semester.
- Lectures may be selected from the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography.
- If your minor subject is not housed within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, you may choose from the four options mentioned above.
- If your second major is also housed within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, you must complete Module MNF-B in two different subjects. In doing so, you select from the three remaining subjects that do not correspond to your teaching subjects.
- The module final examination must be passed; however, the result does not count towards the overall grade.
- If you have questions regarding the recording of your academic achievements, please contact the Examination Office for the respective subject:
Bachelor's Thesis
You may complete your Bachelor's thesis in Chemistry (either in the subject discipline or in subject didactics), in your second subject, or in Educational Sciences. Detailed information regarding the Bachelor's thesis is available from the ZfL.
If you wish to write your Bachelor's thesis in Chemistry and require guidance on this matter, please contact your academic advisor or the designated contact persons for the respective departments.
Please note that—regardless of your chosen subjects - you must provide proof of foreign language proficiency prior to registering for your Bachelor's thesis.
Important contact persons
Subject-Specific Academic Advising & Program Coordination
Examinations Office
Marion Danitz
(Representation: Eva Groth-Lüdtke)
Mail: marion.danitz(at)uni-koeln(dot)de
Tel.: 0221-470 2239
Office: HS 118
Office hours: Wed, 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Examination Committee
Chairmanship: Prof. Dr. Klas Lindfors
(Representation: Prof. Dr. Uwe Ruschewitz)
Mail: klas.lindfors(at)uni-koeln(dot)de
Tel.: 0221-470 4265
Office: PC 135
Management, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Erasmus Coordinators
Dr. Heike Henneken Mail: heike.henneken(at)uni-koeln(dot)de Tel.: 0221-470 1791 | Dr. Carmen Wellmann Mail: carmen.wellmann(at)uni-koeln(dot)de Tel.: 0221-470 91166 |
|---|
Additional Resources
- Contacts and Office Hours in Chemistry Education
- Additional Examination Offices within the Faculty (Module MNF-B):
- Center for Teacher Education (ZfL; central point of contact for all teacher training students, including the Joint Examination Office, information on applications, contacts, module handbooks, and examination regulations)
- Central Academic Advising (including interdisciplinary study counseling)
- Student Services (including applications, admissions, and enrollment)
- ITCC (including student accounts, smail, and software)
- Additional Counseling and Service Offerings at UzK
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is the right contact person for my inquiry?
In the Field of Chemistry
Academic Advising / Program Coordination
Dr. Hanna Krikcziokat
Academic Advising is your point of contact for general questions or issues regarding your studies - for example:
- Assistance with individual study planning
- Scheduling your timetable
- Selection of elective modules or the specific field for your thesis/final project
- Taking Master’s-level coursework in advance
- Problems related to your studies in general or within specific modules
- Recognition of academic credits
Examination Office
Marion Danitz
Deputy: Eva Groth-Lüdtke
The Examination Office is your point of contact for all formal matters related to the administration of your academic records - for example:
- Registration for courses
- Registration for and withdrawal from exams
- Recording of exam results and credits
Examination Board
Chair: Prof. Dr. Klas Lindfors
Deputy: Prof. Dr. Uwe Ruschewitz
The Examination Board is an elected body responsible for making substantive decisions - for example, regarding:
- Compensation for disadvantages (special accommodations)
- Authorization/Proxies
- Hardship cases
- Special cases
For Broader Concerns
- Center for Teacher Education (ZfL - the central point of contact for all teacher training students; services include the Joint Examination Office, information on applications, contact persons, module handbooks, and examination regulations)
- Central Academic Advising Service - includes interdisciplinary academic counseling
- Student Services Office - handles applications, admissions, and enrollment
- ITCC — handles student accounts, smail (student email), software access, etc.
- Additional Counseling and Service Offerings at UzK
What should I do if the scheduled courses in Chemistry clash with those in my second major?
Due to the many possible subject combinations in teacher training programs, it is unfortunately not always possible to guarantee a schedule free of overlaps. Often - particularly for compulsory courses - various scheduling options are offered so that you can combine them in a way that suits you best. If you require assistance in planning your semester, please feel free to sign up for an academic advising appointment.
I have previously studied at another university or in a different degree program. Can I have the credits I have already earned recognized?
If the academic coursework you have completed corresponds in terms of content and scope, it may be recognized. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon application. To initiate this process, please schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Service and submit your documents (records of achievement and, where applicable, module descriptions) via email in advance.
Do I need to register for courses, and if so, how do I do that?
Registration is required for every course, either via Klips 2.0 or by email to the Examinations Office. Course registration typically takes place during defined enrollment periods via Klips 2.0. Particularly within the Master's program, there are also courses for which schedules are arranged individually with the instructors; consequently, these courses cannot be registered for via Klips 2.0. In such cases, registration must be submitted to the Examinations Office via email - following prior arrangement with the instructors - and must include the student's matriculation number, the project title, and the name of the instructor.
Do I have to register for exams, and if so, how do I do it?
Registration via KLIPS 2.0 or by email to the Examinations Office is required for every examination. Registration must be completed no later than 14 days prior to the examination date (or 14 days prior to the start of the examination period for oral examinations scheduled within specific examination periods).
As a general rule, examination registration takes place via KLIPS 2.0 during designated registration periods.
For oral examinations in small courses (particularly within Master's programs), examination dates are sometimes arranged individually with the examiners. Once a date has been agreed upon, the examination must be registered with the Examinations Office via email (specifying the date, the student's name and student ID number, and the examiner's name).
Do I need to report myself sick if I cannot attend a course?
For mandatory courses (e.g., seminars and laboratory practicals with compulsory attendance), it is advisable to notify the instructors of your absence due to illness via email and, if necessary, submit a medical certificate.
For events without a mandatory attendance requirement, no cancellation is necessary.
Do I need to report myself sick if I cannot attend an exam?
You are requested to formally withdraw from the examination. Particularly in the case of oral examinations, this is a matter of courtesy, as the examiners would otherwise be left waiting for you unnecessarily.
If you withdraw from the examination and submit a medical certificate to the Examination Office, your absence is excused, and the examination will not be graded.
If you fail to appear for the exam and do not submit a medical certificate, the exam will be recorded as "failed." This has no direct consequences for your academic progress, as there are no restrictions on the number of attempts for exams in the B.A. and M.Ed. Chemistry (GG/BK) programs. However, the failed exam will appear on your Transcript of Records.
Can I already take courses from the M.Ed. in Chemistry program towards the end of my Bachelor's studies?
This is possible during the final semester of the Bachelor's program, following a consultation with the academic advising service.
However, students who are already regularly enrolled in the degree program always have priority when registering for courses.
Advanced credits can only be recorded once you are enrolled in the M.Ed. Chemistry program.