Grammar school/comprehensive school & vocational college
Teaching Chemistry - Master of Education
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 Master's degree program has a modular structure. Credit points (CP) are achieved by successfully completing the modules. The Master's degree program comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP), of which
- 30 CP in the subject Chemistry,
- 30 CP in the second subject,
- 14 CP in the educational sciences,
- 25 CP for the practical semester,
- 6 CP in the German for migrant pupils module,
- 15 CP for the Master'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
M01: Planning, analysis and reflection of chemistry lessons (9 CP)
Module M01 serves to prepare students for the practical semester and to deepen their knowledge of subject-specific didactic content. The aim is to reflect on further experiences with planning, implementing and analyzing lessons in a problem-oriented manner and to adequately integrate current scientific and didactic developments into the context of "chemistry lessons".
Courses
- Seminar: "Research Methods in Chemistry Education"
- Seminar: "Selected Topics in Chemistry Education"
- ELKE Project Seminar
The courses are offered every semester.
Registration for the courses in Module M01 takes place via Klips 2.0.
Module Final Examination
Combined Examination: Oral Presentation with Written Paper
Preparatory seminar for the practical semester in chemistry (3 CP)
Preparatory seminars are offered to prepare for the internship semester. These must be attended in good time before the practical semester in all the subjects you are studying. Detailed information on the preparatory seminars and the practical semester can be found at the ZfL.
M02: Research Methods in Chemistry (12 CP)
Module M02 "Research Methods in Chemistry" deals with challenging and advanced tasks from current research areas in chemistry.
M02 is a compulsory elective module for in-depth study of selected subject areas. It can be studied in both a practical (M02a) and a theoretical variant (M02b).
Module Variants & Course Offerings
In the practical module variant, students attend a lecture (potentially accompanied by an exercise session), a seminar, and a practical course selected from the offerings listed below.
In the theoretical module variant, two lectures are attended from the selection listed below (potentially including accompanying exercises).
Lectures, possibly with accompanying exercises
- Lecture: "Inorganic Chemistry"
- is offered every semester
- Lecture: “Organic Chemistry”
- in the Winter Semester: „Concepts of Organic Chemistry“
- in the Summer Semester: "Organic Chemistry II"
- Lecture: "Physical Chemistry"
- is offered every semester
- Lecture: „Biochemistry – Proteins“
- is offered in the Winter Semester
- Lecture: „Theoretical Chemistry – Symmetry in Chemistry“
- is offered in the Winter Semester
Laboratory practicals, each with an accompanying seminar
- Research Group Internship: "Inorganic Chemistry"
- following individual consultation with the Working Group Lead
- only in combination with the lecture “Inorganic Chemistry”
- Laboratory Course: “Organic Chemistry”
- offered every semester; block internship during the lecture-free period
- only in combination with the lecture “Organic chemistry”
- Laboratory Course: “Physical Chemistry”
- offered every semester, running concurrently with the semester
- only in combination with the lecture „Physical Chemistry“
- Laboratory Course: „Biochemistry – Proteins“
- offered only in the Winter Semester, Block Internship during the Second Half of the Semester
- only in combination with the lecture “Biochemistry”
- Laboratory Course: „Electrochemistry and New Materials“
- offered every semester, running concurrently with the semester
- can be combined with any lecture from the M02 course offering.
- Additional research group internships are available upon individual arrangement with the instructors.
Module Registration
Module registration is generally conducted via Klips 2.0. To be allocated a guaranteed spot in an M02 course, you must first select the corresponding module variants. Please consider your choices carefully before making your selections, as you will not be able to modify them yourself afterwards. Should a subsequent change become necessary, please contact the Academic Counseling Service—either by email or in person—providing a brief explanation.
Some courses cannot be registered for via KLIPS 2.0—for instance, research group internships that require individual arrangement. In such cases, registration must be submitted to the Examinations Office via email *after* an agreement has been reached with the instructor (please include your student ID number, project title, and the instructor's name).
Module Final Examinations
Regardless of the variant, the module concludes with two examinations: a written exam and an oral exam. The assignment of examination formats is predetermined for each variant and cannot be individually selected.
Exam registration is generally carried out via Klips 2.0. However, in small courses, exam dates are sometimes arranged individually with the instructors. Once an exam date has been agreed upon, registration for the exam must be submitted to the Examinations Office via email (specifying the date, the student's name and student ID number, and the examiner's name).
M02a: Research Methods in Chemistry – practical
In the practical module variant, students attend a lecture (potentially accompanied by an exercise session), a seminar, and a practical course.
In the practical variant, the lecture is always assessed via a written exam, and the practical course via an oral examination.
M02b: Research Methods in Chemistry – theoretically
In the theoretical module variant, two lectures are attended from the following five subject areas:
- Inorganic Chemistry (AC)
- Organic Chemistry (OC)
- Physical Chemistry (PC)
- Biochemistry (BC)
- Theoretical Chemistry (TC)
For each combination, it is specified which of the two lectures is assessed by a written exam and which by an oral exam. This assignment can be found in the following table.
Examination Subject Combinations
| Exam | Oral examination (optional) |
|---|---|
| OC | AC | PC | BC | TC |
| AC | PC | BC | TC |
| PC | BC | TC |
| BC | TC |
A deviation from this procedure is possible only in exceptional cases and upon timely application submitted via email to the Chairperson of the Examination Board.
M03: Research project (6 CP)
Module M03 "Research Project" serves as a project to prepare students for a Master's thesis in chemistry or to deepen their knowledge of any sub-area for students who are not writing their Master's thesis in chemistry.
Module M03 can be studied either in the subject science (M03a) or in the subject didactics (M03b). In the case of a Master's thesis in chemistry, it is strongly recommended that the M03 module be completed in preparation for the planned field of work for the Master's thesis.
M03a: Research project (specialized science)
Course Offerings
The research project may be conducted in any of the research groups within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, provided that places are available. This module variant is strongly recommended as preparation for a specialized Master’s thesis.
Additionally, there are further project opportunities specifically tailored to teacher training programs.
Research Project in a Research Group in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Typically a 3- to 4-week research internship in a research group, including attendance at an accompanying seminar and the writing of an internship report
- Internship periods can be arranged individually with the respective work group leader
- Oral Final Examination
Additional Project Opportunities
- Analytics, Environmental Protection, Sustainability
- Semester-long Seminar and Internship
- is offered every summer semester
- Photometry in School Education
- Seminar and Two-Week Intensive Internship
- is offered every summer semester
- Biomolecules in Foods
- Seminar and Two-Week Intensive Internship
- is offered every summer semester
- Prior knowledge of biochemistry is required
Module Registration
As a general rule, an individual agreement with the instructors regarding participation in the module is required initially.
Overview of Research Groups in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The contact persons listed below will, upon request, refer you to a suitable working group within the respective department. You can then arrange the specific dates and project topic individually with the head of the respective working group.
Subsequently, module registration must be submitted to the Examinations Office via email (including student ID number, project title, and name of the lecturer).
Points of Contact for the Departments:
- Inorganic Chemistry: Prof. U. Ruschewitz
- Organic Chemistry: Prof. R. Giernoth
- Physical Chemistry: Prof. A. Schmidt
- Biochemistry: Dr. P. Poeppel
- Theoretical Chemistry: PD M. Hanrath
- Nuclear Chemistry: PD E. Strub
Module Final Examination
Module M03 concludes with an oral examination.
Examination dates are generally arranged individually with the instructors. Once a date has been agreed upon, formal registration for the examination must be submitted to the Examinations Office via email (stating the date, the student's name and student ID number, and the examiner's name).
Credits are recorded in KLIPS following the successful completion of the module examination.
M03b: Research project (subject didactics)
Courses
- Seminar with a Specialized Focus
- Seminar with a Focus on Subject-Specific Didactics
- Internship with a Focus on Research Methodology
The courses are offered every semester. A prerequisite for participation is the successful completion of the school-based practical component of the practical semester.
Registration for the courses in Module M03b takes place via Klips 2.0.
Module Final Examination
Oral examination covering the contents of the module
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
- 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.