Range of courses offered
Degree courses at TU Dresden are module-based i.e. during the studies different modules (compulsory or elective) must be completed. A module bundles courses, lectures and examinations into a thematic unity. For each degree programme the study regulation describes the structure, the progression of studies as well as the selectable research focuses of the degree. For each module the annex to the study regulations defines the content and qualification goals, the types and duration of courses and the examinations as well as the necessary prerequisites. Additionally, each study regulation contains an academic calendar that sets out a recommended sequence for the completion of modules. The specific courses offered are published each semester in the course catalogue (“Vorlesungsverzeichnis”) and contain information on: lectures, seminars, exercises, tutorials, internships and study trips.
Lectures mostly convey larger thematic areas within a semester and are held on a larger scale. As a general rule, professors give the lectures and require the students to primarily follow the thoughts and to take notes rather than to actively participate.
In seminars small groups of students work on a particular topic of a specialist subject. Generally, within one module several seminars on different topics will be offered, allowing the students to make an individual, interest-based selection. The lecturer takes up the role of a moderator. Students are required to actively partake in the discussions.
The goal of the exercises is to put into practice the theoretical knowledge or to practice the studied foreign language and to expand one’s active knowledge. When it comes to applying theoretical knowledge the exercise is virtually almost held in parallel to a lecture. In natural science subjects it serves the purpose of explaining and solving the exercise task.
Tutorials are held by students in advanced semesters and are directly linked to the lectures. They are most commonly held in the first three semesters. Here, the material conveyed in lectures is discussed, questions are clarified and exercises are conducted. As a general rule, students have the opportunity to take a mock examination as well as discuss and debate it.
The objective of internships is to prove that the students can apply the theoretical knowledge into practice. Depending on the study regulations the internships can take place within or outside of the university. They can also be completed entirely outside the university. In natural science subjects practical exercises in the laboratory are often called internships (Praktikum).
Study trips provide students with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the content of their studies through on-the-spot fieldwork. Subjects such as geography and art history frequently take students abroad. Other subjects however are less suitable for study trips.
Outside of their degree programme TU Dresden students can attend courses and classes in order to gain further interdisciplinary qualifications. In particular, as part of the so-called “studium generale” (general studies) a vast variety of courses are offered, among them teaching events which have been especially conceived for the “studium generale” and which are available to students from all degree courses. You can find all the current lectures and classes in the course catalogue “studium generale”.
Depending on the envisaged degree, students of TU Dresden are furthermore free to choose up to 10 weekly lecture hours (150 lesson hours) language tuition, free of charge. On behalf of TU Dresden, TUDIAS offers students of all disciplines both course-related and curricular general and subject-specific language classes (modularised). The offer covers the languages: Ancient Greek, Arabic, Czech, English, Finnish, French, Italian, Latin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish. Chinese and Japanese. Most recently, German as a foreign language has been added to the offer. Please find all essential information on the webpages of "Language Training TU Dresden".
OPAL – the Online Platform for Academic Learning and Teaching – is the central learning platform of saxonian universities. It can be used by students, employees and lecturers of the TU Dresden with a valid ZIH-Login or also by guests.