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Technical University of Munich

external coursework

Term papers are considered examination performances under the FPSO regulations. This means that they can only be assigned, supervised, and assessed/graded by university lecturers authorized to conduct examinations.

The unity of research and teaching – a fundamental principle of our university – means that student projects contribute to the academic work of the chairs and professorships. Therefore, it is generally the case that these projects are carried out at a university institution. However, it is also possible for students to complete their projects "externally" in a company or other organization; however, the following points must be observed:

  • Supervision by the university
  • Maintaining academic standards
  • Establishing and preserving comparable conditions for the completion of student projects
  • Ensuring access to student projects

This is of great importance because it is the only way to ensure a fair, well-founded, and therefore valid evaluation of student projects. Given the large number of chairs available to supervise student projects, it is also essential to establish a clear and transparent framework for supervision. To this end, the following guidelines, which are mandatory for external student projects at the Chair of Ergonomics, have been developed:

  • It is generally possible to conduct student research projects at the Chair of Ergonomics in cooperation with companies or other institutions, provided a research collaboration already exists with the company or institution. Otherwise, it is not possible to conduct an external student research project at the Chair of Ergonomics. Other departments may have different regulations.
  • In the case of an existing research collaboration, the following applies:
    • Before beginning your research project, you must write up a proposal in consultation with your supervisors (internal and external, if applicable).
    • This proposal must be presented to Professor Bengler during his office hours, along with your external supervisor(s). To schedule an appointment, please contact Ms. Herold at +49 89 289-15388. The proposal must be sent to Professor Bengler by email five days before the scheduled meeting.
    • Analysis between students, supervisors, and companies must be reported before the start of your research project. The Chair of Ergonomics reserves the right to reject any agreements or contracts concluded before this notification and to decline to supervise the submitted research project.
    • The complete presentation of the methods necessary for the preparation of the study paper, the resulting data and results, and their critical evaluation in a written document must not be affected by any contractual agreements with the supervising company.
      • External supervisors have no authority to dictate the content of the research paper.
      • Students must be able to develop their research paper independently and without restrictive guidelines.
    • The written assignment, which is part of the university examination, must not contain any confidentiality restrictions.
    • The Chair of Ergonomics will not supervise assignments written without prior consultation with a university lecturer and therefore without supervision.
    • In the case of collaborative projects involving multiple students (or other participants), both the written report and, if applicable, the project proposal must clearly indicate what constitutes each student's independent contribution to the submitted research project.
    • For external research projects involving human subjects, an ethical review must always be scheduled, the costs of which are to be borne by the external organization. Such a review must be prepared by the study supervisor or the external organization and can be conducted, for example, by the Ethics Committee of the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Further information can be found, for example, on the TUM Ethics Committee website.
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