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09-AA-Geo-1; final thesis (Bachelor‘s thesis) geography, 10 ECTS, processing period: 8 weeks

Contents of the module or module component description: independent processing of a scientific research question, preparation of a Bachelor’s thesis. Acquired competencies/qualifications: Ability to independently write a scientific paper (description and analysis of a problem, literature research, theoretical reference, relevant theory, data interpretation, logical conclusions and solutions to a scientific problem), language competence, ability to manage a task in a given period of time.

Objective of the Bachelor’s thesis

The objective of a Bachelor’s thesis is an independent elaboration of a scientific research question using the methods that have been learnt during the course of studies. The written composition includes the description of the topic and the explanation of findings obtained in accordance with accepted scientific rules. The level of the Bachelor’s thesis should be such that it can also be understood by other graduates of the same degree programme.

Formalities before the beginning of the Bachelor’s thesis

The topic cannot be assigned to the candidate before he or she has gained at least 100 ECTS in the Bachelor’s degree programme 180 ECTS, at least 60 ECTS in the 120ECTS major and at least 40 ECTS in the 85 ECTS major from modules or module components of the mandatory courses or mandatory electives area. The topic of the thesis needs to be agreed upon by the supervisor at the Philosophical Faculty I and, with a signed confirmation of the corresponding supervisor, submitted to the examination committee (Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heiko Paeth). The topic, as well as the date of allocation, are put on record at the examination committee. The submission of the application, as well as the thesis itself, takes place at the Examination Office (Unit 2.3): Campus Hubland Nord, Oswald-Külpe-Weg, building 84/1, left entrance, 97074 Würzburg. After registration of the Bachelor’s thesis, you have eight weeks to write the composition. The topic may only be returned once for justified reasons and in agreement with the examination committee during the first third of the set processing time. The candidate must submit the thesis at the examination office in sufficient time to ensure that this date is before the end of the deadline of § 12 (3) or (6) ASPO regarding the fiction for the first failing. Further details are regulated in § 23 ASPO. Upon submission, additionally to the written form, a copy must be handed in on an electronic storage medium in a conventional format and in a legible form. There is no final colloquium. If an extension is necessary, it has to be announced in written form to the chairperson of the examination committee, in this case Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heiko Paeth, and forwarded to the examination office at an early stage.

Form and content of the Bachelor’s thesis

1. Scope
   As a rule, the Bachelor’s thesis should not be shorter than or exceed the scope of about 40 pages. However, the scope can vary depending on the topic and the supervisor and should thus be coordinated with the assessor before.
   
   
2. Formal design/formatting
   In the following, there are general suggestions or specifications regarding the formal design. Ask your assessor if there are particular formal specifications for the Bachelor’s theses that are examined by him or her.
   
   • language: German or English
   • tempi: simple present or simple past
   • neutral, impersonal writing style
   • continuous pagination
   • layout: clear design, appropriate width of the page margins (for instance 2cm at top and bottom, 2.5cm left and right; headers and footers may exceed these dimensions)
   • paper size: DIN A4 (portrait format)
   • single-sided printing
   • font: Arial, Times New Roman or similar ones, font size 11 or 12
   • line spacing: 1.5
   • justification
3. Cover page
   • title and possibly subtitle of the thesis
   • type of thesis (Bachelor’s thesis) and reference to the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
   • degree programme
   • name and residence of the author
   • place and year of submission
   On the next page, the period, place (chair/institute) and supervisor(s) of the Bachelor’s thesis are supposed to be stated. Illustrations on the cover page are permitted as long as they do not affect the text.
   
   
4. List of abbreviations
   Subsequent to the table of contents or at the end of the thesis, all subject-specific or scientific abbreviations used in it should be recorded and listed.
   
   
5. Table of contents & design
   Notice: Depending on the focus of the Bachelor’s thesis, a sensible structure may vary from the one described below. Before starting to write the composition, the structure should definitely be discussed with the supervisor!
   1. Introduction: It contains the question, a definition of the topic, information on the procedure and on the structure of the thesis. The introduction should justify the choice of topics in a scientific context and outline the further procedure. It should briefly (1 page) lead over to the following sections of the Bachelor’s thesis.
   2. Objective of the thesis: The objective is to be formulated briefly and clearly.
   3. Theoretical foundations: In this section, all theoretical and experimental previous knowledge essential for understanding the thesis is to be provided. For example, analysis methods, scientific phenomena or techniques that are a main element of the following work can be described in it. Special methods/materials/procedures discussed or used in the framework of the thesis etc. can also be outlined briefly.
   4. Main part: Here, the actual approach of the topic takes places. This topic processing includes measurements, theoretical derivations, or numerical simulations. An explanation and interpretation of the results usually conclude the main part. For example, the main part can be divided into a results section and a discussion section as well.
   5. Summary: The most important results of the thesis and the answers to the question are to be formulated and justified sententiously here. Their scope should not exceed 2-3 pages. Additionally, a brief outlook on future scientific works and developments can be given here.
   6. Experimental part: Particularly for Bachelor’s theses with a pronouncedly experimental topic, a more detailed description of the run analyses in a separate section is recommended. This section is written in the past tense and serves as an analytical guide to understanding and reworking the research. The materials, techniques and analytical instruments used in the thesis are usually mentioned here as well.
   7. Bibliography: In the literature reference, the sources should be numbered consecutively. Alternatively, it is possible to list the literature in alphabetical order. Students are expected to deal with primary literature and avoid using online encyclopaedias. The literature should be as current as possible.
   8. Appendix (if applicable): Additions that would interrupt the text flow in other parts of the thesis but are useful for a better understanding and traceability of the thesis (such as tables, derivations, and diagrams) are listed here.
6. Declaration of Originality
   

   On the last page of the thesis, the student must enclose an assurance about the independent processing of the Bachelor’s thesis and to sign it with place and date (see below). The text is as follows:

   'I hereby declare: I have composed this paper by myself and without any assistance other than the sources given in my list of works cited. This paper has not been submitted in the past or is currently being submitted to any other examination institution. It has not been published.'

   The thesis will be graded as 'insufficient' in case this written assurance is missing or present but deviating from the truth.

1. Application for allocation of a Bachelor’s thesis
    

2. Submission of the application by the candidate (applicant!) at the Examination Office (Unit 2.3).

   Visiting address: Campus Hubland Nord, Josef-Martin-Weg 55, 97074 Würzburg

   Postal address: Sanderring 2, 97070 Würzburg

Additionally:

• Submission of the finished Bachelor’s thesis (two copies plus digital version – see ASPO) only at the examination office
• Extension request etc. needs to be made in written form to the chairperson of the examination committee

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1. Application for allocation (only in German) of a Master’s thesis

2. Submission of the application by the candidate (applicant!) at the Examination Office (Unit 2.3).
   Visiting address: Campus Hubland Nord, Oswald-Külpe-Weg, building 84/1, left entrance, 97074 Würzburg

Additionally:

• Submission of the finished Master’s thesis (three copies plus two digital versions – see ASPO) only at the examination office
• Extension request etc. needs to be made in written form to the chairperson of the examination committee

Final colloquium:

• Information about the final colloquium (only in German)
• Registration for the final colloquium (only in German)

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