Studying at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

On this page you will find a detailed catalogue of important terms, information and contact persons that may be useful to you during your studies at the faculty.

Study from A to Z

  • A

  • Studying at a university requires a higher education entrance qualification – often the Abitur, but there are also other routes. But what qualifications are there, what procedures or deadlines need to be observed – and who can help with questions?

    On the Application and Admission page you will find all the important information about applying and applying to university.

    The Central Student Advisory Office of TU Darmstadt (ZSB) advises all prospective and current students. You can find more information about the counselling services offered by the ZSB here.

  • C

  • TheCentral Student Advisory and Orientation Office (ZSB) is the first point of contact and advice for all concerns regarding studying at the TU Darmstadt (exception: international applications). In addition to information and orientation, it offers support in the independent development of individual solutions.

  • Recognition of Surveying I/II or Data Acquisition and Geographic Information Systems

    • Change B.Sc. UI to M.Sc. BI:

    The module Data Acquisition and Geoinformation Systems can be recognized as content from Surveying I/II, since there is overlap in the theory (lecture) and there is also an exercise with the total station.

    • Change B.Sc. BI to M.Sc. UI:

    The module Surveying Science I/II cannot be recognized as module Data Acquisition and Geoinformation Systems, because there is no content on geoinformation systems, which make up a large part of the exercises and therefore there is no basis for the focus on assessment and modeling.

  • Change of research/focus subjects (opens in new tab) is possible once without giving reasons (in exceptional cases a second time upon application).

  • In the first semesters, the basic knowledge of the natural sciences and technology is taught intensively in the compulsory engineering area (modules amounting to 91 CP).

  • Parallel to the compulsory subject area, you will specialise in the fourth to sixth semester in the optional compulsory subject area by choosing one of four specialisations in Civil Engineering or a combination of specialisations in Environmental Engineering. Thus, all relevant areas are covered as a basis for your further master studies. In principle, a change of specialisation is possible, provided that all course achievements gained so far can be brought into the new specialisation.

  • For most modules (subjects), a consultation hour is offered at least once a week. In this consultation hour you can ask questions about the lecture material or exercises.

    • Study exams are completed during the semester. In contrast to technical examinations, they are generally not graded at Department 13 and can be repeated unlimited times.
    • Depending on the course, study achievements may take the form of examination discussions, presentations, partial examinations, written assignments (homework) or documented practical work. In other cases, it is also sufficient to only attend the course/seminar (attendance).
    • The study exam to be completed in the respective module will be announced at the beginning of the course.

    • Credit Points (CP) were introduced within the framework of the Bologna Process for Bachelor and Master programmes in Germany. The credit points are intended to measure and reward the achievements already made during the course of study. One credit point corresponds to 30 working hours. The credit point corresponds to 1 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
    • At least 30 credit points should be achieved within a semester in order to complete the course of study within the standard period of study.
  • D

    • If you have completed your studies, have to interrupt them or would like to transfer to another university, please submit your application for de-registration by 31 October / 30 April at the latest at the end of the respective semester. You can find the de-registration application in your TUCaN account under Service > Applications.

    Exmatriculation according to § 65 para. 4 HessHG:

    • Students who fail to provide proof of performance as stipulated in examination or study regulations within two years may be de-registered.
    • Further information on de-registration can be found here.

  • According to § 15 (1) APB (opens in new tab), withdrawal from an examination is generally possible up to 7 days before the examination date. Withdrawal must be communicated to the responsible study office. The notification should be made electronically via the campus management system (TUCaN).

    Example:

    The exam takes place on 22 May.

    Cancellation without giving reasons is therefore generally possible until 14 May at 23:59.

    • A module is a comprehensive learning area within a degree programme that comprises several courses. It bundles related course content and is used to acquire study and examination credits. A module usually has a fixed number of CPs and often includes lectures, seminars and/or practical courses.
    • A course is an individual course within a module. It can take the form of lectures, seminars, tutorials or practicals. Courses are the individual units in which the content of a module is taught.
    • Summarised: A module consists of several courses that together aim to achieve the learning objectives defined in the module.

    • Compensation for disadvantages and family support according to § 24 General Examination Regulations (APB) is an instrument to create equal opportunities. The ombudsperson decides whether and the examination board how long a disadvantage compensation can be granted. The examiners decide on the form of the disadvantage compensation.
    • Please submit your application with a medical certificate to the study office. Students will receive a certificate which can be presented to each examiner in good time before the exam (at least two weeks before) in order to coordinate the implementation.
  • E

    • Exercises usually accompany lectures. In them the lecture material is usually applied in exercises.
    • The exercises take place in groups of 20 to 30 students, with a tutor answering questions on current exercises.
  • F

    • A field trip means a field trip accompanying a lecture, which can last one or more days.
    • The objective is to give students the opportunity to gain practical experience, combine theory and practice and gain new perspectives on the content of their degree programme.
    • Excursion dates are usually published on the websites of the subject areas.
  • G

  • The general electives modules are reserved for the versatilely educated student in the sense of a Studium Generale. You can therefore choose from the offering of the departments as modelled in TUCaN (except FB 13) for all students of TU Darmstadt as well as from the study programmes of the interdisziplinäre Studienschwerpunkte (interdisciplinary study foci, iSP). With a view to an interdisciplinary oriented study programme, we recommended that students choose modules from the range of courses offered in the humanities or social sciences, foreign language courses or other interdisciplinary courses. Both the subject-related and the general elective area can be integrated into the course of study with regard to the semester, depending on your personal study planning.

    You can find the entire TU Darmstadt course catalogue on TUCaN.

  • I

    • Before registering for the bachelor's thesis, proof of a 60-day internship in at least one subject-specific professional field must be provided. Practical work on a construction site, in a workshop, in an engineering office or in a technical authority is considered to be an internship activity. Vocational training with a technical reference may, where appropriate, be recognised as an internship.
  • L

  • If you are unable to attend courses at TU Darmstadt for a study-related reason (e.g. overseas stay, work placement) or are unable to attend a specific semester for appropriate personal reasons, there is the possibility of taking a leave of absence (see reasons for taking a leave of absence).

    We recommend submitting your application promptly, if possible by the end of February or the end of August for the subsequent semester. This will ensure that you receive your student documentation containing the relevant information about the leave of absence in good time before the start of the semester on leave. If you need to apply for a leave of absence for a current semester, the application must be submitted at the latest by 30 September for the summer semester and by 31 March for the winter semester. It is not possible to take a leave of absence retroactively for a finished semester. Applications made after 30 September for the summer semester and after 31 March for the winter semester will be rejected regardless of the reasons.

    Learn more

  • In the past, a lecture was actually to be understood as the lecturer reading from a book, usually a textbook. Today, lecturers explain the material to their students in a free-speaking manner, supported by PowerPoint, Internet, scripts and e-chalk in frontal teaching.

  • M

    • At the beginning of your degree programme, you will be assigned a mentor. This will be a professor from the faculty.
    • As part of the Bachelor's/Master's degree programmes, you are allowed to choose between different subject areas/research subjects/focus areas.
    • Your mentor will be on hand to advise you. The assignment of students to a mentor is carried out by the study office and is announced to students (via the website).
    • A change of mentor is possible at the request of the student in justified exceptional cases with the consultation of the professors concerned. To do this, you must complete the application for a change of mentor.

    • All information on the modules can be found in the module handbook. It serves as a guide and planning aid for students throughout their studies.
    • A module comprises the courses (lectures, tutorials, seminars) as well as the associated specialised examinations and (if available) coursework.
    • The module handbooks for the degree programmes offered at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering can be found on the department's download pages.
  • O

  • The Office for Student Affairs is available to all students and staff for questions relating to teaching and the organisation of examinations.

    Contact the Office of Student Affairs:

    • When writing to staff or to international@… always quote the student ID number!
    • For concerns about modules (registration, questions…) please state the module number!
    • Check system messages on TUCaN regularly!

    • The navigatING. orientation programme offers prospective engineering students the opportunity to get a taste of four different engineering degree programmes at TU Darmstadt.

    • The Orientation Week (OWO for short) is not a compulsory event, but during this week you learn a lot about the university, the degree programme and, last but not least, meet new fellow students. It is the perfect start to student life.
    • The student council, the student interest group at Department 13, organises the OWO.
  • P

    • The personal study and examination plan must be submitted in TUCaN.

    The deadline for submitting the personal study and examination plan is:

    • 15 May – for the summer semester.
    • 15 November – for the winter semester.
    • A one-time change without justification is possible upon request by the study office. A further change must be applied for with justification)  See change of research subjects. The personal study and examination plan can be changed a maximum of two times.
    • The module registration must be made in TUCaN in the correct study programme area (general compulsory area, subject compulsory area)
    • It is possible to select research subject modules for the specialised elective area (all FB 13 modules can be selected for the specialised elective area)
    • Please do not register anything under ‘additional achievements’!

  • Who must complete the Personal Study and Examination Plan form?

    • Students of PO 2021 choose their focus directly via TUCaN. The form only needs to be filled out and sent to the study office when changing the focus.
    • Students of PO 2014 choose the focus directly via the form.

    • A change of emphasis is possible twice by means of the form (PO 2014 & 2021).
    • The form for this can be found here.

    What must already be determined in the personal study and examination plan?

    • Only pages 2 f. must be signed by the student and submitted to the study office or placed in the mailbox of the study office; the other pages are for the student's own information, planning and control of the course of study. Thus, only the focus combination is chosen and not the modules within the focus.
    • One exception: students in the free profile of the Master's program in Civil Engineering (pages 7 f.) must still submit the fully completed examination plan, signed by the mentor, to the study office before taking examinations in the elective area. A justification for the module selection must be attached in written form to the individual study and examination plan.

    Can modules be taken before submitting the personal study and examination plan?

    • Yes, registration in TUCaN is also possible. However, as soon as the personal study and examination plan has been submitted, i.e. the choice of focus has been made and entered on TUCaN, these modules automatically fall into the area “Additional achievements”. Either the student deregisters from the modules himself/herself and re-registers in the correct areas, or applies for a transfer/check in the study office or has it done there. However, it is important that this is done in the same semester and before the grades are entered on TUCaN, otherwise a transfer is no longer possible without further ado. If the final grade has already been entered on TUCaN, a distinction is made between the following two cases:

    1. Mandatory module: Module will be transferred to the correct area by the study office.

    2. Non mandatory module (e.g. module from the subject elective area): An application must be submitted to the study office. However, this is rejected in 95% of cases, because the circumstances do not usually have the effect of extending the course of study.

    Can “Supplementary modules from other subject areas!” (e.g. VWL, BWL, etc.) be taken before choosing a focus?

    • No, this area is only activated in TUCaN when the personal study and examination plan is submitted, i.e. when the focus is selected.

    By when must the personal study and examination plan be submitted?

    • The personal study and examination plan must be submitted to the study office before registering for the first module in the compulsory elective area. Only then will the compulsory elective area be activated in TUCaN. In the Master's program, the Personal Study and Examination Plan must therefore already be completed in the 1st semester, in the Bachelor's programs mostly not until the 4th semester.

    The deadline for submitting the Personal Study and Examination Plan is:

    • 15.05. – for the SoSe.
    • 07.11. – for the WiSe.

    Where is the Personal Study and Examination Plan form located?

    • The Personal Study and Examination Plan form can be found in the download area of the Department 13 Office of Student Affairs.

    Learn more

    How to submit the Personal Study and Examination Plan form?

    • The first two pages of the study and examination plan (exception: free profile of the Master's program in Civil Engineering) must be printed out and signed and submitted to the study office or dropped off in the mailbox of the study office. The deadline must be observed.

    Can language courses be taken in the “General Elective?”

    • In general, language courses can be taken in the general elective area. However, it should be noted that for the Master of Science (M.Sc.) Civil Engineering (bilingual), language courses in German or English can only be registered under additional modules and not in the general elective area.

    • Since 1 January 2018, the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) has also applied to students, pupils and interns. It prohibits activities six weeks before and eight weeks after the birth. The university must ensure that students do not suffer any disadvantages as a result, e.g. through alternative forms of examination such as homework or prompt catch-up appointments.
    • For premature babies, multiple births and children with disabilities, extended maternity protection periods of twelve weeks after birth apply (§ 6 MuSchG).
    • It is possible to waive maternity protection during your studies. To do so, a written declaration must be submitted to the university.
    • In the course catalogue, courses that have a potential risk for pregnant and breastfeeding students are marked with a red triangle in front of the course name. The course description describes the respective risk potential in more detail.
    • Pregnant and breastfeeding students should contact their study office to discuss possible individual solutions.
    • Further information on the procedure at TU Darmstadt can be found on this website.
    • Detailed information for pregnant students can be found on the web pages of Department IV -> “Maternity Protection” .
  • R

    • Re-registration is mandatory to stay enrolled at TU Darmstadt and to partake in exams.
    • Students will only be re-registered after a complete transfer of the semester fee that must also provide the matriculation number as a reference (no further actions are required).
    • You will receive your Student-ID-Card by mail, after the fee has been credited.

    • You can register for examinations and courses via TUCaN.
    • Registration steps: 1. module registration, 2. course registration
    • Registration for the module does not imply registration for the examination! Registering for a module does not oblige you to take an examination.

    • Registration for examinations (specialised examinations AND course achievements ) takes place via TUCaN.
    • To register for an examination, the semester in which the corresponding module was registered must always be set in TUCaN. Problems with registration are often due to the wrong start semester being set in TUCaN.
    • As a rule, registration always takes place during fixed periods. These are 15 November to 15 December for the winter semester and 1 to 30 June for the summer semester. Cancellations of specialised examinations must be made by the student at least 8 days before the examination date without giving reasons. If you do not take part in the examination without having cancelled in good time, the examination will be graded as failed.
    • A detailed video tutorial on exam registration on TUCaN can be found on the FAQ and tutorial page of TU Darmstadt.

    Learn more

  • S

  • An overview of funding opportunities for students of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering can be found on the website.

  • In a seminar, students work independently on contributions to a topic and then present their results. In contrast to most exercises and lectures, attendance is generally compulsory in a seminar.

    • The Student Council represents the interests of civil engineering, geodesy and environmental engineering students at TU Darmstadt and is therefore also the point of contact for student matters.

    • The AG PEK is also responsible for student counseling in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Due to the direct and personal contact of the staff of the AG PEK to the students from the very beginning, the student counseling can contribute to a successful study at an early stage. The AG PEK sees itself as the first point of contact for students at Department 13 with questions about their studies.
    • You can find more information on subject-specific study counselling and contact options on the AG PEK website.
    • Please use the contact form if you have any questions about your studies.

  • You can find all the information you need about studying with children on the Family Service website.

    • Study regulations, or study guidelines, are sets of rules that outline the structure and organization of a degree program at universities. They include essential information such as course content, modules, examination requirements, academic achievements, and standard periods of study. Study regulations aim to provide students with a clear framework and guidance for their studies, ensuring that all necessary conditions for the successful completion of the degree program are met.
    • The study regulations for all degree programmes in the department can be found on this website.

  • Study requirements are additional requirements or conditions that must be fulfilled in order to successfully complete the degree programme. These may include additional examinations, internships or special achievements that go beyond the regular curriculum. Conditions are often imposed in order to demonstrate specific knowledge or skills that are necessary for the success of the degree programme.

    General requirements apply to the degree programmes at FB13:

    • English certificate by the end of the 2nd semester
    • BI-CE: Recommendation that a language course (C1) is completed by the end of the 3rd semester
    • Applications for recognition can be submitted.

    Specific requirements, if applicable can be found in your letter of admission.

  • At the university you have different possibilities to follow your self-study. There are numerous rooms available for group and individual work.

    The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering also has a study room that can be used for learning:

    L5|06 Bauingenieurwesen – Raum 444

    Lernzentrum BaUm

    Franziska-Braun-Straße 3

    64287 Darmstadt

  • On the page “Starting your studies made easy” you can find out everything you need to know for the start of your studies.

  • In times of increasing globalisation, a period of study abroad is a valuable additional qualification. In addition, it is always worthwhile to look outside your own subject area in order to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible during your studies. Studying abroad offers numerous opportunities for this: In addition to new courses and teaching methods, you can get to know a foreign country and its culture, make new friends and improve your language skills.

    Whether you decide on a semester abroad, an internship abroad, a research stay at a host university or an international double/dual degree – the university and the department will support you in organising such a study-related stay abroad. For this purpose, there are relationships with numerous universities worldwide within the framework of various programmes.

    You can find further information on the subject of “Studying abroad” on the relevant websites of the department and the International Relations Overseas and Europe departments of TU Darmstadt.

    Learn more

    • Studying with a disability or chronic illness requires a great deal of organisation, time, money, self-confidence and resilience on the part of those affected. Many important questions need to be clarified at an early stage in order to ensure a successful course of study.
    • The TU would like to actively support students in all matters. On these pages you will find initial information and the relevant contact persons.

  • Building on the knowledge acquired in the general compulsory area, the respective competences and knowledge required for the later subject-specific specialisation are taught from the fourth semester onwards in the subject-specific compulsory modules. Part of the subject-specific compulsory area is also the bachelor's thesis in the sixth semester.

  • In the subject-specific elective area, you will take modules from a given range of courses offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in order to expand your respective elective area in accordance with your own interests and the future career profile you wish to pursue.

  • According to § 32 of the General Examination Regulations (APB), students studying according to these APB are entitled to an oral supplementary examination (mEP). This is a one-time chance to take a failed second written repeat examination again in the form of an mEP upon request.

    The service rendered can only be evaluated with the grades “sufficient” (4.0) or “insufficient” (5.0).

    A supplementary oral examination can then be applied for,

    • if no oral supplementary examination (mEP) has yet been taken or applied for within an examination regulation.
    • iIf the application is submitted to the responsible study office within one month after the publication of the examination result in TUCaN. Example: the examination result was announced on 15.05. Thus, the application for the mEP can be submitted to the responsible study office until 15.06 (23:59) (the start of the deadline is the publication date of the second failed retake exam).

    A supplementary oral examination cannot be applied for if:

    • if the grade “not sufficient” has been given due to unexcused absence, handing in of a blank sheet of paper or an attempt at deception
    • if the deadline of one month after announcement of the examination result is not met
    • if students of the discontinued diploma and master's degree programs are involved
    • if the subject examination has to be taken within the framework of an edition module
    • if an oral supplementary examination has already been taken in another degree program, which can be recognized in the compulsory area of the degree program in which the application was submitted
  • T

    • Examinations of a degree programme are taken within a module. Technical examinations (Fachprüfungen) can be retaken a limited number of times in accordance with Sections 30, 31 and 32 APB TU Darmstadt (opens in new tab). Study examinations (Studienleistungen) can be retaken indefinitely until passed.
    • Passed examinations cannot be retaken. Technical examinations (Fachprüfungen) not passed during the first attempt can be retaken twice. Study examinations (Studienleistungen) that are assessed as “insufficient” (grade 5.0) or are considered “not passed” can be retaken indefinitely until passed.

  • Bachelor's and Master's theses must always be submitted to the Office for Student Affairs of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The so-called “Laufzettel” is required for this. This is filled out by the supervising department and sent to the Office for Student Affairs together with the assignment.

    The Office for Student Affairs contacts the students and informs them via a so-called “digital remote triggering” about the specific assignment, the special conditions under examination law, the deadline for submission and the procedure, e.g. in the event of illness, etc.

    Confirmation is given by the student by submitting the signed document digitally.

    Learn more

  • TUCaN is the central organisation system for studying and teaching at TU Darmstadt. With the help of TUCaN you can

    - Registration for modules, courses and examinations,

    - access to course materials,

    - students can check their grades and performance records,

    - creating the current timetable,

    - notification of important information from the Office of Student Affairs, the courses attended (cancellation of a lecture etc.) as well as general information from TU Darmstadt.

    TUCaN can be found on the homepage at www.tucan.tu-darmstadt.de. The TU-ID is required to use TUCaN.

  • Do you have questions about online registration for courses or exam registration?

    These FAQ offer a variety of detailed information about the use of TUCaN and the organisation of your studies.

  • W

  • According to §15 Abs. 1 APB (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) , withdrawal from an examination is usually possible up to 7 days before the examination date.

    In exceptional cases, this withdrawal deadline can be brought forward; please note possible deviations! You can find the deadline for the de-registration period in the examination details in TUCaN.

    Example:

    The exam will take place on 22 May. Withdrawal without giving reasons is therefore usually possible until 14 May at 11:59 pm.

    De-registration in TUCaN

    You have to de-register from the exam in TUCaN within the section Examinations > My examinations. More information

  • Requirements for certificates at FB13

    Original medical certificate

    • Inability to take exams
    • Start and end of the illness
    • Stamp of the practice
    • Signature of doctor
    • Retroactively issued medical certificate

    Backdating for a doctor's visit on Monday due to an emergency examination at the weekend will be accepted

    In all other cases: Backdating otherwise only permitted after conscientious examination by the doctor, a maximum of 1 day is accepted.

    Deadline for submission

    No later than 3 calendar days after the examination date

    • The day of the examination is on Monday: Medical certificate of incapacity to take the examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Thursday.
    • Day of the examination is on Tuesday: Medical certificate of incapacity to take the examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Friday.
    • Day of the examination is on Wednesday: Medical certificate of incapacity for examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Monday.
    • Day of the examination is on Thursday: Medical certificate of incapacity to take the examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Monday.
    • Day of the examination is on Friday: Medical certificate of incapacity to take the examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Monday.
    • The second day of the examination is on Saturday: a medical certificate of incapacity to take the examination must be submitted to the study office on the following Tuesday.
    • If the submission date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the submission date is postponed to the following Monday.
    • If the submission date falls on a public holiday, the submission date is postponed to the following day.
    • Students are responsible for ensuring that the above-mentioned documents are received by the study office on time. You can submit a certificate of incapacity for work online in order to be excused from a registered examination due to illness. Please use the online form to excuse for this purpose.

    Place of submission

    At the responsible office for study affairs , regardless of whether it is an examination in your home department or another department.