Student Research
Zeppelin University is committed to the model of Liberal Arts. The complementarity of teaching and research means that the range of courses we offer are linked to the research activities of the professors and help foster the students' own, independent research work.
Prof. Dr. Josef Wieland | Vice President of Research
Zeppelin University pursues an interdisciplinary, individualised and international approach in its teaching; research is a key focus for students from the outset of their study program. Problem-oriented and research-based learning facilitate an individualised study program and allows students to explore new horizons in communicating scientific work and practical knowledge.
At Zeppelin University, student research and, in this context, the didactic concept of research-based learning is of high importance in the course of study.
Research-based Learning
Our understanding of the Humboldt Unit of research and teaching is the linking of research and learning.
The different formats of student research are founded on the concept that students, on the premise of an initial interest, are able to work through the entire research process: from the independent formulation of a scientific question, through the elaboration of the research design, to the application of the scientific methods and finally to the interpretation and presentation of the results.
Benefits
Students benefit from student research in many ways:
| Gain valuable in-depth insights into scientific work and practice in Germany
| Develop research ideas and conduct your own research project
| Improve your technical and methodological knowledge
| Present your research at the Student Research Day
| Publish your research paper in our interdisciplinary student research journal
| Take the opportunity to build new relationships – both in science and in practice
Student Research | Bachelor
At ZU student research is structurally anchored in all bachelor programs as part of two compulsory modules, the Zeppelin-Year and the Humboldt-Year.
The Zeppelin-Year
Through the vision of the Zeppelin-Year, students are afforded the opportunity right from the beginning of their study program to become closely involved with the techniques of scientific work and to develop and work through scientific questions on their own under the close supervision of scientists.
The objective in intentionally introducing students to independent scientific thought and work and fostering the acquisition of specialised skills and methods through seminars is to arouse enthusiasm for student research and support the development of independent research interests.
Within a group work, the so-called Zeppelin-Project, students learn to address scientific issues and to gain and make use of expert knowledge from different disciplines. In addition, they will be empowered to define and manage the cooperation and coordination in a project team.
Learn more about the Zeppelin-Project
The Humboldt-Year
In the more advanced stages of a study program, students at the ZU formulate their own scientific focus and develop their further course of study independently. The may pursue their own research interests, broaden their experience and expand their scientific skills in interdisciplinary topics of their own choosing. Moreover, students have the opportunity to apply for a research project within the university departments or develop their own ideas for a project. These ideas are often linked to research themes of the Zeppelin-Project that has already been completed; the topic can then be addressed in more depth in the Humboldt-Year.
Learn more about the Humboldt-Year
Student Research | Master
Students at the ZU working towards a Master's Degree also have the opportunity to work on their own research projects.
The Elinor-Ostrom-Project
In the Master programs AMC, CME and PAIR, students have the opportunity to tackle an optional research project (analogous to the Humboldt project in the Bachelor). These projects can be conducted in cooperation with university's chairs or at partner institutions.
Because they are decidedly non-consecutive by nature, the AMC and GEMA Master's degree programs are characterised by a particularly heterogeneous student cohort. As a part of enhancing researched-based learning at the ZU, teaching and learning formats that confront this challenge of heterogeneity and diversity are incorporated into the Master's programs. Both the AMC and GEMA contain a large research or project-oriented compulsory module in their initial phase, which all students of a cohort go through together.
Student Research Day (SRD)
Once per semester, Student Research Day offers students the ideal platform for presenting their own research – regardless of whether they are just setting out with their projects or are already able to present results.
The purpose of the event is to present scientific research work, provide a forum for exchange about this research and allow participants to be inspired. It's a win-win event for presenters and the audience.
For the very first time, on April 29, 2020, the SRD has been launched virtually and with great success! Around 100 students took part in the event, presented their research projects or listened to the contributions of their fellow students.
Director of Student Research
| Phone: | +49754160092233 |
| Room: | FB3 | Office 0.73 |
Assistant
Further links
The interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Journal of the Zeppelin University
Student Research at ZU in social media