Time Slot Model

Background

More than 28,000 students are currently enrolled at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) (as at the end of 2023). These are spread across approx. 150 Bachelor's/Master's degree programmes, five teacher training programmes, various state examination and doctoral degree programmes as well as expiring Diplom and Magister degree programmes. Many subject combinations are possible in the Bachelor's/Master's and teacher training programmes. It is JMU's declared aim to offer students an overlap-free programme of study in order to enable them to graduate within the standard period of study. For this reason, JMU has decided to set up a time slot model to harmonise the courses offered by the subjects and faculties.

Basic features of the time slot model

The focus of the time slot model is on the compulsory courses. These must not overlap in order to ensure that students graduate within the standard period of study. The subjects and subject combinations offered at JMU form the basis of the model. The subjects are divided into six groups (A to F). This categorisation takes into account the characteristics of the degree programmes and the multiple use of courses as well as compulsory courses and teaching exports. Compulsory courses for combined degree programmes must be scheduled during the lecture period from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. The lecture period is divided into blocks of 2 semester hours per week (SWS), which begin at the same time as the even-numbered hours. This means that transfer times between two blocks always average half an hour. Each subject has 26 SWS of main time available per week. Of this, 8 SWS core time is provided for compulsory courses that are offered once and 18 SWS elective time for those that are offered several times. For the teacher training programmes, 2 SWS core periods and 12 SWS elective periods are also planned for the educational sciences. The time slot model covers a period of five years. This means that both the three-year Bachelor's programmes and the two-year Master's programmes as well as the teacher training programmes are included. For a fair distribution, the times for the subjects change within this period. Implementing the time slot model according to the same principles throughout the university results in greater reliability for teaching staff, students and administrative staff. In addition, better utilisation of resources is also associated with better planning of the rooms.

Wishes, suggestions and criticism

Do you have any suggestions, wishes or criticism regarding the specific implementation of the time slot model in the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy? We take all constructive criticism and suggestions seriously. If necessary, please send an e-mail to our function account with a detailed description. Thank you very much!