Based on our doctoral rules, the department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy awards the academic title “Dr. rer. nat.” for individual doctorates. The title “Ph.D.” is only awarded to doctoral students of graduate programs on request.

The term “Ph.D. student”, which is frequently used in working groups, is familiar to everyone internationally, but also suggests that you will receive the title “Ph.D.” at the end of the process. However, as a “doctoral student” you will be awarded the title “Dr. rer. nat.” upon successful completion of the doctorate and you may only use the title in the form it was awarded to you. Note: The term “Ph.D.” is not a possible translation, but a different title; the title “Dr. rer. nat.” also remains in the English version of the doctoral certificate.

Doctoral students from graduate programs can decide once which title they would like to be awarded; a subsequent change is not possible.