The students work independently on a research topic for a total time of one semester. The topics depend on the actual research conducted in the various research groups. Following an introductory discussion with the supervisors, the students prepare a detailed written research proposal including their hypothesis, introductory literature and statistical methods. After discussing the proposal with their supervisors they perform the research work on their own and discuss the obtained results regularly with their supervisor. Following the practical work, the students write a thesis including the theoretical background, the methods used, the results obtained and a discussion of the results based on the relevant scientific literature. The students present and defend the outcome of their work as an oral presentation. The thesis is graded by two reviewers. Following successful completion the students are therefore able to independently plan a scientific work package, conduct the work, evaluate the results based on the relevant literature and present the outcomes.