Depending on the type of school, there are various subject combinations from which you can choose. You can find out what you can study at FAU in combination with the teaching degree in chemistry on the following website: https://zfl.fau.de/studium/interessierte/.

In the subject Chemistry you will mainly attend lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals in Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry and the associated subject didactics. More detailed information about the subject (such as timetables, GOP, contact persons or examination matters, …) can be found on the teacher training websites of the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy. In addition, there are courses from the combination subjects, the educational sciences, the free area and some school and industrial internships. Depending on the type of school, the standard period of study varies between 7 and 9 semesters.The teaching degree program is a state examination program and is offered in German only. You can find detailed information about the teacher training program and the individual school types on our information page about the teaching degree program (in German only).

When choosing a teaching degree in chemistry, you have the option of choosing a specific type of school:

In the teaching degree program in chemistry at grammar schools, you have to decide on two (specified) subjects that make up the main part of your study content – at FAU, there is a choice between chemistry and biology, chemistry and geography, and chemistry and English. The teaching degree program for grammar schools takes place almost exclusively in Erlangen. In addition to theory in chemistry and chemistry didactics, you also have the opportunity to work in a chemical laboratory. One third of the program includes laboratory courses in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, which, in addition to teaching you laboratory techniques and subject knowledge, also gives you insights into modern research.

In the teaching degree program in chemistry at secondary schools, you also choose two main subjects – here at FAU you can choose between Chemistry and Biology, Chemistry and English, Chemistry and Mathematics, and Chemistry and Physics. However, the amount of theoretical content here is less than for the Gymnasium teaching degree. Of course, the required theoretical and practical knowledge in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry is also taught here with the respective didactics and educational sciences, but here the educational sciences and the mandatory school internships play a greater role. And please note that most of the study courses take place in Nuremberg.

In the teaching degree program in chemistry for elementary and middle schools, you select three additional didactic subjects from (depending on the type of school) specified subject groups in addition to the main subject of chemistry in order to be as broadly positioned as possible. In addition to the lectures and laboratory practicals in the subject science, a further focus here is on general didactics and obligatory school practicals. Here, too, a large part of the teaching degree program takes place in Nuremberg.

Please note: The teaching degree program is a state examination program and is offered in German only. You can find detailed information about the teaching degree program and the individual school types on our information page about the teaching degree program (in German only).

Due to the modularization of the teaching degree program, previous knowledge in chemistry at the beginning of the teaching degree program is of increasing importance. A broad interest in the natural sciences facilitates the study, since basic knowledge of physics is also required and may have to be learned. However, the most important thing for a teaching degree in chemistry is that you have an interest in the subject Chemistry, so that the fun and enjoyment of the study are maintained, even if it is a little more stressful from time to time.

The teaching degree program requires increased self-organization, since the study plan is not completely predetermined. Students have to decide for themselves which courses and exams fit best into their schedule, and they also have to be careful not to take on too much at once. And the teaching degree program is a state examination program and is offered in German only. Therefore German language skills (Level DSH 2) are absolute mandatory for participation.

As a prospective teacher, you should enjoy working with children and young people and supporting them in their development. In the 3-week mandatory orientation internship, which can also be completed before the start of your studies, you can try out whether working with young people suits you, if you are still unsure.

We are happy to support you at the beginning of your studies in chemistry: Before the start of the first semester, a pre-course in chemistry “Brückenkurs Chemie” is offered to refresh your school knowledge and to make first contacts with fellow students (in German only!). In addition, the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy and the Center for Teacher Training (ZfL) offer frequently information events on current topics such as the start of studies, lab courses, school internships, writing a thesis, etc..

We welcome anyone who dares to take the leap into other cultures and we are happy to support you during your semester or internship abroad with ERASMUS+ and other exchange programs.

At FAU, it is possible to do a bachelor’s/master’s degree parallel to the state examination, which makes it easier to enter the job market and, above all, to be accredited abroad.

Due to the acute lack of teachers, science teachers are currently in greater demand than ever before, regardless of the type of school. Teachers for elementary and middle schools and junior high schools are particularly in demand. However, the need for specialists has also increased significantly at grammar schools.

Since FAU also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for student teachers, there are also good career alternatives in the industry.

Under certain conditions, students in all teaching degree programs can apply for the academic degree “Bachelor” after usually 6 semesters according to the LAPO. The type of Bachelor’s degree depends on the type of school studied and, if applicable, the choice of subject. Further information can be found on the homepage of the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL).

Subject combination possibilities:

• elementary school
• middle school
• secondary school
• grammar school