part three instructions for preparation of thesis - Hochschule Anhalt

PART THREE 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF THESIS 

MLA Student Handbook Fall 2005 - October 2005

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences 

Graduate Student Program (MLA) Study Plan 

Student _____________________________ 

Internship Advisor:_______________________ 

MLA Program 

FORM Study Plan 

Advisor _____________________________ 

The MLA Student Record of previously taken courses exists in order to discuss with the Academic Advisor the courses to 

be taken next. The purpose of this list is for academic guidance, not as proof of exams taken. 

Required and Elective Courses 

Modulbezeichnung/ Courses 

Professor 

Date of 

Exam 

Grade 

ECTS 

Remarks on Academic 

standing 

Required Modules/ Pflichtmodule 

0. Orientierungsseminar/ Orientation Prof. Buhmann - 

R1 Studio Project Landscape Planning I Prof. Buhmann 6 

R2 Studio Project Landscape Planning II Prof. Buhmann 6 

R3 Studio Project Landscape Design I Prof. Beck-Koh 6 

R4 Studio Project Landscape Design II Prof. Beck-Koh 6 

R 5 Landscape Planning (6) 

Environmental Planning Prof. Lange 3 

Seminar European Practice in Landscape Planning Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

R6 Research and Methods in Landscape 

Architecture (6) 

Research Methods and Planning Theory Prof. Dr. Haase 3 

Spatial Planning and Urbanism Prof. Dr. Haase 3 

R7 Landscape Design (6) 

Landscape Design Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

Seminar European Practice in Landscape Design Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

R8 Landscape Design Practice (6) 

Sustainable Design Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

Planting Design Prof. Kircher 3 

R9 Independent Studio Project 6 

Elective Modules/ min. 2 Modules)/ 

Wahlpflichtmodule 

E1 Environmental Planning Issues (6) 

European Environmental Law Prof. Schmidt 3 

Advanced Digital Presentation Techniques in 

Planning 

Prof Buhmann 

E2 Design Presentation (6) 

Graphic Design and Presentation Prof. Brozska 3 

Advanced Digital Presentation Techniques in 

Design 

Prof. Kretzler 

E3 Management in Landscape Architecture (6) 

Professional Office Practice and Management Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

Rhetoric and Communication J. Möller 3 

E4 Landscape Architecture Practice (6) 

Special Problems in Landscape Architecture Prof. Buhmann 3 

Current Themes in Landscape Architecture Prof. Beck-Koh 3 

Internship/ Berufspraktikum 

R10 Internship 18 weeks, proposal, seminar, 

reports, oral exam 24 

or optional Integrated Studio 

MLA Student Handbook Fall 2005 - October 2005 

3 

3

Master Thesis 

Thesis Proposal Seminar Prof. Buhmann 0 

Thesis Seminar Prof. Buhmann 2 

Thesis 22 

Colloquium 6 

Please see you academic advisor regularly 

Date of consultation: 

…………………… 

Date of consultation: 

…………………… 

Signature of Advisor…………………………. 

Signature of Advisor…………………………. 

Additional required courses for “Non-BLA” 

and Additional Elective Courses 

Modulbezeichnung/ Courses 

Professor 

Date of 

Exam 

Grade 

ECTS 

Remarks on Academic 

standing 

Additional Required Courses for "Non-BLA"/ 

Zusätzliche Pflichtmodule für "Non-BLAs" 

I1 Introduction Module Landscape Planning (6) 

Landscape Planning Prof. Tobias 2 

GIS for Landscape Architects Prof. Buhmann 2 

Prof. Dr. 

Plants in European Landscape Architecture 

Kircher 2 

I2 Introduction Module Landscape Design (6) 

History of European Gardens and Landscapes Prof. Buhmann 2 

Site Design and Construction Prof. Beck-Koh 2 

CAD for Landscape Architects Prof. Kretzler 2 

Additional Elective Courses/ Zusätzliche 

Wahlpflichtfächer 

German as foreign language - 

Prof. English an Architecture/Landscape 

Architecture - 

Thesis 22 

Please see you academic advisor regularly 

Date of consultation…………………………………… 



Signature and comment by advisor:………………… 




Bernburg 

Dessau 

Köthen 

Hochschule Anhalt (FH),Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg 

My name and postal address: 

Hochschule Anhalt (FH) 

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences 

Abteilung Bernburg 

Prüfungsamt 

Strenzfelder Allee 28 

06406 Bernburg 

Telefon: +49 3471 355-4219 

Telefax: +49 3471 355-4220 

Name: _____________________________ 

Student-ID: _________________________ 

Dear Professor Kaufmann, 

please process my transcript of grades and send it to my above postal address. 

Best regards, 

Bernburg, _____________ 

(date) 

_____________________________ 

(signature first/family name) 


List of Thesis Topics 

Please ask your Program Director for the current list of 

Thesis/ Independent Student Project Topics 


Thesis Proposal Checklist, Master of Landscape Architecture Program (MLA) 

Approval of Proposals 

Students in the Master of Landscape Architecture Program are required to prepare a thesis proposal. Using 

the form below this proposal must be formally approved by the student’s major professor and the second 

examiner of the thesis steering committee. A copy of the proposal must be attached to this form when it is 

submitted for approval. 

The proposal as well as the final thesis needs to be thoroughly edited. Proposals and thesis work will not be 

accepted with an insufficient level of language or with formal mistakes. Non-native English speaking 

students have to find ways for professional language corrections. 

Possible variance of topics 

The topic of thesis can be any topic in landscape architecture. The only limiting factor is that your thesis 

proposal has to be approved by a faculty member of Anhalt University. You have to find a professor who will 

accept your thesis proposals as “First examiner” who is also referred to as “Major Professor”. Because 

thesis consulting takes a lot of time for the “Major Professor”, you have to get the interest of this faculty 

member. The variances of possible issues in landscape architecture are endless, but the interest of 

professors may be pretty specific. 

Content of Proposal 

Proposals will vary in content according to the nature of the planned research. In general, the proposal 

should be a succinct statement of research plans (normally about 5-10 pages in length) and describe the 

planned work, using the following guide: 

1. title 

2. goals and objectives or hypothesis 

3. background brief statement summarizing pertinent literature 

4. key data or information sources 

5. method of inquiry 

6. expected results 

7. documentation format 

8. timetable for research, writing, and defense examination, 

9. brief bibliography. 

Proposal Approval 

Student Name/ Matr.No: 

Thesis/Project Title: 

_____________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________ 

Thesis proposal is approved by* 

Major Professor: 

(first examiner) 

Second Committee Member: 

(second examiner) 

__________________ Date: _____________________ 

__________________ Date: _____________________ 

• A copy of the approved proposal should be attached to this form. A copy of this approval form and the attached proposal should be 

provided to each of the above persons. 

After approval this “Thesis Proposal Approval Form” needs to be submitted with the “Application for 

Authorization to start the Master Thesis” which you submit to the examination board (see form). The 

examination board then formally checks your academic records (you need to have completed the course 

work) and the suggestion for your thesis examiners. 


Bernburg 

Dessau 

Köthen 

Hochschule Anhalt (FH),Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg 

Students Postal address 

Abteilung Bernburg 

Prüfungsamt/Examination 

Board 

Strenzfelder Allee 28 

06406 Bernburg 

Telefon: +49 3471 355-4219 

Telefax: +49 3471 355-4220 

Application for Authorization of Master Thesis 

Name/Family Name: _________________ 

Vorname / Surname: _______________________________ 

Matr.-Nr./No.: __________________ Studiengang / Program:_____________________________ 

1. Vorgeschlagenes Arbeitsthema für die Master-dissertation (Fortsetzung auf der Rückseite)/ 

Suggested topic of the thesis (continue on the back): 

2. Suggestion 1. Prüfer(in)/Gutachter(in): (academic degree, Name) _______________________________ 

Suggestion for examiner 1( Major Professor) 

Suggestion 2. Prüfer(in)/Gutachter(in): (academic degree, Name) _______________________________ 

Hinweis: Wenn Hochschulfremde vorgeschlagen werden, bitte auf der Rückseite die Adresse und den akademischen Grad 

angeben. Angaben sind durch Unterschrift des/der Vorgeschlagenen zu bestätigen. 

3. This thesis is group work with ___________________________________________________________ 

4. Diese Master Thesis ist die erste / die erste Wiederholung. This thesis is the first / first repeat 

5. Erklärung: Mit meiner Unterschrift bestätige ich, dass mit bekannt ist, dass ich nach der Bestätigung 

durch den Prüfungsausschuss das o. g. Thema nur innerhalb von 4 Wochen zurückgeben kann./ 

Students declaration: I have been informed that after receiving this notice, the thesis topic can be 

withdrawn only within 4 weeks 

Place, date: ______________________ Unterschrift / Student Signature ________________________ 

6. Mit meiner Unterschrift bestätige ich, dass ich o. g. Arbeitsthema dem o. g. Studenten (der o. g. 

Studentin) übergeben haben und als 1. Prüfer(in)/Gutachter(in) tätig werde. 

Place, date: ______________________ Unterschrift / Signature Major Professor:__________________ 


Bescheid / Decision 

I. Der Prüfungsausschuss bestätigte das o. g. Arbeitsthema und die Prüfer für die Master-dissertation./The 

Examination Board approves the above topic and the examiners. 

Abgabedatum/Date of submission: 

_________________________ 

II. Chairman/Chairwoman of the colloquium: _____________________________________________________ 

III. Please apply for your grade transcripts before the oral presentation of the thesis. 

IV. Objection to this decision on your request can be addressed in writting to the Examination Board within one month 

to the above given address. 

Bernburg, den ___________________ 

Vorsitzender des PA / Examination Board:_______________ 


Master of Landscape Architecture Program (MLA) 

Instructions for Completing a MLA Thesis 

The following guidelines are provided to enhance the access by other researchers and scholars to masters 

theses completed at the MLA Program at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. We thank Prof. Dr. James 

Palmer, College of Environmental Science and Forestry at SUNY Syracuse for his advice on these 

guidelines (Faculty of Landscape Architecture, 2002). 

1.) Copies of thesis or dissertations must be clear, neat, and easily read. Paper must be of good quality A4 

format bond. Margins should be 2,5 cm at the top, bottom and right, and 3 cm at the left for binding. 

Text should be1 ½ -spaced, with fond no smaller than 10 point, and page numbering in the bottom right 

corner. The cover should have the author and title printed both on the spine and the cover. 

2.) The title page (see format) must include the name of both major and the second thesis examiners. 

The date listed on the title page should be the month and year in which the document was successfully 

defended. For example, if the defense is 15 May 2003, the date on the title page should be May 2003. 

The year listed on the title page will be the year listed on the binding. 

3.) An abstract page (see format) is required and shall contain key words listed at the end of the 

abstract. Abstracts are bound with the document and shall not exceed 350 words for a master’s 

thesis. 

4.) The written part of the thesis should be at least 30 – 50 pages. Additional graphics may be added as 

CD of DVD with the necessary program to view the work. 

Generally a thesis follows this format: 

Title Page 

Acknowledgements 

Declaration of Authorship 

Table of Contents 

List of Tables 

List of Figures 

Abstract with Key Words 

Introduction 

Literature Review 

Methods and Materials 

Results 

Discussion 

Conclusions 

Bibliography 

Appendices (incl. CD with additional graphics and digital publishing versions) 

Vita 

5.) Thesis will be acceptable as determined by individual faculty members. The student’s selection of 

this format must be in keeping with guidelines established by participating faculty and have the prior 

approval of the student’s major professor and the second thesis examiner. The student is 

considered the senior author of any thesis and as such only the student’s name shall appear on the 

title page. Other authors shall be cited under the acknowledgement section, but not on each 

manuscript. The abstract should be inclusive of all manuscripts included in the document. Likewise, 

the conclusions section should be a synthesis of all inclusive manuscripts. 

6.) The vita (see format attached) is the last page of the thesis. 

7.) At least four copies of the final approved thesis must be submitted to the Examinations Office 

(“Prüfungsamt”). The “Prüfungsamt” will stamp the date of submission. The student must hand in a 

stamped version to each of his two examiners and one to the MLA office for the MLA reference 

library. One copy remains at the Examinations office. Students may have additional copies bound 

as requested for personal use. Binding fees are the individual student’s expense. The bindings 

should have author, title and year printed on front and spine. The cover should be black hard cover. 



Sample Title Page 

FÜRST PÜCKLER 

DIDN’T DIE 

HE DECOMPOSED 

By 

H. Icecream 

A thesis 

submitted in partial fulfillment 

of the requirements for the 

Master of Landscape Architecture 

Department of Agriculture, Home Economics and Nutrition, Landscape Architecture 

and Nature Conservancy 

Month Year 

Major Professor, first examiner 

Second Examiner 



Format for Abstract 

Abstract with key words 

(Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial). 

(Thesis, ....................................... Typed and bound thesis, _________ pages, ________ 

tables, _______ figures, 20xx) 

(key words) 

(body abstract) 

DO NOT EXCEED: 

350 words 

Author’s name in full 

______________________________________________________ 

Candidate for the degree of ______________________ Date of submission: ______________ 


______________________________________________________ 

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Department: ___________________________________ 

Second Examiner: 

Address: 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

submitted to Anhalt University of Applied Sciences 

MLA Program, Solbadstraße 2; D-06406 Bernburg 



VITA 

(Name) 

Date and Place of Birth 

Education 

(Name and Location) (Dates ) (Degree) 

High School: 

College: 

Graduate School: 

Employment 

(Employer) (Dates) (Job Title) 



Checklist for Thesis Submission 

Before you submit your thesis, check to make sure you: 

Leave at least 3 cm on the left margin for binding; 

Black Binding must include author, title and year printed on front and spine; 

Print 1 ½ -spaced, single sided, pages numbered in lower right corner; 

Have the declaration of authorship signed; 

Include your vita as the last page of the thesis; 

Spell check all pages – especially the acknowledgement page; 

• Make sure all pages are included and in correct order; and 

• Make sure you have not passed your submission date (If so, your must petition an extension.) 

CD or DVD with additional graphics and digital publishing versions includes all necessary program 

components used for viewing; 

Recommended References 

University of Chicago. (1993). A Manual of Style: For Authors, Editors and Copywriters. (14 th ed., rev.) 

Chicago: University of Chicago Press. (Z253.U69 1993) 

University Microfilms, Inc. Publishing Your Dissertation: How to Prepare your Manuscript for Publication. (D- 

559D 35M 1993) 

Boyd, Jane & Etherington, Don. (1986). Preparation of Archival Copies of Thesis and Dissertations. 

Chicago: American Library Association. (Reserve Z701 B79 1986). 

Reference used for these guidelines 

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (2003): Regulations for MLA Program (see PART FOUR) 

Faculty of Landscape Architecture, SUNY ESF (2002): MS – MLA Students Handbook 2001-2002, State 

University of New York, 331 Marshal Hall, Syracuse N. Y. 13210, USA (www.fla.esf.edu) 



Declaration of Authorship 

I certify that the material contained in this Master Thesis is my own work and does not contain 

unacknowledged work of others. 

1. Where I have consulted the published work of others, this is always clearly attributed. 

2. Where I have quoted from the work of others, the source is always given. With the exception of such 

quotations the work of this thesis is entirely my own. 

3. This dissertation has not been submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any other 

institution. 

(typed name) (matriculation no.) date: __________, signature __________________ 



Thesis Procedure and Defense 

Examination – At the conclusion of the study program, each Master of Landscape Architecture candidate 

must successfully defend his/her thesis. The objectives of the defense examination are to probe the validity 

and significance of the data and information presented, to assess the student as a critical thinker and data 

analyst, to evaluate student’s scientific creativity, including the ability to relate research results to scientific 

theory within the chosen field, and to present the results effectively in writing. 

The student must be still enrolled at Anhalt University at the day of the oral thesis defense. 

Upon the recommendation of the academic advisor, the graduate student is asked to find a first and second 

examiner for her/his thesis. The student has to follow the procedure listed below: 

(1) The Thesis candidate has to find a Major Professor as first examiner and a second examiner with 

interest in the general thesis topic. The Major Professor must be a faculty member. The second advisor 

can be from outside. All examiners must have a least a master degree. 

(2) The candidate has to write a thesis proposal and the university submits it to the Major Professor. If 

necessary he/she has to rewrite the proposal according to the examiners critique and advice. 

(3) The formal application to begin a master thesis can only be submitted if all required courses and 

minimum of 6 electives are registered at the examination office. To check this, please ask for a grade 

transcript by the beginning of the third semester from the examination office. In case of questions arising 

about complete and correct fulfillment of course requirements the student must contact his/her academic 

advisor. 

(4) After the proof of completing the minimum requirement for academic courses the MLA student can now 

apply for starting the thesis using the “Application for Authorization to start the Master Thesis”. The 

student will receive a copy of the approved thesis topic and committee with a deadline of 4 months for 

submission. 

(5) The student has to submit 4 copies of the thesis to the “Prüfungsamt”: 

1 copy for “Prüfungsamt” 

2 copies for examiners 

1 copy for the reference library at the MLA Office 

The date of submission is being registered by the Examination officer. The student must hand out the copies 

to the two examiners for their review. 

(6) The written part of the thesis is being graded for 22 credit points. 

(7) The first examiner will organize the oral exam and announce it publicly. The oral exam (Thesis defense) 

consists of a 20-30 minutes presentation of the results and 10-15 minutes discussion with the 

examination committee and attending audience. The oral part of the thesis is being graded for 6 credit 

points. 

(8) The student is also asked to hand in an thesis summary in digital form to the MLA web master. 

The Major Professor (first examiner) is the head of the committee managing the oral defense, ensures its 

integrity and represents the interest of the faculty and attending students. Any member of the faculty may be 

an observer of the oral defense. The first examiner can appoint up to a total of 5 faculty members to be part 

of the oral examination committee. 



Evaluation Criteria for Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis by Examiner 

The MLA Thesis should be at least 30 - 50 Pages (plus tables, graphs, appendix etc.) Only thoroughly edited English text can be 

accepted. 

One copy of the MLA Thesis is for the examiner to keep. The evaluation should not be longer than 1-2 pages and one single grade 

should be assigned. Please sign and date the evaluation. Only when the evaluations differ extremely will a third evaluator be assigned 

by the Examination Board. The text file of this document is available at the MLA Office. 

Please send the written evaluation with your signature by fax and mail to: 

Examination Board Copy to: The MLA Office 

Prof. Dr. Kaufmann 

Prof. Erich Buhmann 

Strenzfelder Allee 28 Solbadstraße 2 

D-06406 Bernburg, Germany D-06406 Bernburg, Germany 

Fax no: ++49-3471-355-352067 Fax no: ++49-3471-9-1116 

Mail: Kaufmann@loel.hs-anhalt.de 

Mail: mla@loel.hs-anhalt.de 

Evaluating the Thesis 

Candidate, Matriculation Number: ___________________________________________________________ 

Thesis Topic: 

___________________________________________________________ 


___________________________________________________________ 

Second Examiner: 

___________________________________________________________ 

Content 

Single Grade for 

Content/Formalities 

• Clear statement of the problem, comprehensive definition and classification of the problem in the overall context, 

and the appropriately derived procedure _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Clear and logical structure _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Correct data collection and evaluation _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Clear formulation of the results _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Conclusion and recommendations _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Possibilities for errors and classification of the results ___________________________________________ ____________ 

• Sufficient Literature _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

Formalities 

• Grammar and spelling _____________________________________________________ ____________ 

• Proper use of maps, tables, and graphics ____________________________________________________ 

____________ 

• Proper quotation and reference to all information sources _______________________________________ 

____________ 

Written evaluation: 

Final grade for written part _______________, verbal ________________, signature __________________ 

Rate the thesis with a grade: verbal and (numerical) – e.g. Good (2,3). The following levels are available for the rating: 

Very good: 1,0; 1,3 A, A- (100%) Suffcient: 3,7; 4,0 D+; D (50%) 

Good: 1,7; 2,0;2,3 B+; B; B- Fail F 

Satisfactory: 2,7; 3,0; 3,3 C+; C; C-

part three instructions for preparation of thesis - Hochschule Anhalt

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