Laboratory operations on the Leverkusen campus and at CHEMPARK Leverkusen
Due to a technical fault, the laboratories on the Leverkusen campus can only be used to a limited extent. Replacement areas at CHEMPARK Leverkusen have been set up and are in operation. Here you will find answers to important questions.
At the beginning of December 2023, a defect was discovered in the ventilation system at the Leverkusen campus of TH Köln, which was subsequently shut down in the laboratory area for repairs. As a result, the laboratories were also closed, as they cannot be operated without functional ventilation.
The damage and defects have been documented, and work is underway with experts to determine the cause. However, it is now clear that a large part of the ventilation system needs to be replaced. This means that the old system has to be dismantled and the new system rebuilt on the roof of the campus. The engineers are working on planning the new ventilation system and installing it as quickly as possible. There is currently no definitive statement on the duration of the work.
In order to secure teaching and research operations, laboratories have been rented in the CHEMPARK Leverkusen, which were already used during the founding phase of the faculty. A partial relocation has already taken place and the second relocation phase should be completed shortly after Easter.
Which areas of the campus are affected?
The laboratories on the Leverkusen campus are affected. For all other parts of the campus, such as the lecture halls, seminar rooms, learning areas, the LibraryLearningLounge and the canteen, there are no restrictions.
What does this mean for research operations?
Research operations will gradually resume in the laboratories at CHEMPARK. Doctoral students and employees will be working at CHEMPARK to carry out research work as well as supervising student theses.
What does the university do?
The TH Köln is working with all parties involved, such as the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW, experts and surveyors, to determine and rectify the cause of the malfunction and damage. It is not yet possible to say when repair work can begin and how long it will take.
What does this mean for the students?
The loss of the laboratories means a great deal of additional financial and organizational effort for practical laboratory teaching, as many course contents can only be taught through practical work in the laboratory. In summer semester 24, however, practical laboratory training will be offered in full again. This will then mainly be carried out at the CHEMPARK. Students will receive detailed information on the organization via the internship supervisors and module folders on the ILIAS learning platform.
Lectures, tutorials and seminars are not affected by the restrictions. The learning and support rooms, such as the PC pool, canteen and LibraryLearningLounge etc., can also be used as normal during campus opening hours.
Final theses can be carried out at external partner companies or in the CHEMPARK in consultation with the working group leaders.
How do students get to the CHEMPARK and do they need an additional ID card?
There is a direct bus connection between the Leverkusen campus and the CHEMPARK. The lecture and internship times are coordinated so that a change of location is possible without restriction. Students require a company ID card to access the CHEMPARK. When registering for the internship, they will be informed which documents they need to submit and when they can collect their company ID card from the CHEMPARK ID office.
How long can we expect teaching and research to continue at two locations in Leverkusen?
Unfortunately, this cannot yet be estimated. We currently assume that we will be active at both locations in summer semester 24 and winter semester 24/25.
Are there contact persons for students?
Students are asked to contact the Faculty's Student Advisory Service if they have any questions:
Telephone consultation hours:
Mondays 09:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Wednesdays 09:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Phone: +49 214-32831-4707