A lecture model for a practical lecture is proposed, which is intended for a seminar in the master program photonics of the TH Wildau. As part of the seminar, it is important that students have the opportunity to plan the day-to-day tasks of a researcher. The project can be carried out both at the university or/and in companies.

We report on our experience with project-based teaching and provide a novel lecture model which allows students to develop an own research project within one semester.

The envisaged research project is investigated by each student itself and the topic is either defined by the lecturer or by the student himself. The work load of such a research and development (R&D) project is similar to one work package of a real research project. However, to motivate students it is reasonable to divide the R&D project into work packages. This task has to be done within the first two weeks and needs to be instructed by the lecturer.

After the topic and work packages are defined, the student starts to work on its own R&D project. According to our experience, it is worth to provide frequently consultations, e.g. every two weeks. Besides that, a handout with instructions about correct scientific writing is strongly recommended.

Finally, the students will present their results as a written report, a scientific poster and an oral presentation. Some outstanding results are may be published in a scientific journal or conference. This should be motivated by the instructor. In this case, the students have a great starting point for their future career.

We present as an example a R&D project in the field of optical sensors and biosensors.