Biology

The work of biologists overlaps that of pharmaceutical chemists, biochemists, veterinarians, agronomists and other graduates in subjects closely related to biology, and biological research is conducted in a wide range of fields, such as molecular biology, biochemistry, immunobiology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, morphology, taxonomy, animal and plant physiology, behavioral biology, ecology, neurobiology or neuronal foundations of behaviour. For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation: Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Biology (German) Which further expertise and skills will I acquire? Graduates will have deepened and supplement the fundamental skills relating to the life and natural sciences acquired during the bachelor's program. In accordance with their choice of focus areas, moreover, they have at their disposal specialist knowledge relating to three of the seven focus areas offered. Given the freely combinable focus areas and the individual and freely combinable modules within each focus area, all graduates have a very specific competency profile that reflects personal inclinations, skills and interests. Having diversified into three focus areas as stipulated, graduates are able to understand and analyze complex biological contexts, including when these extend beyond their subject. Competencies acquired in internships enable graduates to independently plan and conduct experiments, as well as process the resulting data and place it in a broader context. They are in a position to plan research projects of greater complexity with precision and develop original solutions to existing and new biological problems. Furthermore, graduates will have further developed and refined their professional and methodological, as well as personal and social competencies. Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification? The occupational profile for biologists is extensive. In accordance with their chosen specialist areas of study, graduates find positions in, for example, pure research at a university, applied and industrial research and development, the food industry, quality assurance or product marketing, as well as in government offices and authorities, and public institutions. For certain positions, a doctorate is recommended. Program structure Around 200 modules in the life sciences and 65 professors enable students to tailor their studies to their own interests. As regards content, the modules offered correlate to one of seven focus areas: biochemistry/cell biology, genetics/biostatistics, medical biology, microbiology, ecology/environmental management, plant sciences, animal sciences. Lectures, seminars, exercise modules, internships and excursions for students in advanced semesters build upon the qualifications obtained in previous studies (in a primarily life sciences-oriented degree program).These courses are largely research-oriented. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experience in small and very small groups, particularly as regards research internships within groups of scientists, where there is 1:1 supervision and the opportunity to make use of tools currently utilized in research. The program offers modules in animal sciences, such as introduction to mammalian cell culture; modules in plant sciences, such as plant physiology, developmental genetics, stress resistance, molecular plant breeding and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial ecology; microbiology modules concerning, for example, extremophile microorganisms, food biotechnology, or ecological microbiology; medical biology modules concerning inter alia virology, immunology, oncology or, in the area of biochemistry and cell biology, modules, such as protein design, molecular biotechnology and cell culture technology. The program concludes after 4 semesters (standard duration of study) with a research-oriented thesis completed over a six month period. In detail: Overview Degree Program Structure (PDF 151 KB) Module Catalog: Description of Program Content Language of instruction Required language skills for admission: You need sufficient German or English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your language skills. This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center. Language of instruction: The language of instruction for this program is German or English. Depending on the focus area you choose, you can study in German, English or both languages. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview. To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic advisor of this program. Information on study organization Information on exams Information on studying abroad Fees for the program The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester . Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here. Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here. Academic Regulations:

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