Master’s courses

© BIOTEC/CRTD

20th century physics and biology took science to the atomic and molecular level. To meet today's technological challenges we have to follow this trend and move from micro- to nanotechnology. At this level of spatial resolution, technology meets biology. The machines in our cells and in all life on earth are nanomachines encoded in a genetic language. These nanomachines provide functionality at a much smaller scale, greater efficiency, consuming less energy and creating less pollution as is currently possible with micro-technologies. We have to understand how to engineer such cellular machines.

To realize this vision of molecular bioengineering, the master program brings a novel combination of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, materials science, medical science, bioinformatics and nanotechnology together. The program Molecular Bioengineering aims to teach students the fundamentals in biomedicine and bio-nanotechnology combining biology and technology, which are linked in two ways: On the one hand, biological knowledge on cells is applied to develop the notion of molecular factories; on the other hand, nano-technology and bioinformatics are enabling technologies applicable to engineer biomaterials for medical applications.

© BIOTEC/CRTD

Degree

Master of Science

Duration 

4 semester (3 semester coursework + 1 semester thesis) 

Language 

English

Curriculum/ Study Documents

The modules taught in the first three semesters fall into two categories: biomedical and technological modules. The biomedical modules comprise genomics and stem cell engineering proteomics, and chemistry with bio-molecules and the technological modules include bioinformatics, bionanotechnology and polymeric materials, biophysics and cellular machines. Starting in the 2nd semester the students may choose one out of of 2 optional modules: Application in Biomedicine or Application in Technology. Furthermore, a workshop on public and economic aspects of bioengineering discusses ethical and legal issues, patenting, and how to found and lead biotechnological companies. Half of the 3rd semester consists of the work on a lab project. The 4th semester is devoted to the master's thesis.

Here are the study documents. This is an English courtesy translation - only the German version is legally binding! 
Curriculum
Study Schedule
Overview of the changes of the Study and Examination Regulations, 16.02.2022, 21.04.2021, 10.08.2018, 18.03.2018, 14.02.2017
Study Regulations, 10.12.2014
Module Description, 10.12.2014
Examination Regulations, 10.12.2014

Intake

only for winter semester, starting on October 1st

Accreditation 

On 3 February 2017, the Master in Molecular Bioengineering has been successfully re-accredited until 31st March 2024.

PhD Early Admission

Through a cooperation between the Dresden International PhD program (DIPP) and the three Master‘s programs, an Early Admission (following 3 semesters of study) to DIPP is possible for selected students. Decision will be made based on performance and reference letters.
Admitted students may either directly enter the PhD program without completing the Master's degree or first complete the MSc, and then join the PhD program).

International Students

Our Master's program is very international, with approx. 1/3 of the students coming from Germany and 2/3 from all over the world, e.g. from Mexico, Brazil, India, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece...

Teaching Staff

The major share of teaching in the master program is covered by the professors and group leaders of the BIOTEC and their assistants. Their expertise is complemented by teachers from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials (MBZ), Leibniz-Institute for Polymer Research (IPF) Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) and the Medical Theoretical Center (MTZ). 

Career Prospects

The dynamic development in life sciences and biotechnology creates a huge demand for qualified scientists in these areas. Graduates of the Molecular Bioengineering program will be able to find appropriate positions in research institutes as well as in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and software industry.

Application requirements

1. a Diploma degree or a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:

• Biology / Life Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry / Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Materials Science
• Medicine
• Nanotechnology
• Physics

Please note: we require a Bachelor's degree from most Asian applicants (including India, China etc.) with a minimum of four years of study or, alternatively, a three year Bachelor's degree plus one year of Master's studies.

2. a good command of English

• TOEFL: minimum level 92 points internet-based or 600 points paper-based OR
• IELTS: minimum level 6.5
• certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered, e.g. UniCERT, CAE, CPE

3. proven basic knowledge in biochemistry, cell biology, materials science, physics and mathematics

Please note that Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian applicants need to provide the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Academic Evaluation Centre at the German Embassy

For further details please refer to the admission regulations!
Please note: The German text of the official publication is the authoritative version. The English version is a courtesy translation. In case of ambiguity, please refer to the German documents.

Application

The application period runs from 1 April- 31 May for admissions in winter term.
You'll find complete information on the application procedure here

© PoL

What is life?

How do cells self-organize into a living organism?

How do fluxes of energy and matter orchestrate this process?

Can we build tools to control the dynamics of cells and tissues?

Modern technologies and quantitative physical approaches are transforming our view on life. Computational and physical models, as well as data analysis, have become central to understand the dynamics of living matter at the molecular, cell, and tissue scale. At the same time, several physical concepts, from phase separation and self-organized pattern formation to cellular jamming, have been shown to be essential to understand living systems.
The newly developed international Master of Science Physics of Life aims at training a new generation of biological physicists at the cross-roads of Physics and Biology, with a strong focus on research and problem-solving skills. Such interdisciplinary training provides a broad skillset for the study of living systems. We seek talented and curious students with a background in physics, applied mathematics, quantitative biology, or closely related fields.

The master program intends to teach fundamentals in biophysics, quantitative biology and bionanotechnology in order to a) characterize biological processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level, b) discover and understand emergent properties of biological systems, and c) harness novel analytical and experimental tools for both academic research and biotechnological applications.

Selected students have a Fast Track option into the Dresden International PhD Program (DIPP).

Degree

Master of Science

Duration

4 semesters (3 semesters course work + 1 semester thesis)

Language                  

English

Curriculum

The syllabus for the first semester comprises introductory courses in biophysics, polymer physics, physical and biological chemistry, as well as courses on the fundamentals of molecular cell biology and experimental design. Practical computational examples will facilitate active learning.

In the second semester, students attend courses on stochastic processes, continuum descriptions of living matter, as well as cell and tissue biology, mechanobiology, and the biological physics of molecular machines. Students will choose one of three specializations
(i) “Experimental Biological Physics”,
(ii) “Theoretical Biological Physics”,
(iii) “Nanobiotechnology”,
for which specialized elective courses will be offered. These courses focus on topical areas of research.

In the third semester, students deepen their knowledge on pattern formation and active matter theory, as well as attend courses in their chosen specialization. Furthermore, students will conduct an extended lab project, which can serve as preparation for their Master thesis in the fourth semester. 

The fourth semester will be dedicated to writing the Master's thesis.

© Curriculum PoL

Study Regulations "Physics of Life", 24 May 2022
Examination Regulations "Physics of Life", 24 May 2022
Module description
Study Schedule
Curriculum POL, Biological Physics
Currriculum POL, EMM-Nano/Biophysics

Intake

Only for winter semester, starting on October 1st

PhD Early Admission

Through a cooperation between the Dresden International PhD program (DIPP) and the three Master‘s programs, an Early Admission (following 3 semesters of study) to DIPP is possible for selected students. Decision will be made based on performance and reference letters.
Admitted students may either directly enter the PhD program without completing the Master's degree or first complete the MSc, and then join the PhD program).

Teaching Staff

The teaching in the master program is covered by the professors and group leaders of the Cluster of Excellence ‘Physics of Life’ as well as colleagues from the life science institutes of TUD (BIOTEC, B CUBE, CRTD) and partners from the Dresden concept alliance, including the Max-Planck Institute for Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS), the Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), the Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials (MBZ), the Leibniz-Institutes for Polymer Research (IPF) and Solid State and Materials Research (IFW).

Career Prospects     

The master course is highly research-oriented. A graduate in the Physics of Life will have the possibility to continue in academic or industrial research (e.g., as a researcher in a biotechnology company), or in research administration and scientific publishing.

Application requirements

1. a Diploma or Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:

• Physics
• Biophysics
• Applied mathematics
• Engineering and Nanotechnology
• Quantitative Biology with strong background in physics education
• Or related subject with strong background in physics education

Please note: we require a Bachelor's degree from most Asian applicants (including India, China etc.) with a minimum of four years of study or, alternatively, a three year Bachelor's degree plus one year of Master's studies.

2. a good command of English

TOEFL: minimum level 92 points internet-based or 600 points paper-based OR

IELTS: minimum level 6.5

certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered, e.g.UniCERT, CAE, CPE

3. good knowledge in the fundamentals of physics including mechanics, statistical physics, good knowledge of linear algebra, calculus and differential equations, as well as basic knowledge in chemistry and biology.

Please note that Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian applicants need to provide the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Academic Evaluation Centre at the German Embassy

For further details please refer to the admission regulations! 
Please note: The German text of the official publication is the authoritative version. The English version is a courtesy translation. In case of ambiguity, please refer to the German documents.

Application

The application period runs from 1 April - 31 May for admissions in winter term.

You'll find complete information on the application procedure here.

PLEASE NOTE: The master’s program Nanobiophysics will continue in a changed format and renewed content and will have a new name. As of October 2022, we will offer the master’s program Physics of Life instead of Nanobiophysics. This renewed program will include core courses in the field of molecular and cellular biophysics and introduce 3 focus areas students can choose from: Experimental Biological Physics, Theoretical Biological Physics and Nanobiotechnology.  Please check the page "Physics of Life" for more details.

Molecules in our cells are genetically encoded nanomachines with amazing functionalities, and they work together in fascinating ways to provide the capabilities that make all life on earth possible. On the one hand it is essential that we describe, harness and engineer cellular machines, and on the other hand we need to understand the dynamics and activities that emerge when many such machines are put together to function in cells and tissues.

This goal can best be reached by providing interdisciplinary training and introducing students with a thorough education in physics or related quantitative subjects to the fascinating fields of molecular biology, quantitative cell and developmental biology, polymer science, biophysics and biophysical theory, bionanotechnology, and the amazing world of single molecule approaches. 

The master program intends to teach students the physics of life. Our aim is to provide fundamentals in biophysics, biology and bionanotechnology in order to a) better characterize molecular machines, b) discover and understand emergent properties of molecular machines in cells and tissues, and c) harness these molecules in technological systems for bottom-up nanotechnology.

Selected students have a Fast Track option into the Dresden International PhD Program (DIPP).

© BIOTEC/CRTD

PLEASE NOTE: The master’s program Nanobiophysics will continue in a changed format and renewed content and will have a new name. As of October 2022, we will offer the master’s program Physics of Life instead of Nanobiophysics. This renewed program will include core courses in the field of molecular and cellular biophysics and introduce 3 focus areas students can choose from: Experimental Biological Physics, Theoretical Biological Physics and Nanobiotechnology. More information can be found here after April 1. 

Degree

Master of Science

Duration 

4 semesters (3 semester coursework + 1 semester thesis)

Language            

English

Curriculum/ Study Documents

The syllabus for the first semester comprises introductory courses in biochemistry and polymer science as well as courses on the fundamentals of biophysics and molecular modelling. In the first semester, nanotechnology is discussed from the angle of nanobiotechnology to introduce basic interdisciplinary concepts.

In the second semester, the courses focus on biophysics and nanophysics. Students gain an in-depth overview of molecular and cellular biophysics as well as molecular nanostructures and nanomachines in theory and experiments. Special emphasis is placed on modern single molecule techniques (single molecule optics, scanning probe microscopy techniques) which are of fundamental practical importance both in nanophysics and biophysics.

In the third semester, the students specialize in one field in which they choose two required elective courses from different specialization fields (e.g., biophysics, biology, nanotechnology). These courses have a strong orientation towards the latest fields of research. Furthermore, students take three big lab rotations in biophysics, nanophysics and an optional subject, in which practical skills and competences are imparted.

The fourth semester is reserved for writing the Master's thesis.

Here are the study and examination regulations - please note that these are courtesy translations - only the German version is binding:

Curriculum
Overview on the changes of the Study and Examination Regulations, 10.08.2018 and 18.03.2018
Study Schedule
Study Regulations, 20.07.2015
Module description, 20.07.2015
Examination Regulations, 20.07.2015

Intake

only for winter semester, starting on October 1st

Accreditation  

On 3 February 2017, the Master in Nanobiophysics has been successfully re-accredited until 31st March 2024.

PhD Early Admission

Through a cooperation between the Dresden International PhD program (DIPP) and the three Master‘s programs, an Early Admission (following 3 semesters of study) to DIPP is possible for selected students. Decision will be made based on performance and reference letters.
Admitted students may either directly enter the PhD program without completing the Master's degree or first complete the MSc, and then join the PhD program).

International Students

Our Master's program is very international with students coming from all over the world, e.g. from Mexico, Brazil, India, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece....

Teaching Staff  

The teaching in the master program is covered by the professors and group leaders of the BIOTEC and their assistants as well as by teachers from the Max Planck Institute for Physics of Complex Systems (MPI-PKS), the Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials (MBZ), Leibniz-Institutes for Polymer Research (IPF) and Solid State and Materials Research (IFW), and the departments of Physics and Materials Science of TU Dresden.

Career Prospects     

The course is highly research-oriented. A graduate in Nanobiophysics will have the possibility to

• continue in basic research, conduct research in institutions of higher education, or occupy a research position in a biotech company
• work in health biotechnology companies (for the design of new devices and medical therapeutics
• develop new materials using cellular machines
• develop new ways of sustainable energy production by using the molecular machinery of the cells 

For more information on the Erasmus Mundus Master's Programm Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, please refer to ourEMM-Nano website.

Application requirements

 1. a Diploma or Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:

• Physics
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology

Please note: we require a Bachelor's degree from most Asian applicants (including India, China etc.) with a minimum of four years of study or, alternatively, a three year Bachelor's degree plus one year of Master's studies.

2. a good command of English 

•  TOEFL: minimum level 92 points internet-based or 600 points paper-based OR
• IELTS: minimum level 6.5
•  certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered, e.g.UniCERT, CAE, CPE

 3. good knowledge in the fundamentals of physics including mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics and quantum theory as well as basic knowledge in chemistry and biology

For further details please refer to the admission regulations!
Please note: The German text of the official publication is the authoritative version. The English version is a courtesy translation. In case of ambiguity, please refer to the German documents.

Application

The application period runs from 1 April- 31 May for admissions in winter term.
You'll find complete information on the application procedure here

Characterized by the close network of science and clinical practice, regenerative medicine is an extremely diverse and rapidly developing interdisciplinary field in which significant progress has recently been made in the regeneration and replacement of tissues, which is particularly evident in view of the steadily growing importance of stem cell research for the use in medicine.

The international Master's program in Regenerative Biology and Medicine, established more than 10 years ago in a highly innovative, research-driven environment, offers a highly interdisciplinary education in the fields of stem cell research, regenerative biology, molecular biology, tissue engineering and clinically oriented human biology and pathology for research or for the processing of regulatory aspects in the development and translation of regenerative therapy approaches. The Master's program combines comprehensive theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, gained directly in the research laboratories of the cooperating institutes and clinics.

The program is officially accredited with the TU Dresden. This system accreditation serves the internal quality assurance of TU Dresden and certifies the high demands we make towards the teaching.

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration
4 semesters (3 semesters coursework + 1 semester Master's thesis)

Intake
Only for winter semester, start in October

Language
English

Accreditation
The Master's in Regenerative Biology and Medicine is successfully accredited via the TU Dresden system accreditation until March 31, 2024. We currently in the process of re-accrediation.

International Students

The Master's courses at the CMCB are very international. We have students from all over the world, e.g. from India, the USA, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey etc.  

© CMCB

Lab Rotations

The two extensive laboratory rotations take place in the second and third semester. The possible applications of state-of-the-art technologies for a specific scientific question in the areas of cell, organ and model organism-based research as well as molecular biology research are the focus of the 12-week individual laboratory projects. Both areas must be completed; the research groups can be chosen according to individual interest.
 

© CRTD

PhD Early Admission

Through a cooperation between the Dresden International PhD program (DIPP) and the three Master‘s programs, an Early Admission (following 3 semesters of study) to DIPP is possible for selected students. Decision will be made based on performance and reference letters.
Admitted students may either directly enter the PhD program without completing the Master's degree or first complete the MSc, and then join the PhD program).

Teaching Staff

The major share of teaching in the Master's program is covered by the CRTD professors and their assistants. Their expertise is complemented by teachers from the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus (Med Fac), the Faculty of Mathematics and Science (Math Nat) and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG).

Career Prospects

The practice- and research-oriented course of study opens up a wide range of career opportunities for RegBioMed graduates: they are able to handle diverse and complex tasks in the field of research and development, especially in the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology and medicine. This includes interdisciplinary, highly qualified tasks as a natural scientist in national and international universities and clinics, other research institutions and research and development departments in business and industry, as well as the qualification for further scientific qualifications (PhD).

Curriculum and Modules

In the first semester, the basics of stem cell biology are laid. Students will learn the fundamental definitions and concepts of the major stem cell systems, the theoretical and practical aspects of somatic stem cell biology, and the principles and molecular mechanisms underlying vertebrate development, organogenesis, and regeneration.

In the field of quantitative biology, students learn methods for analyzing large and complex data sets and the principles of applied bioinformatics. Basic scientific working methods as well as the rules of good scientific practice are a focus of the 1st and 2nd semester in order to impart key qualifications such as the planning and presentation of laboratory projects, the writing of laboratory project reports as well as scientific publications and research proposals, and the critical reflection of results.

In a two-week block course with a high practical component, basic molecular biological methods, including the principle of gene editing and genome engineering technology CRISPR-Cas9 as well as basic knowledge and practical applications of microscopy and flow cytometry will be taught.

In the experimentally oriented elective area, the modules (i) electron microscopy, (ii) cell separation techniques and analysis using magnetically and fluorescence-activated cell sorting or (iii) micromanipulation techniques for modifying gene expression or the genome can be chosen.

Starting in the second semester, there is a focus and deepening through the subject areas:

• Regenerative cell biology (in-depth knowledge of the central molecular and cellular mechanisms of development and regeneration of tissues and organs of the most important model organisms and the associated current experimental analysis methods)
• Neurosciences (in-depth knowledge of cellular, molecular, systemic and regenerative neurosciences and the associated current experimental analysis methods as well as the clinical concepts of diseases for which neuro-regenerative therapies exist or are in development)
• Regenerative medicine (in-depth knowledge of the pathology of diseases and the affected organ systems as well as the associated clinical concepts of regenerative medicine including the translation process from bench-to-bedside).

Furthermore, the topic of clinical research is dealt with (GCP, GMP). The basics of planning and conducting phase I-III studies based on an experimental therapy are presented and an overview of the infrastructure required for this, pre-clinical data and bioinformatic methods, as well as knowledge of the official regulations and approval procedures for planning a researcher-initiated study are given.

Fundamental methods of human cell technology including current strategies such as the generation and application of pluripotent stem cells and organoids in regenerative therapy as well as the influence of the immune system, senescence and aging on the regeneration of cells and tissues are a focus in the 2nd and 3rd semester.

© CMCB

English translation - courtesy translation only (see German version for official documents!)

• Study Regulations
• Exam Regulations
• Module descriptions
• Study Schedule

Admission requirements

Our program is targeted towards students with

• a first university degree in biology or medicine or another degree qualifying for a profession where comparable previous knowledge is needed especially in molecular and cell biology
• a strong command of the English language: non-native speakers need to provide proof of their language proficiency e.g. TOEFL iBT: minimum level 92 points, IELTS: minimum level 6.5. Certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered, e.g. UniCERT, CPE.
• solid basic knowledge in biology or medicine and relevant laboratory experience
• interest in cell and molecular biology research with a clinical connection in the field of regenerative medicine
• inquisitiveness, initiative and independent thinking

Please note: we require a Bachelor's degree from most Asian applicants (including India, China etc.) with a minimum of four years of study or, alternatively, a three year Bachelor's degree plus one year of Master's studies.

Please note that Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian applicants need to provide the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Academic Evaluation Centre at the German Embassy

For further details, please see our admissions regulations.

HOW to apply

Please find all information on how to apply here.