Master Biology in Society (BioS)
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Biological processes deeply affect humankind in the 21st century, and biological methods have the potential to interfere with norms established over centuries, incl. human rights. In Biology in Society we aim to equip students with a profound theoretical and practical knowledge of genetics and developmental biology, evolution, reproduction and physiology, of animals and plants and their societal significance and latest biological concepts and methods. Biological processes, methods, and any potential injustices are to be communicated clear and simple, but not over-simplified. We, therefore, also address issues of research ethics, animal testing & animal welfare, science communication and societal aspects of science. One entire semester is dedicated to students doing cutting-edge practical research or other projects in laboratories and places of their choice. Our degree course emphasises cooperation, not competition, between students.
Current BioS students can download the module handbook here.
Overview and course contents:
Overview of the structure of Biology in Society, starting with the first semester (blue)
Official course documents are here. Information and application website for non-EU applicants. Deadline 31 May 2027. More explanation: here. And again in the official course documents here. E-mail requests with questions that are explained in these documents can not be answered. Also see below "In a nutshell: Requirements to apply for Biology in Society".
Information and application website for EU applicants. Deadline 5 June 2027. More explanation: here. Applicants with a B.Sc. from a German university: please apply via the selma system. If that doesn't work, please send your application to: Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Biology, Admission/ Zugangsausschuss Biology in Society, 01062 Dresden. You will hear from us shortly after whether you are invited for interview. Online interviews will be held on ** July 2027. [Please keep this time slot free if you appy to BioS]. Within a few days of the interview, you will receive a letter regarding your suitability for BioS. Shortly after, you will receive the official enrolment letter. NON-EU applicants: Please apply with this official letter at the German embassy immediately for a visa. If your visa is issued too late, you will miss the mandatory introductory week of BioS and will have to be deferred to next year's starting cohort.
What is actually going on in Biology in Society? See here a brief introductory video. AND: Students in our course run their own journal BioS Reports. Please see the issues here individually or download any issue. And BioS students run their own podcast series. See here for a spotify link.
In a nutshell: Requirements to apply for 'Biology in Society'
- A B.Sc. in Biology or related topic (or a documented completion of 80% of the degree). BSc-level knowledge in zoology, botany, including physiology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and statistics. One of these may be missing - you would have to catch up with it yourself, though. If three of these topics are missing, we recommend that you do not apply.
- A meaningful letter of motivation: Please tell us in simple words why do you want to study "Biology in Society". It would be really sad if you need ChatGPT to do that for you. The most common sentence in the 2026 applications (>20 times) was: "Biology is no longer confined to laboratories. Biological knowledge increasingly influences public health, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, ethics, and policymaking". Underestimating the reviewers' intellectual capacities in this way are not respectful. We are not impressed either by other online templates, such as "I am highly motivated to pursue this programme, as it aligns perfectly with my academic background and long-term career aspirations". In the past, most people were not suitable for the course because their motivation was not clear.
- English as a mother tongue, certificate of the advanced level B2, or evidence that previous courses and exams were taken in English are needed. See the official documents here. Please consult these documents before contacting us with any requests about your English certificate. A certificate for German is not required.
Contact details. Something you didn't find on the above websites? E-mail us .
You can also find more information about the course at the central study information system.
Important Upcoming Dates
- 6 Oct 2026 13:00. Welcome event for the new BioS students in room Biology E33/34. All new BioS students are encouraged to participate. Visitors and guests are welcome! There are other student-organised welcome events that are (probably) announced here.
- 12 - 16 Oct 2026. Introductory away-week (mandatory). All first-year students of Biology in Society will go to a youth hostel in Kollm near Quitzdorf in the Lausitz. We will take courses in: Good scientific practice // Ethical and legal aspects of research and biology// Policy, politics and philosophy of science. We will have scientific talks, and will get to know each other. The intro week is an all-time favourite of all students (see issues 6,17,30 of BioSReports) and is designed to foster the collaborative, not competitive nature of Biology in Society.
- 31 May/ 5 June 2027 deadline for 2027/28 international/ German-degree holding students.