Master Biology in Society (BioS)
Table of contents
Biology strongly influences societies of the 21st century: biological processes deeply affect humankind, and biological methods have the potential to interfere with norms established over centuries, incl. human rights. Every individual is different genetically and by upbringing; societal measures to tackle biological issues can be inherently unjust to some and others. Biological processes, methods, and any potential injustices are to be communicated clear and simple, but not over-simplified.
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. We 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 projects in laboratories of their choice. 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 2024. More explanation: here. And again in the official course documents here. E-mail requests with questions that are explained in these documents will not be answered. Also see "In a nutshell: Requirements to apply for 'Biology in Society' " just below.
Information and application website for EU applicants. Deadline 5 June 2024. More explanation: here. Applicants with a B.Sc. from a German university: please apply via the selma system. 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 18/19 June 2024. Please keep this date free if you apply.
Do you want to know what is actually going on in our course? 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 all issues.
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.
- A meaningful letter of motivation: tell us clearly why do you want to study "Biology ion Society". It does NOT help to copy online blabla like "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 letter was insufficient. Just say in simple words why do you want to study BioS.
- English as a mother tongue, certificate of the advanced level B2, or evidence that previous courses and exams were taken in English, as detailed in 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
- 31 May/ 5 June deadline for 2025/26 international/ German-degree holding students
- tba in June Interviews (aptitude assessment) for prospective 2025/26 students
- 7 Oct 2025 Welcome event for the new BioS students, taking place in ASB 028. which is here. Time: tba. All welcome! All new BioS students are encouraged to participate.
- 13 - 17 Oct 2025 Introductory away-week (mandatory). All first-year students of Biology in Society will go to a youth hostel to take courses in ethical and legal aspects of research and biology// Policy, politics and philosophy of science // Good laboratory practice, for scientific talks, and to get to know each other.