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 just to some and unjust to 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 and content of the course
Do you want to know what is actually going on in our course?
Please watch 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
Official course documents are here. Information and application website for non-EU applicants. Deadline 31 May 2023. More explanation: here.
Information and application website for EU applicants. Deadline 15 July 2023 (if you apply earlier, we interview you earlier). 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. We will shortly thereafter invite you for an interview.
In a nutshell: Requirements to apply for 'Biology in Society'
- A BSc or higher degree in Biology or related topic (or completed 80% of it). BSc-level knowledge in zoology, botany, including physiology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and statistics
- A meaningful letter of motivation
- English as a mother tongue, advanced level B2, or previous courses taken in English.
- Need to pass an aptitude assessment (online interview with panel).
What degree do I get? Successful BioS participants will graduate with an MSc in Biology.
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 Dates
- 4 Oct 2023 Welcome event for the new BioS students
- 9 - 13 Oct 2023 Introductory away-week. 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.
Information on current courses
AQUA - As an AQUA module you can choose any 5 CP course(s) offered by the TU Dresden. If that's not enough, speak to the module advisor Dr Wober.
LAB ROTATION - please see detailed instructions here (LR Basic) or here (LR Advanced).
SKILLS - This year, within this module the following courses are on offer:
- (Advanced) Statistics using R
- Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy
- Electron Microscopy
- Bioassays of natural products
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Or speak to Dr Pfennig if you have your own ideas.