Table of contents
Admission requirements
To be admitted to the degree program, candidates must have completed a first recognized vocational university degree acquired in Germany or a qualification from an officially recognized vocational academy in biology or a comparable specialist field(s). Furthermore, English language proficiency at the advanced level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, specialist knowledge, and sufficient motivation for the degree program are required. Proof of this particular suitability is provided by an aptitude assessment in accordance with the aptitude assessment regulations.
Aptitude assessment procedure
The participation in an aptitude assessment or selection procedure is a prerequisite for enrollment in this degree program. Please note that the deadline for submitting an application may be earlier than the application deadlines for the degree program (see above under application deadlines). The following links will provide you with information on all documents to be submitted within the specified deadline and on the relevant regulations.
Notes on the application process
If, at the time of application, proof of the first degree qualifying the applicant for a profession is not yet available, the application will be considered under the precondition that 80% of the credit points attainable for the degree have already been achieved based on completed module examinations or the final thesis and the colloquium (if applicable). A certification from the awarding institute of higher education (examination office) serves as proof of the above-mentioned academic achievements. You can find the appropriate form on the Admissions Office website.
General information about the degree program
With the consecutive master’s degree program in Biology in Society, students acquire profound theoretical and practical training in the fields of genetic, physiological, and organismic biology. In addition to imparting specialist knowledge and skills, the focus is also on interdisciplinary skills. The master’s degree program in Biology in Society is intended to provide the opportunity to expand existing molecular biological knowledge in order to broaden organismic, physiological, and genetic aspects, as well as to research and deepen their social relevance.
Study contents
The first semester is primarily designed to be interdisciplinary: The influence of biology on social processes is demonstrated and related to other social systems, including political, legal, ethical, and economic systems. This applies, for example, to human evolution and ecology, the role of analytical processes such as statistics and bioinformatics, or the role of livestock and crops in society. In this way, the students acquire up-to-date specialist knowledge and deal with other disciplines outside the subject area. The focus is on exploring interrelations within and between disciplines as well as critical thinking.
The second semester includes a module for each of the three areas of genetics & developmental biology, organismic zoology (e.g., evolution, reproduction, biomaterials, insects), as well as physiology and endocrinology. The students deepen their expertise in these areas to an international level. At the same time, they also discuss the social effects of knowledge. This enables students to work on complex biology issues in a scientifically appropriate, well-founded, and critical manner and to bring their theoretical knowledge into social discourse. Students will be able to describe complex issues in an understandable way without the need to simplify them.
In the third semester, two research internships are planned in which the students will be able to undertake independent research (under supervision). The students will gain insight into the research process as they are integrated into ongoing research projects run by two (self-selected) working groups. They also acquire knowledge independently through research and experimentation, critically evaluate and question their own and other results, and present scientifically correct and differentiated discussions. They also deepen the methodological knowledge and skills acquired during the first two semesters, such as independent literature research, deriving working hypotheses, planning independently, as well as implementing and evaluating experiments to such an extent that they can achieve an international level. By working as part of a team, they also acquire key skills such as communication and teamwork skills, work organization, time management, and project planning.
Occupational fields
Graduates will be qualified to begin their careers with their in-depth specialist knowledge and practical skills required for professional life combined with their methodical, personal, and social competencies. They will be able to nurture interdisciplinary relationships and will be qualified to work in highly qualified positions, whether in teaching or research institutions, in research and development departments in industry or public institutions, in government agencies and committees, as well as in journalism. They will also be well prepared to undergo further scientific qualification, whether at a national or international level.
From their detailed methodological knowledge and their precise understanding of the scientific process, graduates will also be able to work on a tremendous range of issues and industrial areas. This applies to biotechnologically oriented companies, testing and development laboratories in the biological, veterinary, or medical sector, as well as branches of the food industry, both in the Free State of Saxony and throughout Germany. Detailed knowledge of scientific methodology can also be applied in non-biological areas where scientific knowledge may be required, including in authorities, press and other media companies, or in parliaments. The profound socially relevant biological and methodical training can also be applied to service providers (e.g., consulting firms) or form a basis for self-employment. The internationalization of the degree program also consolidates graduates’ competitiveness both in science and the wider labor market.
Study documents
The official announcements of TU Dresden include all published regulations . Please use the search bar to find the document you need: Official proclamation
The regulations are also available on each institution’s website.
- Examination Regulation
- Study Regulation
- Aptitude Assessment Regulation
… you will find on the respective site of the responsible unit.
Contacts
Admissions Office
ServiceCenterStudies
Post address:
Technische Universität Dresden
Immatrikulationsamt
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-42000
Office Hours:
Faculty of Biology
Academic Advisor
Mr. Prof. Dr. Klaus Reinhardt
Post address:
TU Dresden
Fakultät Biologie
Institut für Zoologie
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-39451
Office Hours:
Please arrange an appointment or visit us during our office hours.
International Office
International Office
Office address:
Bürogebäude Strehlener Str. (BSS) 22, 6. Etage, Raum 671
Post address:
TU Dresden
International Office
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-39607
Office Hours: