Study Molecular Biosciences and Productive Biosystems (Master) ✔ TU Dresden

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the degree program, candidates must have completed a first vocational university degree recognized in Germany or a qualification from a state or state-approved vocational academy in a scientific field such as biology, biotechnology, or life sciences or in a closely related degree program such as biochemistry or biophysics. Moreover, fundamental knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology, as well as sufficient motivation for the degree program are required. Furthermore, this degree program also requires English language proficiency at the advanced level of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Proof of this particular suitability is provided by an aptitude assessment in accordance with the aptitude assessment regulations.

Aptitude assessment

Information and documents to be submitted

Application hints and tips

Since the degree program is brand new, admission is only possible in the 2022 summer semester for the first semester of study and in the 2022/2023 winter semester for the second semester of study. Courses are not yet being offered for more advanced semesters.

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 for the degree programme

The Master’s degree in Molecular Biosciences and Productive Biosystems offers the opportunity to acquire in-depth molecular biological knowledge relating to microbes, fungi, and plants, as well as aspects of the application of these systems for manufacturing active ingredients and chemicals for ‘white’ biotechnology. This will contribute to the progressive development of the bioeconomy, thus addressing a socially, economically, and scientifically highly relevant area of knowledge.

Study contents

The degree program provides both specialist knowledge and skills as well as interdisciplinary skills.

During the first semester, theoretical knowledge and practical skills are acquired relating to the cultivation of microbes, gene expression, and protein extraction in microbial host systems and the special group of organisms constituted by fungi and protists.

In the second and third semesters, knowledge is consolidated in core modules from the topics ‘Functional Tools,’ ‘Productive Biosystems,’ and ‘Application Technologies.’ The choice of courses from a wider assortment enables individual focus areas to be set. In both semesters, there are also rotations between laboratories conducting ongoing research for the research groups involved in the degree program, whereby the students consolidate their experience and skills relating to carrying out independent scientific work. The students are integrated into two different, self-selected research groups and gain further insights into the research process. They also deepen their experimental knowledge and other methodological skills such as literature research, the derivation of working hypotheses, as well as the planning, implementation, and evaluation of experiments.

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. Other general skills such as foreign language skills are provided in a further mandatory module with individually selectable content.

In the fourth semester, the students apply the knowledge and skills acquired to write their academic thesis independently. All activities are subject to the rules of good scientific practice.

Professional field

The degree program prepares students for research work in university and non-university institutions as well as for other activities in biological-biotechnological, (bio-)chemical or pharmaceutical-oriented companies, teaching and research institutions, industrial companies, and public authorities. The graduates are also well prepared to undergo further scientific qualification, whether in national or international graduate programs.