Degree programme Molecular Biosciences and Productive Biosystems (Master) accredited

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

If, at the time of the application, proof of the first degree that qualifies for a profession cannot yet be provided, applicants will be admitted to the aptitude test procedure and the numerus clausus selection procedure if 80% of the achievable points of the university degree can be proven by a certificate of the university of origin (Examining Office), on the basis of a completed module exam, assignment paper or colloquium. The form can be found on the web pages of the Admission Office.

Enrollment in the summer semester 2022 is only possible in the first semester and in the following winter semester 2022/2023 only in the second semester, as the program has been newly introduced. There is no course offering in higher semesters yet.

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.