Admission requirements

• vocational university degree or degree from a public or state-recognized vocational academy in one of the natural sciences (preferably physics, biophysics or quantitative biology) or in engineering (e.g. applied mechanics, engineering and nanotechnology) or another comparable university degree with comparable prior knowledge (in particular with a sound knowledge of physics)
• proficiency in English at advanced level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• sound command of the fundamentals of classical physics with mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics and quantum theory as well as sound knowledge of higher mathematics and fundamental knowledge of chemistry and biology - proof will be provided as part of an aptitude assessment procedure

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.

• Information and documents to be submitted

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

© Crispin-Iven Mokry

What defines life?
How do cells organize themselves in space and time to form a living organism?
How are energy and matter flows involved in this process?
Can we develop tools to control the behavior of cells and tissues?

Do these questions make you feel giddy? Then, you've found the right place! Join the Physics of Life Master's program and be the new generation of biological physicists! Tackle the interface between physics and biology and improve your research and problem-solving skills.

The Physics of Life Master's program offers an interdisciplinary education that will provide you with a broad skills profile for studying living systems. You will learn the fundamentals of biophysics, statistical principles and experimental design, quantitative biology and bionanotechnology and use your newly acquired knowledge to:
— characterize biological processes at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels,
— discover and understand emergent properties of biological systems,
— use state-of-the-art analytical and experimental tools for both academic research and biotechnological applications.

Study contents

During the first semester, you will be immersed in the exciting world of biophysics, polymer physics, physical and biological chemistry, molecular cell biology and experimental design. These courses will allow you to explore the building blocks of life and their interactions. However, it's not all theory! You will also complete hands-on computational biology exercises and projects.

In the second semester, you will explore stochastic processes, continuous descriptions of living matter, mechanobiology, biological physics of molecular machines, and the fascinating fields of cell and tissue biology.
As early as the second semester, you will choose your own path by focusing on one of the three concentrations:
— Experimental Biological Physics
— Theoretical Biological Physics
— Nanobiotechnology

Each of the concentrations offers a unique selection of courses designed to deepen your specialist knowledge.
During the third semester, you will deepen your knowledge in topics such as pattern formation and active matter theory while also taking courses in your chosen concentration. In addition, you will begin an extensive lab project that can either broaden your horizons or lay the groundwork for your Master's thesis.

The fourth semester is dedicated exclusively to your Master's thesis. The final theses are part of ongoing real scientific projects within the research groups associated with the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life (PoL) as well as B CUBE, BIOTEC, or CRTD. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to work in other departments of TU Dresden or our partner institutions.

View the module descriptions

Stay abroad

Would you like to spend a semester abroad? Whether it is a semester, an internship or a language course abroad, you will definitely benefit from the international experience. You can improve your subject and language skills, establish new contacts, make friends, get to know other cultures, and much more. You can find more information on the International Office’s website.

Double degrees

Students can pursue a dual degree as part of the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Detailed information is available on the degree program’s website.

Occupational fields

The Master's program in Physics of Life is a gateway to exciting research career paths. As the program is strongly research-oriented, our graduates will gain invaluable hands-on experience. Equipped with these skills, graduates of the PoL program can shape their careers as researchers at academic institutions, start-ups, biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

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.

Contacts

Admissions Office

Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB)

International Office

Additional information