Molecular Life Sciences: Microbiology, Biotechnology and Biochemistry (MSc)

The Master's programme in "Molecular Life Sciences: Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry (MLS-MBB)" is jointly offered by the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Chemistry. Building on their existing knowledge in (molecular) biology and biochemistry, students will learn to apply methodical approaches to the analysis of biomolecules and cellular functions on molecular levels. Focus will be placed on concepts and methods from the fields of molecular cell biology and plant sciences, biotic interactions, and biotechnology as well as structural and RNA-biochemistry. The whole programme is held in English. The curriculum comprises lectures with initial practical courses and consecutive individual research projects applying high-end technology. A variety of bacterial, fungal, and plant model organisms are used. The research-oriented Master's programme in "Molecular Life Sciences: Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" is four semesters long. It typically follows a Bachelor's programme in biology/biosciences/biochemistry, and 120 ECTS points are earned during the modularised programme. The programme is conducted in an active research environment with high international standing. Students acquire basic subject and methodological knowledge by attending core modules that include lectures, seminars and methods courses (first and second semester). Building on the core modules, individually organised laboratory projects are carried out in lab rotations (advanced modules). In addition, university-wide and cross-faculty modules can be taken in order to acquire further job-related key competences. In the fourth semester, students write the Master's thesis as an independent piece of academic work. They work on a current academic topic, which is usually embedded in a third-party funded project. The Master's examination leads to a degree, qualifying graduates for occupational and research opportunities. It especially qualifies students for a PhD programme and later on for occupational opportunities in the field of biosciences. Excellent knowledge of English (certified) as well as knowledge of the German language is required.