Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.Sc)

The research-oriented Master of Science program in Molecular and Cellular Biology is taught in English to highly motivated and engaged students with a strong interest in unraveling molecular mechanisms on a sub-cellular level. It offers a state-of-the-art education at a modern research location in a wide variety of molecular and cellular core subjects, such as Cell Biology, Human Biology and Genomics, and Microbiology. The master’s program in Molecular and Cellular Biology allows you to build on your bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. in biology or equivalent) and further deepen your knowledge through a variety of specialized modules. The master’s program is set up so that it allows for as much freedom as possible in the choice of subjects and the organization of courses. The goal of the master's program is to provide students with an excellent classical research education. Moreover, the program aims to convey key skills such as the ability to perform in a team, communication, organization and mediation skills, and intercultural competencies.

• You have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a total of at least 180 ECTS credits in biology or a related subject, e.g. bioinformatics, (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics, biotechnology.

• Your bachelor's curriculum degree must include a final research project with a written thesis credited with at least 10 ECTS credits. If your bachelor's program does not require a thesis, you are still eligible to apply if you have completed or will complete an equivalent course or internship. A course or an internship will be considered equivalent if it concerns a long-term research project (of at least 8 weeks) combined with a written report according to good scientific writing standards. You will have to upload an official document, including project details and signed by your supervisor, to show proof of having done an equivalent course or internship.
• You have a transcript of records from your bachelor’s program with a grade point average. If you are currently a bachelor student, you should submit a transcript of records with an ECTS credits level of at least 120 ECTS credits and a preliminary grade point average.
• You have proof of your proficiency in English equal to a C1 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or proof of equivalent proficiency in English.

The prescribed period of study is four semesters, including a final master’s thesis. Requiring a total of 120 ECTS credits, the program is based on acquiring approximately 30 ECTS credits per semester. The curriculum of the master's program is based on a modular system consisting of topically related fields of research, including lectures, seminars, and practical courses, with a strong emphasis on learning in the context of ongoing research projects. Modules can be individually composed according to the student’s goals and interests.

First semester – Basic training
The first semester of the master’s program aims to enlarge and deepen existing know-how gained in the previously completed bachelor’s program. During the first two months of the program, students will participate in the mandatory courses “Lab Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology” and “Bioinformatics and data analysis”. Moreover, students can select up to two additional fields of study.

Second and third semester – Specialization
In the second semester, students can deepen their knowledge in the fields of study of their first semester or select additional topics. Mandatory courses include lectures, seminars, practical courses, and practical research courses. In the third semester, students attend two topically linked modules, namely “Special Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology” and a “Special Research Module”.

Fourth semester – Master module
The master’s program culminates in a 24-week period devoted to a research project, combined with the writing and defense of a master’s thesis. Through their master’s thesis, students prove their skills in conducting independent and responsible research. Additionally, the final module includes additional courses such as a research seminar.

You can join one of the following careers:

• Biologist
• Research Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Biomedical Engineer
• Clinical Researcher
• Epidemiologist
• Laboratory Technician