Molecular Biosciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Deadline: Mar 15, 2025
42 place StudyQA ranking:5244 Duration:4 semestrs

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Molecular Biosciences offers you the chance to continue your academic career in your preferred field of Biosciences. You can choose between eight different majors:
neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, infectious diseases, developmental and stem cell biology, molecular plant sciences, evolution and ecology, systems biology.
Each major is designed to provide comprehensive but focused training in the most exciting fields of modern biological research.

Educational organisation

The course takes four semesters (two years). The first year comprises formal course work and the second year is devoted to laboratory research (lab rotations, study abroad units and Master's project work). In the fast track (three semesters), modules from the third semester are shifted to the first and second semesters.
A direct track to the PhD programme is possible for excellent students.

First semester - Frontiers of Biosciences
This semester consists of two course modules which provide a solid background in advanced molecular biosciences. Each module lasts nine weeks, of which three to six weeks are spent in course work and three weeks are allowed for exam preparation. The formal course work for each module consists of lectures which provide theoretical information, with accompanying tutorials. The lectures are attended by all students on the MSc course. At the end of the module students are examined on the content of the lecture course.
Practical courses allow students to acquire diverse laboratory skills and to observe selected topics in practice. The practical courses are organised by the departments of each major. Each practical course is accompanied by a seminar in which relevant articles from the primary literature are critically discussed. The seminars also allow students to practise language and presentation skills. Practical and seminar groups are small (usually no more than twelve students), offering an excellent opportunity for interaction between students and teaching staff. Student participation in the practical courses and seminars contributes to the final grade.

Second semester - Focus Bioscience
This semester is organised in two modules with a similar structure to those in the first semester, but all of the teaching is specific to the major which has been chosen by the student.

Third semester - Biolab and Working in Bioscience
In this semester students undertake two lab rotations, working for six weeks on a small project in a laboratory of their choice, attending literature seminars in that laboratory and writing a lab report.
Alternatively, students may choose to go abroad for one of the lab rotations in the context of special exchange programmes.

Fourth semester - Master's thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

LSH: Leiden (LUMC), Stockholm (Karolinksa Institutet), Heidelberg (Biosciences) - Life Science for Health, student exchange programme with biomedical focus
In Systems Biology: close cooperation with partner courses in Manchester, Luxembourg, Gothenburg, and Amsterdam; possibility of taking third-semester modules
Further programmes related to the majors are being developed. We highly encourage students to use our mobility slot.

Forms of assessment

During the first two semesters, lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical courses are obligatory, leading to a total of 60 ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System). Students must pass written tests after the lecture courses and take oral examinations. Grades in the practical courses are based on lab reports.
Credits are awarded only if a course has been successfully completed. A transcript of records will be issued upon graduation.

Course objectives

Our goal is to provide intensive training and tutoring with a strong emphasis on original research, thus facilitating an optimal transition into the graduate programmes offered by our faculty.
This will be achieved by:
  • advanced knowledge in the chosen field
  • experience in self-directed research (lab practical courses and thesis)
  • improved fluency in reading, writing and speaking scientific English
  • techniques of scientific data presentation (oral, poster, publications)
  • learning how to interact at eye level with leaders in the field
  • developing necessary "literature" skills: library research, scanning articles and forming synopses, keeping up to date with recent research
Excellent students may become members of the graduate school during their Master's studies and may directly move to the PhD phase after their Master's degree (without going through an additional application process).

Language requirements

Proof of English language skills (not necessary for native speakers) either by
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 90 (internet-based)
  • International English Language Test System (IELTS) of at least 6.5
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE )
  • a certificate from the Faculty of Biosciences of Heidelberg University based on a Bachelor's thesis submitted in English or an interview with the selection committee held in English

Academic requirements

Above-average Bachelor's degree (better than 2.4 in the German grading system)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester, for students services, students' council, and university administration

Costs of living

Living expenses in Heidelberg are estimated at around 700 EUR per month, depending on lifestyle. Rent for an apartment off-campus will cost approximately 250-400 EUR per month.
There are a limited number of rooms available from the students service office ("Studentenwerk"). They also offer an "all-inclusive service package" for international students, which includes accommodation and public transport as well as various additional services (depending on the chosen package), such as meals, insurance, internet access, or bicycles. Prices start from approx. 1,360 EUR per semester for the basic package. Health insurance is compulsory for all students.

Job opportunities

Limited possibilities of finding a job as a student assistant

Funding opportunities within the university

Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research (HIGS) offers competitive MSc fellowships to outstanding applicants from all over the world, enabling them to enrol in the MSc/PhD programmes Molecular Biosciences (major Cancer Biology only).
Excellent students can apply for a "Deutschlandstipendium".
http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/universitaet/freunde/deutschlandstipendium_s.html
http://www.dkfz.de/en/major-cancer-biology/Admission/Admission.html

Arrival support

An orientation week will be held for new students.

Services and support for international students

Buddy programme

Accommodation

Possibility of living in student residences or in private apartments. The International Relations Office will help students find accommodation.
The "Studentenwerk" also offers an "all-inclusive service package" for international students, which includes accommodation and public transport as well as various additional services (depending on the chosen package), such as meals, insurance, internet access, or bicycles. Prices start from approx. 1,360 EUR per semester for the basic package. Health insurance is compulsory for all students.
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