Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology

The MSc degree course, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (MCBI), provides students with an understanding of the complex regulation of cellular and immunological processes in humans and animals. The focus of this programme is on the in-depth scientific investigation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the function and behaviour of cells and cause disease if defective. The experimental subjects are model organisms, such as mice, Drosophila, or Caenorhabditis, and cell cultures from animal or human cells. The experimental results provide insight into, e.g., cell functions in cell clusters, cell differentiation, and organ development. The immunological processes are examined with particular reference to disease-related malfunctions, as they occur in cases of immunodeficiency or in the context of tumour immunology.

Educational organisation

Please see the module handbook, which is available on the course website.

Study abroad unit(s)

An international placement is optional.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams
Written work (protocols, essays)
Scientific presentations
Practical laboratory work
In total, 120 credits are needed to graduate: 27 credits for compulsory modules, 63 credits for elective modules, and 30 credits for the Master's thesis project.

Course objectives

The broad scientific training provided by this course qualifies graduates for a variety of careers, particularly for research-related positions in scientific institutions specialising in cell biology, immunology, or medicine.

Graduates will have in-depth knowledge of the theoretical explanatory approaches, principles, and methods in the life sciences, with a focus on the area of molecular cell biology and immunology. They will be conversant with the current state of research and capable of challenging it. The extensive knowledge gained in the area of molecular cell biology and immunology will benefit graduates in the development and implementation of their own research ideas. They will be able to derive concrete questions from general concepts in the life sciences and subject them to theoretical and practical analyses, tests and interpretations. In this regard, they will be capable of estimating the relevance and effects of their own professional practice with due regard to ethical principles.

Graduates will be capable of presenting, elucidating and discussing the results of their research before a scientific audience in written and oral form.

Language requirements

English language proficiency: TOEFL 95, IELTS 6.0, native speaker, English-language Bachelor's degree, or English B2 (also possibly English at German Abitur level)
International Applicants: German language proficiency (DSH1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1, TestDaf3333)

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree with a grade of at least 2.5 (German grading system)
English language proficiency: TOEFL 95, IELTS 6.0, native speaker, English-language Bachelor's degree, or English B2 (also possibly English at German Abitur level)
International Applicants: German language proficiency (DSH1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1, TestDaf3333)

Selection criteria for the ranking list: Bachelor's degree grade. The grade can, if applicable, be "improved" by bonus points. The exact grade required for admission cannot be fixed, as this depends on the number of applicants. In previous years, the grade limit was 2.0.

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently 142.10 EUR per semester. These fees entitle each student to a semester ticket for public transportation in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area.

Costs of living

The cost of living and accommodation range from 500 EUR to 800 EUR per month, depending on lifestyle. The biggest cost is rent; the cheapest student houses start at 180 EUR per month. Apply for student accommodation at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's programme (i.e., before you have a confirmed study place).

Job opportunities

Students may find jobs as graduate research assistants in projects of the Department of Biology.

Arrival support

Welcome events are organised by the university. For more information, please see http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/international-students-in-tuebingen/advice-for-international-students/advisory-course.html.

Services and support for international students

During the orientation weeks, (http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/international-students-in-tuebingen.html), students will be escorted to public authorities for registration purposes and helped with opening bank accounts, registering with the university, and setting up their health insurance. In addition, a number of social events, in which class members can get to know each other, are organised (http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/international-students-in-tuebingen/getting-started.html).
The "Studierenden-Initiative Internationales Tübingen" (http://en.studit-tuebingen.de/) is a group of students at the University of Tübingen that helps new international students settle down in Tübingen and ensures they have a good time during their semester or year abroad.

Accommodation

The university offers student accommodation starting at about 180 EUR per month. Many students opt for private accommodation (http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/international-scholars/accommodation/housing-market.html). Do apply early as there are few places. (In other words, apply for accomodation when you submit your application and before you know whether you will be admitted.)