Geobiology and Paleobiology

Program Overview: The Master's degree in Geobiology and Paleobiology at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich offers students a comprehensive education in the fields of earth sciences, focusing on the study of the interactions between the physical Earth and the biosphere, as well as the history of life on our planet. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from geology, biology, chemistry, and paleontology to provide a holistic understanding of Earth's past and present environments.

Curriculum: Students will explore a range of core topics including sedimentology, mineralogy, stratigraphy, fossil analysis, and geochemical methods. Specialized courses delve into paleobiological reconstructions, evolutionary biology, and the dynamics of Earth's climate changes over geological time scales. Practical laboratory work and field excursions complement theoretical learning, allowing students to acquire hands-on experience in data collection and analysis.

Research and Opportunities: The program emphasizes research-driven learning, encouraging students to engage in independent projects under faculty supervision. Opportunities exist to collaborate on cutting-edge research in areas such as biogeochemical cycles, ancient ecosystems, and Earth's response to climatic shifts. The university's strong ties with research institutions and museums provide additional platforms for internships and cooperative projects.

Career prospects: Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, environmental consulting, natural history museums, and the fossil industry. They possess the skills necessary for scientific research, data interpretation, and contributing to understanding Earth's past to inform predictions about future environmental changes.

Language of Instruction: The program is primarily taught in English, accommodating international students and fostering a global scientific community.

Admission Requirements: Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in geology, biology, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. Proficiency in English is required, alongside relevant academic transcripts and motivation letters.

Summary: The Geobiology and Paleobiology Master's program at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich provides a rigorous and interdisciplinary education aimed at uncovering the history of the Earth and its life forms. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training, and research activities, students gain the expertise needed to contribute to scientific understanding and environmental stewardship.

Educational organisation

The module-based curriculum provides an integrative approach facilitated by experts in
different areas of expertise. The degree programme consists of a set of mandatory modules and elective modules. Students will learn and acquire routines in a wide range of scientific methods, such as modern techniques in molecular biology, isotope geochemistry, fieldwork, collection management, bioinformatics, statistics, and (paleo-) biodiversity assessments. Students will learn independent scientific work in individual and intensively supervised research projects at early stages of the curriculum.
A mentoring programme offers further guidance and support throughout the study programme.
The programme consists of 120 credits, 30 of which are assigned for the Master's thesis and its defence.

Language requirements

All courses are held in English. A good knowledge of English is required. To apply to the Master in Geo- and Paleobiology, a TOEFL test (66% of the maximal possible score) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing Service: minimum 6.0 points, and no part less than 5.0 points) or a Cambridge CAE (Certificate in Advanced English: Mark "A" or "B") or a CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English: Mark "A" or "B") or a university degree in geology, biology or physical geography or a related subject from a study programme held in the English language are required.

Academic requirements

Applicants to the programme must possess the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree (in a programme of at least six semesters' duration) with a sufficient grade in one of the following fields:

• geology
• biology
• physical geography
• or a related subject

Enrolment fees

Approx. 120 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Munich metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Living costs (including accommodation and health insurance) in Munich range from 800 to 1,000 EUR per month.

Services and support for international students

The International Office offers a support and integration programme to assist international students, doctoral students, and postdocs at LMU:
http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/about_lmu/contact/int_office/index.html