Human and molecular biology

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Saarland University is one of the few universities in Germany offering a Master's programme at the interface of medicine and the biosciences. In contrast to traditional degree programmes in biology, the M.Sc. programme in Human and Molecular Biology focuses on molecular and pathophysiological aspects of a wide variety of human diseases.

The programme, whose content covers the natural sciences and biomedical sciences in equal measure, teaches both the theoretical foundations of the subject and the relevant practical laboratory skills, and provides graduates from the programme with excellent prospects for a career in industry or in academic research. The M.Sc. programme is run by the Centre for Human and Molecular Biology (ZHMB), which is itself a joint institution managed by the Faculty of Natural Science and Technology III and the Faculty of Medicine at Saarland University.

Interdisciplinary courses ensure that students on the Master's programme expand their knowledge beyond traditional subject boundaries. Advanced modules in the main fields of biomedicine and molecular biology allow students to acquire a deeper understanding of pathophysiological aspects of a variety of human diseases and health disorders. Currently, the following advanced modules are taught: "Tumour Genetics and Epigenetics", "Signal Transmission and Transport", "Hormones, Stress and Memory" and "Infection Biology". During the second year of the programme, students spend several months in one of the ZHMB research groups where they undertake laboratory work as part of a research project. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of interest in biology or biomedicine when preparing their Master's thesis and when taking the associated advanced modules.

At the end of their first year of study, high-achieving students who have successfully completed the fast-track exam may, under certain circumstances, be allowed to join a doctoral research programme immediately.

Type of programme: Consecutive Masters degree programme

Can be studied as: Single-subject programme

Der Zugang zum konsekutiven Masterstudiengang Human- und Molekularbiologie setzt einen Bachelorabschluss oder äquivalenten Hochschulabschluss in Biologie, Biochemie, Biomedizin, Biowissenschaften, Humanbiologie, Molekularbiologie, Molekularer Medizin oder Medizinischer Biologie voraus. Verwandte Fächer können auf Antrag geprüft werden.Die besondere Eignung zum Masterstudium wird festgestellt durch einen Bachelorabschluss mit der Gesamtnote 2,5 und besser.Durch einen Auslandsaufenthalt im Rahmen des Bachelorstudiums von mindestens einem Semester Länge kann die Bachelornote verbessert werden. Für das erste erfolgreich absolvierte Auslandssemester wird eine Notenverbesserung um 0,2 Punkte gewährt. Ein weiteres erfolgreich absolviertes Auslandssemester verbessert die Note um weitere 0,1 Punkte. Die maximale Verbesserung liegt bei 0,3 Punkten, es können also maximal zwei Auslandssemester geltend gemacht werden.

Financing your studies
There are a number of sources of financial assistance available to students. In addition to the BAföG system of student loans and grants there are numerous scholarships and bursaries available, such as the "Deutschlandstipendium" (a national scholarship programme), as well as more specialized student loan schemes run by private investment funds or banks.