International Regenerative Biology and Medicine

Over the past decade the focus of traditional biology and medicine has shifted towards a stronger interconnection of the two disciplines, particularly in view of the growing relevance of stem cell research for medicine. Dresden boasts world-class research and scientists working together in the fields of molecular biology, regenerative therapies, bioengineering and biomaterials, represented by the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, the BIOTEChnology Center, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, the Medical Theoretical Center, the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine and the Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials. This identifies Dresden and the BIOTEC/CRTD as an ideal location and host of a new international Master's programme in Regenerative Biology and Medicine, interconnecting traditional biology with clinical applications.
The Master's programme offers interdisciplinary education in the field of stem cells, regeneration biology, tissue engineering, and clinically focused human biology and pathology, with the aim of preparing students to perform research that can be applied to regenerative medicine therapies. The programme combines theory with extensive practical experience in the research laboratory with a focus on the scientific fundamentals of stem cell biology and regeneration model organisms as well as recent methods of genomic analysis of stem cells and model organisms, tissue engineering, current and potential applications in clinical diseases. Students will also learn essential skills for presenting their work orally and in written form.

Educational organisation

Due to the limited number of students, it is possible to organise the lectures in such a way that the students are actively involved. This allows for vivid interaction between lecturers and students. The students need to complete three lab rotations in the fields: Model Organism Research, Molecular Biology Research as well as Cell- and Organ-Based Research - one each semester - which gives them intensive research training from the start. The fourth and final semester is mainly devoted to the Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the possibility to go abroad for their Master's thesis during the fourth semester.

Internships

During the first three semesters of the Master's programme, students need to complete three lab rotations in the fields Model Organism Research, Molecular Biology Research, and Cell- and Organ-Based Research - one each semester. These are part of the curriculum. The student office will help with finding a placement.

Forms of assessment

For each module, there are written and/or oral examinations at the end of the lecture periods in accordance with the study regulations. During the seminars and lab classes presentations are held and protocols and reports have to be written and/or presented. A Master's thesis has to be written during the last semester of the Master's programme which is defended in a colloquium at the end of the fourth semester.
The credit points for each module are awarded when the module is successfully passed. The Master's thesis is worth 30 credit points. In total, 120 credit points are awarded for the Master's programme.

Course objectives

The course will qualify students for life sciences work and approaches. The students will acquire elementary knowledge of molecular cell biology and developmental biology with specific theoretical and practical application to in vitro and in vivo stem cell work which is relevant to regeneration and to human application. Students will be qualified to apply concepts and techniques in stem cell biology and animal models to new research projects in regenerative biology and medicine.
Students will have access to a wide range of R&D work fields, particularly in the areas of cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology and medicine, and have the opportunity to perform research in leading international research laboratories.

Language requirements

Applicants need to prove their proficiency in English by means of e.g. TOEFL min. 580 (paper-based); 237 (computer-based); 92 (internet-based), or IELTS min. level 6.5, or other equivalent and internationally recognised certificates.

Academic requirements

Our programme is targeted towards students with:

• a first university degree in biology or medicine or another degree qualifying for a profession where comparable previous knowledge is needed, especially in molecular and cell biology
• a strong command of the English language: non-native speakers need to provide proof of their language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL)
• solid basic knowledge in biology or medicine and laboratory experience
• interest in cell and molecular biology research with a clinical connection in the field of regenerative medicine
• inquisitiveness, initiative and independent thinking

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• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee is currently about 260 EUR per semester and includes a semester ticket, which entitles students to use public transport in and around Dresden and regional trains within the federal state of Saxony. Additionally, it offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.

Costs of living

The cost of living varies according to personal needs and preferences. However, about 700 EUR per month represents an average budget for a student in Dresden, including expenses for accommodation, food, items of everyday life, and insurance.
(This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.)

Job opportunities

In order to top up their budget, some students may want to look for temporary work in Dresden. If so, different regulations apply for students from EU member states, countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and students from outside the European Union and the EEA area. Please bear in mind that a temporary job is not easy to find. In addition, restrictions on the duration of employment may apply.
Professors, lecturers and group leaders involved in the Master's programme may offer students the possibility of working as academic assistants (especially in the labs). However, living expenses can be financed only partially through a job as an academic assistant.

Funding opportunities within the university

Each year, students can apply for a "Deutschlandstipendium" of 300 EUR per month. The application round is usually open in summer for the following winter semester. Information can be found on the website of the TU Dresden.
http://tu-dresden.de/studium/rund-ums-studium/foerderung-und-finanzierung/deutschlandstipendium

Arrival support

The university provides counselling via e-mail and personal appointments regarding all matters related to arrival and living in Dresden, guided campus tours, and welcome receptions to which new students are invited to meet other students and professors.
For PhD students and researchers, the Welcome Center also provides additional support services concerning visa issues, finding suitable accommodation, etc.

Services and support for international students

TU Dresden International Office offers a tutor network that helps new international students organise their studies. All international freshers are invited to an introduction day at the beginning of their first semester, on which they will also meet their tutors.
Furthermore, the International Office's cultural office and various student initiatives provide a plethora of social and cultural activities each semester (guided city tours, trips in the region and to other cities in Germany or neighbouring countries, language tandems, etc.).

Accommodation

It is quite easy to find accommodation in Dresden. Accommodation is available either via the Studentenwerk Dresden or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend moving into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden and later find a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, known in German as a "Wohngemeinschaft".