Life Science

The Life Science bachelor's degree program at the University of Konstanz offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the fundamental principles of biological and biomedical sciences. Designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, and biotechnology, this program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Throughout the course of study, students explore various disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology, gaining a deep understanding of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

The curriculum is structured to foster scientific thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on laboratory experience. Students participate in laboratory work, research projects, and internships that provide real-world insights and prepare them for postgraduate studies or professional employment. The program promotes an integrative approach, encouraging students to connect biological concepts with technological advances and societal challenges. Additionally, courses in data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication are integrated to enhance students’ ability to interpret complex biological data and present their findings effectively.

The University of Konstanz supports modern teaching methods, including small class sizes, team projects, and individual mentoring, ensuring personalized academic guidance. The program also benefits from the university's strong research environment, giving students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research activities and collaborations with international partners. Graduates of the Life Science bachelor's program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies in master’s or doctoral programs, or to enter careers in research institutions, healthcare organizations, environmental agencies, and biotechnological companies.

Overall, the Life Science program at the University of Konstanz combines rigorous scientific education with practical training, fostering students’ development into competent, innovative, and socially responsible researchers prepared to address some of the most pressing biological and ecological challenges of our time.

Educational organisation

Semester 1-2: lectures and labs - 60 ECTS credit points
Semester 1-4: Practical work experience (two months) - 10 ECTS credit points
Semester 3: Oral Master's examination - 10 ECTS credit points
Semester 3-4: Master's thesis with colloquium - 30+10 ECTS credit points

Chemistry courses:
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Advanced Physical Chemistry
Biopolymer Chemistry
Biophysical Chemistry
Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates
Computational Chemistry
Applications of Colloidal Dispersions in Science and Industry
Gene Expression and Replication
High-resolution NMR Spectroscopy Directed to Biological and Biophysical Applications
Industrial Chemistry and Renewable Primary Products
Material Science and Sustainable Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis
Modern Methods of Electroanalytical Chemistry
Nano Chemistry and Analytics
Main Group Organometallic Chemistry
Organometallics in Organic Syntheses
Spectroscopy
Surface Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis
Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
Synthesis of Natural Products and Drugs

Biology courses:
Disease Biology I
Disease Biology II
Pharmacology and Toxicology II
Biochemistry III
Methods in Biology
Evolutionary Organismal Biology
Concepts in Ecology
Applied Bioinformatics
Behavioural Neurobiology
Biochemical Pharmacology
Bioinformatics and X-Ray Structure Analysis
Cell Biology - Cell Adhesion and Signal Transduction
Cellular Biochemistry
Chemical Ecology
Developmental Neurobiology
Dynamics of Aquatic Ecosystems
Fish Ecology
Human and Environmental Toxicology
Immunology
Limnic Microbiology
Limnology: Limnology of the Lakes
Microbial Physiology and Ecology
Molecular Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Genetics
Molecular Microbiology
Molecular Toxicology
Novel in vitro Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology
Organismal Biology: Going Wild
Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants
Physiology, Ecology and Molecular Biology of Algae
Plant Ecology
An Introduction to R and Analysis of Ecological Data
Animal Protection: Legal and Ethical Principles - Focus on Laboratory Animals
Biochemistry, Regulation and Systems Biology of Signal Transduction
Bioorganic Chemistry - Chemistry and Biochemistry of Natural Products
Chemical Ecology
Common Errors and Mistakes as Revealed by Retracted Papers
Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology
Endocrinology of Mammals I
Endocrinology of Mammals II (Selected Chapters)
Evaluation of Pharmacological and Toxicological Data sets
Evolutionary Organismal Biology
How to Write a Thesis in Biology: A Practical Guide
ImageJ Workshop
Innovations in Vertebrate Evolution
Laboratory Animal Science
Molecular Ecology
Nature and Culture as False Dichotomy
Pharmacology and Toxicology III
Photoshop Workshop
Pluripotent Stem Cells - Novel Uses and Approaches
Quantitative Aspects of Light Microscopy
R Coding Sessions
R for Biologists I: Introduction Course in R Programming Language
R for Biologists II: Visualisation and Analysis of Spatial Information
Self-OrganiSation in Social Insects and Other Communities
Seminar in Phylogenetic Comparative Methods
Signal Transduction: Regulation and Disease Relevance
Stable Isotope Ecology / Journal Club
Topics and Questions of Current Biological Research
X-Ray Structure Analysis of Proteins

Internships

An internship of eight weeks is to be completed during the Master's programme.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams

Course objectives

The aim of the study programme is to provide a sound, high-quality scientific education that will equip you with particular competence in the field of modern biomolecular research whilst building equally solid specialist foundations in both chemistry and biology. Graduates from this study programme will be able to develop a qualification profile that is relevant to modern pharmaceutical research. Additionally, those who wish to deepen their scientific knowledge and skills will be suitably qualified to embark on doctoral studies in biology or an area of chemistry related to life sciences. The solid foundations created in the undergraduate programme in both chemistry and biology will equip you with the specific ways of thinking in each of these disciplines; in other words, you will be trained to think and work in two scientific languages from the start.

Language requirements

TOEFL test: 90 points or more; or Cambridge First Certificate in English: Grade C or better; or IELTS: band scale 6.0 or better
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from the following countries do not have to prove their English language skills: USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.

Academic requirements

Entry requirements for the Master's Programme Life Science are:
1. Documentation of a three-year (or more) study programme at a state or officially recognised institution of higher education or Berufsakademie (vocational academy) in the subject Life Science (minimum degree Bachelor of Sciences or equivalent), or a related subject.
2. If the subject of your Bachelor's degree is a subject related to Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you have to have good assessments in the areas relevant for Life Science (organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology).

Applicants with a higher education degree obtained in a country that is not a member of the Bologna Process have to take the GRE test and reach at least a score of 155 (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Score).

Enrolment fees

150 EUR per semester.

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses
See: http://www.international.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-students/pre-arrival-guide/costs-and-fees/

Funding opportunities within the university

German and international full-time students can apply for the "Deutschlandstipendium" (currently worth 300 EUR per month). The scholarship is awarded by the University of Konstanz for at least two semesters.
http://www.international.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-students/pre-arrival-guide/financial-support/

Arrival support

The International Office and the Language Institute (Sprachlehrinstitut) offer orientation on living in Konstanz, German academic culture, and language courses for newcomers to make it easier for you to settle into your new surroundings.

Special options for students with a basic knowledge of the German language:

• Intensive German language courses
• Orientation programmes
• Kon'Start - Study preparation for German and international degree-seeking students
• CheckIn-Office - Service point for new arrivals (six weeks prior to lecture period)

The Welcome Centre at the University of Konstanz supports doctoral/PhD students from abroad, visiting scientists and researchers, postdocs, and newly appointed professors - and, being a family-friendly university, their families as well - in the planning, preparation, and realisation of their stay in Konstanz. It also provides information and specifically targeted assistance in all non-academic, extracurricular fields.

Services and support for international students

We will not leave you to fend for yourself! We advise and inform students individually and in groups, organise orientation days and visits, provide information on study and career choices, and offer courses on study skills.

Central Student Advisory Service
Phone: +49 (0) 75 31-88 36 36
E-mail: Studienberatung@uni-konstanz.de

The International Office and the Language Institute (Sprachlehrinstitut) offer general orientation and language courses for newcomers to make it easier for you to settle into your new surroundings.

International Office
Phone: +49 (0) 75 31-88 30 89
E-mail: international@uni-konstanz.de

Accommodation

Students have the possibility of living in the residence halls of the University of Konstanz. For further information on student accommodation, please see:
http://www.seezeit.com

Private accommodation in Konstanz can also be found via the following websites:
http://www.konstanz-unterkunft.de
http://www.vierwaen.de
http://www.suedkurier.de