Biology International

The Master of Science in Biology International at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) is heavily research-oriented and prepares students for their professional life or a doctoral programme. It is primarily focused on biological research: molecular life sciences, molecular biomedicine, molecular ecology and evolution, molecular systems biotechnology, microbiology, and biotechnology. It is also focused on the basis of molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms in organisms and the corresponding modern technologies. Application fields are found in all areas of applied molecular life sciences (molecular medicine and neurobiology, molecular plant sciences, microbial systems).
A major goal of this study programme is to help students develop and test hypothesis-driven questions, learn how to design experiments, make use of mathematical modelling and apply (or develop) the appropriate statistical analyses in their research. The ultimate goal is to train students to conduct independent research.

Educational organisation

The international Master's programme is modular and offers high flexibility for students. In the first semester, students can individually choose one module (six to eight weeks/14 ECTS). During this module, students learn how to work through complex topics independently. The practical sections of the modules help to improve their abilities with various measuring devices and items of analytical apparatuses. All eligible modules include advanced lectures, exercises, seminars, and practical training. To implement additional qualifications, students can individually choose further seminars, lectures, practical trainings, and workshops (6 ECTS). Followed by a project outline (10 ECTS), students will be supported in their Master's theses (30 ECTS), which includes a full-time research period of six months. The programme is concluded with an oral presentation of the Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

Due to the short standard study period of one year, a study abroad unit is uncommon, but nevertheless it is possible. Master's thesis and project outline can be done abroad.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, oral presentations, written protocols, and essays

Course objectives

The Master's programme teaches students to carry out autonomous scientific research, to critically assess scientific knowledge, and to act responsibly. The knowledge gained can be further used for the solution of complex biological problems. In particular, students acquire specialist knowledge and skills which will help them cope with the various requirements and constant changes of international professional life.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Biology International have acquired a solid, fundamental knowledge as well as specialist knowledge in certain fields of biology. They are capable of working independently and in a team. Graduates of this programme can think analytically, express themselves articulately, and are ideally qualified for participation in a doctoral programme. One broad career field available to graduates of the Master's programme is that of research and development in the life science and health care sectors.

Language requirements

Fluency in the English language as demonstrated by high scores in the IELTS or TOEFL tests is required.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology or biochemistry (four years, 240 ECTS).
An aptitude test is required for admission to the Master's programme. For applicants with an average mark of 2.0 or better (B+ or GPA > 3.3 on the American scale), this requirement is waived and direct admission to the Master's programme is granted. Applications from students with an average mark better than 2.0 are strongly encouraged.

Enrolment fees

A semester fee of approx. 280 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities.

Costs of living

Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 800 to 900 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fee, study materials, etc.

Job opportunities

A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

Arrival support

Students:
The International Student Orientation Service iSOS is a team of trained student tutors, mostly senior international students who advise and assist international students on various issues such as accommodation, financial aid, laws relating to foreign nationals, etc. However, students are responsible for obtaining their visa and residence permits themselves.
See: http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international
E-mail: isos@uni-duesseldorf.de

Doctoral researchers:
Finding your feet in a new country and becoming part of a new (scientific) culture can be difficult. The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in finding accommodation, getting residence permits, financial aid, enrolment process at the university, etc. Please contact us in good time before your arrival and we will help make your research stay at Heinrich Heine University (HHU) a success.
See: http://www.hera.hhu.de
E-mail: hera@hhu.de

Services and support for international students

The International Office (IO) organises iSOS - the International Student Orientation Service (http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international) - as an initiative for international students. IO provides information and assistance on other aspects of international exchange. The welcome week helps you get started at HHU, offering intercultural workshops, lectures on Germany's political and educational system, cultural activities, and guided campus and city tours. A tutorial programme is designed to familiarise you with the university system, supporting you in structuring your studies, revising study material, and prepare exams. The buddy programme (Mate-For-You) "matches" new international students to local students with similar interests. All other services of HHU (e.g. language courses, workshops in transferable skills, and career service) are of course open to international students.

The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in all concerns of their research stay at HHU. The Heine Research Academies will help you get connected with other researchers by offering a comprehensive information and networking platform for young researchers at HHU. With a complementary programme including workshops on transferable skills as well as interdisciplinary and subject-specific topics, we promote your individual scientific career.

Accommodation

On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 220 to 450 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft"). Doctoral students can contact the Heine Research Academies (http://www.hera.hhu.de) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf.