Molecular Biology and Evolution (MAMBE)

The Master of Science in Molecular Biology & Evolution (MAMBE) is an international programme taught entirely in English. It is based on the fruitful collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. It specifically combines the areas of evolution and molecular biology - a combination which has emerged as an extremely successful interdisciplinary research field in recent years but has not yet been available in academic education.
The MAMBE curriculum is founded on the idea that interdisciplinary thinking enhances in-depth understanding of biological phenomena. For example, the complexity that is characteristic for many molecular processes can often only be understood by taking into account their evolutionary origins. Similarly, the evolution of particular trait functions may also often depend on the underlying molecular mechanisms. MAMBE will foster such interdisciplinary connections. In the first two semesters, you will learn about the basic mechanisms and processes of molecules and evolution. Additionally, you will enhance your skill set in scientific communication and management (e.g., preparation of seminar talks, writing of grant applications, etc.). During the third semester, the acquired competences will be applied to real research life in the laboratory and field. The fourth semester will consist of your Master's thesis.

Course objectives

MAMBE graduates will be very well prepared for a doctorate in an interdisciplinary biological research field and, as such, are also highly attractive for industry, small companies or governmental offices that are active in one of the following fields: research and development of new products, possibly using evolutionary principles for product improvement, biology, medicine, or related fields (e.g., pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, medicine) and also agriculture (animal and plant breeding); the service sector (e.g., development of diagnostics, implementation of clinical studies, large scale screening); or the governmental sector (as biologists in public authorities, research institutes, or universities).

Language requirements

Document confirming your proficiency in English, such as:

• confirmation of eight years of English in secondary school ("Sekundarstufe I & II" for German applicants) OR
• confirmation of a school or university stay of at least six months in an English-speaking country OR
• one of the following English tests: TOEFL ITP (paper-based): 580 points, TOEFL iBT (Internet-based): 90 points, IELTS 6.5 (no part less than 6.0), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, or an equivalent test

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science) in biology or related subject (the final grade should be better than 2.5 or among the top 30% marks according to the ECTS grading table, cf. ECTS User's Guide, European Communities 2009). If you have not yet received the final certificate, please include a preliminary certificate with an overview of completed courses, marks, and ECTS.
• letter of motivation (not more than one page) - please explain why you are specifically interested in this particular Master's curriculum and which specific qualifications of relevance for MAMBE you already possess!
• curriculum vitae (concise overview, no more than two pages)

Enrolment fees

An enrolment fee ("Einschreibegebühr") currently amounting to 55 EUR is charged for the first enrolment at Kiel University.
A semester contribution ("Semesterbeitrag") currently amounting to approx. 120 EUR must be paid each semester. This covers free public transport ("Semesterticket"), reduced lunch prices, and other financial benefits for students.
For the latest information, see: www.studium.uni-kiel.de/de/studium-organisieren/studienangelegenheiten/rueckmeldung

Costs of living

Monthly expenses in Kiel (e.g., for housing, food) range between 700-800 EUR, depending on individual needs.

Arrival support

The International Center at Kiel University offers a wide range of services and will support international students with any questions related to a successful arrival in Kiel.
See: http://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en

Services and support for international students

The International Center at Kiel University offers a wide range of services.
See: http://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kiel is available through the office for student affairs ("Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein") or on the private market. Looking for a place to stay in a foreign country is not always easy. The office for student affairs supports students seeking accommodation at reasonable prices and is continually improving the quality and standard of the residence halls.
In general, the chances of obtaining a room in a residence hall can be improved by submitting an application form before 15 June. The rent depends on the location and standard of the particular residence.
Please note that due to high demands for accommodation in Kiel, the office for student affairs can currently only assign rooms in residence halls to first-semester students (Bachelor's/Master's students). PhD students cannot be assigned rooms.

For information and to contact us, see: http://www.studentenwerk.sh