Molecular lnfection Biology (Double Degree)

The study programme Molecular Infection Biology covers central aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology including neglected tropical diseases. Basic and molecular pathogenicity mechanisms will be explained to achieve a better understanding of the contribution of host and pathogen as the cause of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the association and correlation of microbial infection with chronic disease, e.g., tumorigenesis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases are elucidated. Additional topics are nosocomial pathogens, multidrug resistant bacteremia, and strategies for the development of novel anti-infective strategies. The students are trained to better understand infection at the molecular and cellular level and also to develop strategies for the translation of these novel findings to the clinical application. State of the art methodological approaches, including bioinformatics, mathematic modelling, immunology, molecular biology, and cellular biology are presented and applied. The study programme is embedded in the leading edge research activities in the Life Sciences both at the University of Würzburg and the University of Bordeaux together with the various research units and platforms associated. The students are strongly encouraged to strengthen their knowledge and skills in a particular field of interest by selecting among the many excellent research groups at both universities with their associated research centres. Graduates finish the study programme with a double Master's degree awarded by both universities.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme Molecular Infection Biology is offered at both universities. The students enrol at one of the partnering universities for the double degree programme. They select among the modules offered at either of the universities to accomplish a minimum of 30 credits at the partnering university. The subsequent thesis and preferentially a preceding training unit in the field of interest are co-supervised by professors of each university.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants accomplish at least 30 credits (not including the thesis) of the study programme at the partnering university. The final thesis is co-supervised by professors of both universities.

Internships

Laboratory research training courses in scientific working groups are an integral part of the study programme, and students are strongly encouraged to join a research group at the partnering university. The students get advice and support to find and join research groups of interest and may also directly contact group leaders. The research training is part of the regular study programme, and students are credited upon providing a scientific report. In addition, students may also find opportunities for comparable research training internships in enterprises. These may also be credited.

Forms of assessment

Written exams, oral exams, scientific reports, and presentations of scientific data

Course objectives

The double degree holders have a deepened scientific knowledge and understanding in a selected field of infection biology. Based on a state of the art understanding of molecular, intra- and intercellular processes and signalling, they are able to further investigate and develop novel strategies for future therapeutic approaches.

Language requirements

The proof of English language skills should be at a level of at least:

• the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) with at least 570 paper-based, 240 computer-based or 90 Internet-based or
• the International English Language Test System with a score of 6.5 or better or
• a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or
• an English-language Bachelor's degree or
• any certificate issued by the Admission Committee of the Faculty of Biology from the University of Würzburg after approving of English skills based on the assessment of a Bachelor's thesis written in English language, of a language course other than specified above, or an interview held in English language.

Academic requirements

Criteria for the admission in Würzburg:

Bachelor of Science in Biology or in a study programme that fulfils the criteria of the "Fachkanon Biologie", in particular:
(i) Required skills in basic biology in the fields of botany, zoology, and microbiology which may have been achieved in the areas of cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, systematics, physiology, ecology, neurobiology, or behavioural biology: 30 ECTS in total
(ii) Required skills in advanced biology achieved in any of the following areas: cell biology, developmental biology, behavioural biology, virology, immunology, neurobiology, human genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, pharmaceutical biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, biochemistry: 45 ECTS in total
(Please note: A differentiation between skills in basic and advance biology is not necessary, as long as you prove at least a sum of 75 ECTS in biology)
(iii) Required skills in chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical): 15 ECTS
(iv) Required skills in physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 15 ECTS

Enrolment fees

104 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transportation in the Würzburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Approx. 700 EUR per month

Job opportunities

See: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/degree_programs_at_the_university_of_wuerzburg/before_arrival/costs_and_financing/

Services and support for international students

International students are invited to use the university's support service for enrolment and visa affairs, for orientation in town, etc. Mentors can help during the first weeks in Würzburg with:

• pick-up at the train station
• support with moving into the hall of residence (get the key to your room, contact with the caretaker)
• accompanying students to official offices (town hall, health insurance, Studentenwerk, etc.)
• assistance with filling out necessary forms (enrolment at university, residence permit, etc.)
• answers to questions about everyday life in the city of Würzburg (shopping, how to open a bank account, free time/sport and much more)

For more information, see: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/find_assistance/student_tutors/

The senior adviser to international students (International Office) can be contacted with questions and problems and will do his best to provide adequate assistance throughout their stay. He is also in charge of coordinating the semester programme, which includes cultural events, excursions, guided library tours, etc.

Several other institutions within and closely related to the university offer services for international students: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/activitiesfriends/get_connected/#c365184

At the University of Würzburg, international students are well taken care of.

Accommodation

International students can apply for a place in a student hall of residence or find private accommodation in Würzburg. Prices for housing are reasonable and range from 180 to 350 EUR per month for a single room. Information on housing can be found online at:
http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/degree_programs_at_the_university_of_wuerzburg/before_arrival/living/