Biology

The Master's study programme Master Biology is provided by the Faculty of Biology of the University of Würzburg as a research-oriented and international study programme with the degree "Master of Science" (MSc) within the framework of a consecutive Bachelor's and Master's study pattern. The degree Master of Science constitutes an additional professional respectively research-oriented degree.
Aim of the programme Master Biology is to provide a research-oriented education in the various topics of biology/life sciences. Theoretical and practical competences in the fields of biology/life sciences are imparted in order to be able to address scientific issues from the fields of biology/life sciences.

Educational organisation

The programme's curriculum allows the students to select two major topics of interest, covering a broad range of bioscientific topics. Topics of classical biology may be combined with those of theoretical biology with a biomedical, biophysical or biochemical focus. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical courses and one practical course in each of the two topics. All modules are accompanied by a graded examination. In semesters three and four, further specialised research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work, and finally, to summarise and discuss the obtained results in their thesis which has to be presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis (25 ECTS) is preceded by an ungraded preparatory practical course of 12 weeks (15 ECTS).
Further modules (15 ECTS) are selected within the sub-area "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest. These modules have to be passed without grading.

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional but students are encouraged to spend several months abroad - modules completed there will be credited. Furthermore, parts of or even all of the preparing practical course and the subsequent thesis may be accomplished abroad, including scientific research projects in companies.

Forms of assessment

Graded exam, oral presentation in seminars, and combinations thereof (theory modules, 10 ECTS; or additional qualifications, 5 ECTS), scientific protocol/report (practical courses, graded, 10 ECTS), scientific report and discussion (thesis, graded, 25 ECTS), thesis colloquium (graded, 5 ECTS)

Course objectives

The students acquire theoretical aspects and principles in particular biological topics including interdisciplinary fields and theoretical approaches.
The students are able to apply basic methods in a special bioscientific field in order to resolve and critically discuss questions and results of experiments. Students are able to review and expand their knowledge of standard molecular and biophysical techniques and are able to choose appropriate methods and techniques to design experiments in a specific research area.
Students attain the competence to apprehend and formulate complex scientific issues and to independently work in the various biological fields as well as in natural sciences and life sciences. Students acquire the ability to work as scientists in universities, institutes, industry, business management, and various organisations.

Language requirements

Language requirements in English
The proof of skills in the English language should be at a level not lower than:
a) Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) with at least 570 points (paper-based TOEFL), 240 points (computer-based TOEFL), or 90 points (Internet-based TOEFL)
b) International English Language Test System with a score of 6.5 or better
c) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
d) Bachelor's degree from an English-taught course
e) any certificate issued by the Faculty of Biology's admission committee after approving of English skills based on the assessment of a Bachelor's thesis written in English, of a language course other than specified above, or an interview held in English

The minimum German language requirement for admission to the University of Würzburg is a certificate at level B2 (Goethe Institute). Certificates of attendance or registration for German classes will not be accepted as evidence of proficiency in German. German language courses are offered by the university only to students who have been accepted as full-time students, so they can improve their German and prepare for the German university entrance proficiency examination DSH ("Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang"). There are no German language courses for beginners.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Bachelor of Science in biology or equivalent study degree that fulfils the criteria of the "Fachkanon Biologie", in particular:
(i) required basic skills in 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, behavioural biology, 30 ECTS in total
(ii) required advanced skills in 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
(iii) required skills in chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical, 15 ECTS
(iv) required skills in physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 15 ECTS

Documents required

• certificates of a degree in a Bachelor study programme (acquisition of 180 ECTS points) at the University of Würzburg or another national or international institution or a comparable national or international degree (for example state examination)
• proof of a university or equivalent degree (in the case of a requested ultimate Master-admission) attesting the achieved overall grading
• proof of previously achieved study and examination performances (transcript of records) which documents the basic and advanced skills in biology and all required skills in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biostatistics
• proof of English and German proficiency

Please submit either your final degree or your transcript of records to certify a minimum requirement of 150 ECTS. In the latter, you have to submit your completed transcript of records no later than 15 September or 15 March, respectively.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 110 EUR per semester. Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transportation in the Würzburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Approx. 600-700 EUR per month

Job opportunities

See: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/studieren_in_wuerzburg/studium_mit_abschlussziel/vor_der_abreise/kosten_und_finanzierung/

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. Tutors are provided to help during the first weeks in Würzburg:

• 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 officials (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)

More information at: 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 or her best to provide adequate assistance throughout your stay. He or she 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 150 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/