Biophysics

Based on current research topics, biophysical methods and corresponding applications are presented. Topics that are discussed include fundamentals in thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and molecular interactions in general as well as with respect to the analysis of single cells down to single molecules. Further topics include both theoretical and methodological aspects of plant membrane transport systems, structural biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, integrative biology, and bioinformatics.

Educational organisation

The study programme Biophysics is a combination of two major topics: A) molecular and cellular biophysics and B) molecular biology. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical 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. They learn to plan and perform independent theoretical and experimental work. They also learn to summarise and discuss the results obtained in the thesis. The thesis 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 will not be graded (pass/fail only).

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional

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 knowledge of theoretical aspects and principles in biophysics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. Using bioinformatics tools, they learn to use computer based approaches to address and resolve problems in these biophysical areas of research.
The students are able to apply basic methods in the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, and structural biology in order to resolve and critically discuss questions with regard to soluble or membrane proteins. Students are able to review and expand their knowledge of standard molecular and biophysical techniques and to choose methods and techniques to design experiments in a specific research area.

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 return 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
In addition, German language skills (e.g. B1 CEFR) are highly recommended and may be achieved during the first phase of the programme.

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, 20 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 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 proficiency

Please submit either your final degree or your transcript of records to certify a minimum requirement of 150 ECTS. You have to submit your completed transcript of records not 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. During the first weeks in Würzburg, tutors are provided to help with the following:

• 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 meet 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 a semester programme that 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/