FOKUS Life Sciences

The two-year Master's programme in Biochemistry offers a research-oriented education in one of Germany's prime universities for biomedical research. Selected top students will be offered a "fast-track" option to start a PhD thesis after three semesters of MSc studies.
Students can choose between two specialisations:
"Molecular Life Sciences" focuses on the structure and function of the molecules of life, and
"Molecular Oncology" emphasises the molecular and cellular study of human cancer.
Lectures and practical courses are taught by biochemists, molecular biologists and clinicians with a wide range of research expertise.

Educational organisation

During the first and second semesters, students can choose from a variety of modules taught by researchers from different research institutes (Biocenter, Rudolf Virchow Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken). Modules offered during this phase consist of lectures, seminars, exercises and lab courses. Examples include "Genomics", "RNA Biology", "Protein Biology", "Structural Biology", "Molecular Oncology", and "Clinical Oncology".
In the third semester, students are expected to gain research experience during internships in various laboratories of their choice (both at the University of Würzburg and outside of the university) where they can deepen their methodological skills.
The fourth semester is dedicated to a six-month Master's thesis on an individual research project.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants can choose to conduct selected laboratory courses at foreign universities.

Forms of assessment

Oral and written exams, oral presentations, lab courses

Course objectives

The goal is to understand and conduct biomedical research in the fields of oncology and molecular biology.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (TOEFL test or equivalent, German high school diploma).
Basic knowledge of German is recommended.

Academic requirements

Applicants need to have a documented background in biochemistry and biology. During their Bachelor studies, they must have acquired the following number of credits either in area A or in area B:
Area A

• 35 ECTS: Fundamental competences in bioanalytics, biochemistry, molecular biology & structural biology
• 10 ECTS: Documented knowledge of any combination of the following topics: cell biology, pathobiochemistry, toxicology, molecular tumour biology, virology, immunology, neurobiology, human genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, biophysics
• 55 ECTS: Documented knowledge of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry

Area B

• 20 ECTS: Fundamental competences in biochemistry and molecular biology
• 20 ECTS: Documented knowledge of any combination of the following topics: physiology, anatomy or histology, toxicology, pathology
• 25 ECTS: Documented knowledge of any combination of the following topics: genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology

[If necessary, credits will be converted to the ECTS system]

In addition, applicants need to have completed their BSc studies with a grade point average of 2.5 or better according to the German system (non-German grades will be appropriately converted).

Applicants who have not completed their BSc studies at the time of application can be provisionally admitted if they have acquired the minimal number of credits listed above and have acquired a total of 145 ECTS at the time of application. Such candidates must hand in their BSc certificate (demonstrating a final grade of 2.5 or better) by January 2017 in order to remain enrolled in this MSc programme.

Candidates fulfilling the conditions above will be evaluated in an oral 30-minute interview. Successful candidates will be informed about their admission to the programme within four weeks.

Enrolment fees

Approx 105 EUR per semester. This 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. They assist students with the following:

• Pick-up at the train station
• Support with moving into the hall of residence (getting 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/sports 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. He will do his best to provide adequate assistance throughout your 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

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/