Department of Biology

Biology - Master of Science (MSc)

The English-taught research-oriented Master’s programme in Biology at Ulm University provides a high-quality education in biology, characterized by competencies in understanding complex biological systems and in the application of state-of-the-art methods and techniques.

Key data

Type of programme

Master of Science (MSc)

Type of study
  • full-time
Study curriculum

Information on the study curriculum

Application

Information for applicants

Admission regulations

further information

Start of programme
  • each winter semester
Orientation offer Language of instruction
  • English
Admission
  • no restriction
ECTS credit points

120

Standard period of study (semester)

4

Contact

More about the course

In the English-taught master's programme Biology at the University of Ulm, students acquire in-depth knowledge of biology with a focus on the research priorities of the biology department at the University of Ulm and special skills from the life sciences. In addition, students can choose modules from different areas of biology as well as medicine and thus set individual focal points.

 

 

Study

Study situation

Ulm University

Strong in research, attractive course offers, growing internationality! Since its foundation in 1967, the youngest University in Baden-Württemberg has had a remarkable development. The current approximate 10,000 students are spread across four Faculties, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Sciences and Psychology, Mathematics and Economics as well as Natural Sciences. Today, more than four decades after its foundation, the University is still conveniently sized yet alive and known for its strong research profile and high teaching standards.

Students at Ulm University are guaranteed a laboratory place during their introductory laboratory courses. This ensures that they can graduate within the standard period of study.

Working and living in Ulm

Idyllically located between the two economic hubs Stuttgart and Munich, Ulm continues to gain importance. Nationwide surveys confirm its high quality of life. As Germany's first Science City, Ulm and its powerful combination of University, University of Applied Sciences, Daimler-Benz Research Centre and Science Parks I and II offers a plethora of opportunities. At the same time, the city has an abundance of green spaces, for example the Zoological Garden in the middle of a recreation park, equipped with aquarium and tropical house as well as many beautiful spots for sports and leisure activities or simply relaxing.

Student life

Numerous theme parties keep Ulm University alive and social at night and provide chances to mingle with students from other courses.

Excursions

Teaching modules (Bachelor's and Master's) offer a great variety of excursions to places in Germany and abroad so you can enhance and deepen your newly acquired knowledge. 

Representation of student interests

The interests of students at Ulm University are represented by student representatives, Fachschaften (subject-related student representatives) and university groups.

Advisory services

There are various advisory and support services to cater for a wide range of needs.

The Zentrale Studienberatung (central student advisory services) provide advice on the aspects of the transition from school to university, course offers, overall concepts of the study programmes and general questions regarding core subjects.

The course advisors are here to answer your subject-related questions. There are course advisors for each study programme at all faculties and institutes.

Click here for further information on how to organise your studies, e.g. re-registration, academic leave and how to change your degree programme.

Admission statute

The study programme Biology has admission restrictions. You can find further information here under 'General' or under 'Biology' for information specific to the master’s programme Biology.

 

Study objectives and contents

 

Unique features of the study course

In the English-taught master's program Biology at the University of Ulm, students acquire in-depth knowledge of biology with a focus on the research priorities of the biology department at the University of Ulm and special skills from the life sciences. In addition, students can choose modules from different areas of biology as well as medicine and thus set individual focal points.

Research focus Biology, Advanced topics in biological resilience and Biology in Praxis: all courses in Biology are taught in English

Research focus Medicine: only virology is taught in English.

Complementary Area: various courses offered in German and English

Study objectives

Graduates of the master course Biology ...

  • are able to elaborate on scientific questions from the field of biology on the basis of known technologies and document their results (in writing and oral presentation) in accordance with the Guidelines of Research Integrity and Good Scientific Practice.
  • are able to present research projects in the scientific context and to discuss their methods and approaches in the broader scientific community.
  • have learned common methods of literature research, data administration and data processing.
  • have acquired soft skills like team-work, intercultural capacities and adequate time-management.

The aim of the program is to provide a qualified education in biology, characterized by competencies in understanding complex biological systems and in the application of state-of-the-art methods and techniques. Students of the Master's program in Biology acquire the ability to solve problems independently within the framework of scientific work.

Study contents

Here you can find the study plan containing all modules of the complementary, the complementary elective and the compulsory areas. 

Here you can have a closer look at which modules are offered in the Biology Master Program at Ulm University. 

Research

Institutes involved in the Biology Master Program belong to Bioscience. Here you can inform yourself about current publications and ongoing research. 

The world is coming together - that is also and particularly true for science. International experience is an increasingly important asset to successfully compete in the job market. Students at Ulm University can apply for one or two semesters abroad with numerous universities - both in Europe as part of the ERASMUS+ programme and at universities outside of Europe. Financial support for internships abroad is also available. Another option to spend some time overseas and immerse yourself in another culture is your final thesis. 

The International Office provides further information on all of the above.

The programmes offered are mainly aiming for German students and therefore not all information is available in English. 

Study abroad

Auslandspraktikum

Abschlussarbeit im Ausland

Current information about examinations, study plans and other topics relevant for matriculated students can be found on the web page of the Department of Biology.

 

Career perspectives

For graduates of the master course Biology, important occupational fields are e.g.

  • the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry,
  • biotechnology,
  • agricultural und food industry,
  • as well as the field of bioinformatics, laboratory equipment and supplies,
  • and nature protection.

Positions are offered as well in further fields, e.g.

  • quality control / management in food industry,
  • waters pollution control
  • and handling of pollutants.

The master degree provides you competences for independent decisions and actions, which are required to fill positions in the above-mentioned fields. In addition, the master degree gives you the opportunity for doctoral studies after which you find occupational fields

  • in the industry,
  • in universities,
  • in research institutes,
  • in administration,
  • as well as a freelancer

Career examples in the life sciences will be featured in the Biology Department's "Career Exploration in Quality Assurance" and "Perspectives in Life Science" seminars.

Career examples in the life sciences will be featured in the Biology Department's "Career Exploration in Quality Assurance" and "Perspectives in Life Science" seminars.

 

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