Biology

The Master's

The Master of Biology programme covers many aspects of modern biology, ranging from the molecular to the population and community levels, with particular emphasis on scientific skills such as problem-solving, independent thinking, and communication. The programme is designed to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation and the techniques needed in fundamental and applied research. It aims to train qualified research biologists capable of conducting fundamental biological research at an international level. On successful completion of the programme, students will have acquired:

• a broad understanding of biology in all its aspects as well as more in-depth knowledge of a specialist area
• the knowledge and technological expertise required for practicing biology according to current scientific standards
• the ability to keep abreast of developments in their field
• a team-player mentality
• the ability to communicate findings and insights
• the ability to understand and enhance the role of biology in society

Assets

The Department of Biology consists of five divisions, conducting research activities ranging from molecular and physiological research at the level of cells and organisms to ecological research into populations, communities, and ecosystems. Our internationally renowned research is embedded in well-established collaborations with other universities, research institutes, and companies across the world. Although the primary goal of this research is to obtain insight into patterns and processes at different levels of biological organization and to understand the basis and the evolution of mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt to their continuously changing environment, the knowledge thus gained often leads to applications with significant economic or societal benefits.

Study programme

The Master of Biology programme consists of 120 credits (European Credit Transfer System - ECTS) divided over two years and is only available full-time. The programme offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to design an individualized curriculum tailored to their interests and needs.

Two areas of specialisation are available: ecological and evolutionary biology (M1) or molecular and physiological biology (M2). Students choose one of these areas as a major, taking courses worth between 30 and 36 credits, and the other area as a minor with a study load totalling 12 to 18 credits.

In addition, students select a number of methodology courses (12 to 18 credits) and electives (18 credits), and complete a compulsory research training module (42 credits). This module includes two short research projects (Year 1) and a Master’s thesis (Year 2), each to be completed in one of the Department’s research divisions.

Career prospects

As a Master of Biology, you can pursue a research career at a university, an agroindustrial, pharmaceutical or biotech company, an environmental conservation organization or an NGO. Graduates also qualify for positions as scientific advisers at banks or private investment firms, as policy officers in governmental or public administration, as science communication specialists, scientific journalists, or as science teachers.

Application and Admissions

Detailed information on application procedures and admission requirements depends on your preceding qualifications, etc.

• You will find more information on application matters here.

• Adapted Physical Activity
• Advanced Business Studies
• Advanced Medical Imaging
• Advanced Studies in Economics
• Advanced Studies in Linguistics
• Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion
• American Studies
• Archeology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Bioethics
• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Sciences
• Business Economics
• Canon Law
• Chemical Technology
• Chemical Technology (Engineering Rheology)
• Chemistry
• Conservation of Monuments and Sites
• Criminology
• Cultural Studies
• Cultures and Development Studies (CADES)
• Earth Observation
• Economics
• Economics and Management of Network Industries
• Educational Studies
• EIT-KIC Energy
• Electrical Engineering
• Endodontics
• Energy
• Estudios Ibéricos e Iberoamericanos
• European Social Security
• European Studies:Transnational and Global Perspectives
• Financial and Actuarial Engineering
• Financial Economics
• Food Technology
• Forensic Odontology
• Geography
• Geology
• Human Settlements
• Information Management
• Junior programmes in European Culture and Society (PECS)
• Langue et Littérature françaises
• Law
• Laws (LLM)
• Laws in Energy and Environmental Law (MEEL)
• Laws in European and International Taxation (MEIT)
• Linguistics and Literature: English
• Literary Studies
• Master of European Politics and Policies (MEPP)
• Materials Engineering
• Mathematics
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Erasmus Mundus)
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oral Health Research
• Orthodontics
• Paediatric Dentistry and Special Dental Care
• Periodontology
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Philosophy
• Philosophy (MPhil)
• Physics
• Quantitative Analysis in the Social Sciences
• Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
• Restorative Dentistry
• Safety Engineering
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Social Policy Analysis (IMPALLA)
• Society, Law and Religion
• Space Studies
• Statistics
• Sustainable Territorial Development
• Theology and Religious Studies
• Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
• Tropical Natural Resources Management
• Urbanism and Strategic Planning
• Water Resources Engineering
• Western Literature