Molecular Biotechnology
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Application | mandatory (incl. from one semester to the next) |
| Course commences | winter semester only |
| Standard course duration | 6 semesters |
| Focus options | 100% only |
| Language requirements | none |
| Language of instruction | German and English |
Course outline
The B.Sc. programme in Molecular Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary course offering broad scientific training extending from foundational classes in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics to subjects like molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, process technology and substance research. In their third year, students specialise either in Bioinformatics, Biophysical Chemistry or Substance Research. Teaching and research projects acquaint students with the latest developments in biomedical research, including the progress being made in genome and proteome research, genetic engineering, substance development, diagnostics and biomedicine. In addition, they attend classes imparting key skills like scientific English, rhetoric, presentation and management technique, etc.
Aufbau des Studiums
The course is organised and supported by the Heidelberg Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), a modern, interdisciplinary centre for research on active substances. Other institutions involved in the programme include the Faculties of Chemistry and Physics and a number of other prestigious research facilities (German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg Centre for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg Centre for Biochemistry, etc.).
The programme takes six semesters. In the first four semesters, students are given a broad scientific grounding in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics/computer science, computer methods and process technology, benefiting from a cogent study programme involving lectures, seminars and practical classes. In their 5th semester, students can choose a main subject to focus on and take a practical research class in that subject. The options are Substance Research, Bioinformatics or Biophysical Chemistry. The sixth semester is devoted to the B.Sc. thesis, involving a research project with one of the research groups at IPMB or another institution participating in the programme.
Nearly all B.Sc. graduate students go on to take a M.Sc. course in Heidelberg, at another German university or (by no means rarely) abroad.
Foreign-language teaching
Alongside seminars on scientific English, presentation techniques and scientific writing, some of the practical classes and lectures are held in English, often by native speakers.
Practical training
One of the key objectives of the B.Sc. programme in Molecular Biotechnology is to prepare students for a possible career in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. Accordingly, students are required to enlist for at least a six-week internship with a biotechnological or pharmaceutical enterprise. Experienced experts from industry also hold some of the lectures and seminars.
Formal requirements
Admission
The B.Sc. course in Molecular Biotechnology commences in the winter semester only. Applications must be submitted online to Heidelberg University’s Studentensekretariat (application possible from early June to 15 July).
There is a selection procedure. You will find details on the selection procedure at
www.bio.uni-heidelberg.de/fakultaetbio/de/BScMoBi_Bewerbung
Click here for the latest Selection Regulations B.Sc.
International applicants
There are special regulations for international applicants. For more information, apply to the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2).
Examination regulations
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (25 September 2006)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (22 July 2010)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (9 February 2012)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (9 February 2012, amended 2 November 2015)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (9 February 2012, amended 5 April 2019)
Module Handbook
Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook.
Examinations board
Issues arising in connection with examinations, credit transfer and academic credential recognition are dealt with by the relevant examinations board/office. For more information, consult the academic advisor(s) indicated below.
Fees
To study at Heidelberg University, tuition fees must be paid at the beginning of each semester.
M.Sc. course
Heidelberg University offers a consecutive M.Sc. course in Molecular Biotechnology.
Academic advisors
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Müller
Dean of Studies; Molecular Biotechnology
Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 5th floor
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-6717
e-Mail: u.mueller@urz.uni-hd.de
Herr Dr. H. Schäfer
Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 4th floor
phone: +49 (0)6221 544865
e-mail: holger.schaefer@uni-heidelberg.de
Frau Dr. D. Kaufmann
Coordinator
Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, ground floor
phone: +49 (0)6221 545670
e-mail: StudienkoordinationIPMB@uni-heidelberg.de
Contact
Secretaries’ office for study and examination issues arising in connection with Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology
Faculty of Biosciences
Katrin Kneféli
Im Neuenheimer Feld 234
69120 Heidelberg
phone: +49 (0)6221 546036
fax: +49 (0)6221 544953
e-mail: Knefeli@uni-hd.de
Internet: https://www.bio.uni-heidelberg.de/fakultaetbio/de/MScMoBi_Kontakt
Location
Student representation
Im Neuenheimer Feld 346
D-69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: fs-mobi@uni-hd.de
Internet: https://www.fachschaft.mobi/
