Biochemistry

Course outline
Course structure
Formal requirements
Academic advisors
Contact

Biochemistry investigates and describes the molecular structures and chemical processes occurring in living organisms at all levels of organisation. This endeavour is predicated on the perspectives, insights and methods of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and of molecular biology.

Among the central concerns of biochemistry are the structure, biosynthesis and function of proteins and nucleic acids; the metabolism and its regulation; the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis; the structure and functioning of molecular machines for cell transport and motion; the structure, features and function of membranes; and the mechanisms involved in cellular energy conversion and biological signalling processes.

Given its range of interests, biochemistry has a crucial impact on the foundational research performed in many areas of the biosciences (including their applied disciplines) and is increasingly operative in initiating basic research projects in chemistry.

This B.Sc. course is part of a research-oriented Bachelor/Master programme. At Bachelor level, students are provided with the scientific and methodological essentials qualifying them for initial entry into a biochemical profession and laying the foundations for independent further education and career choices.

An essential function of the Bachelor course is to prepare students for the consecutive M.Sc. course in biochemistry or the acquisition of further qualifications in neighbouring disciplines. To this end, students are first of all given a broad grounding in the relevant sectors of chemistry and acquire the knowledge of mathematics and physics that is indispensable for the study of biochemistry. Once these foundations have been laid, students then acquire wide-ranging theoretical knowledge, methodological orientation and practical skills in the various sectors of biochemistry. These items are supplemented by an introduction to topical issues in biochemical research. A major concern of the course is to acquaint students at an early stage with the practical aspects of biochemical laboratory work and to impart to them the knowledge and skills required to pull one’s weight in a research team.

 

Course structure

The Bachelor course in Biochemistry is designed as a six-semester, interdisciplinary degree programme leading to the award of a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The curriculum is organised into modules consisting of classes (lectures, seminars, practical classes, lab practicals) in which the subject matter in question is dealt with cogently and coherently within a predefined space of time. There are examinations at the end of each class.

Credit points (CP) are awarded for successful completion of the modules. These CP must add up to 180 by the end of the course.

The main focus in the first stage of the course is on a thorough grounding in foundational chemical subjects. This is provided by the Institutes of Inorganic, Organic und Physical Chemistry. Biochemistry students work their way through these foundational modules together with chemistry students. The third semester marks the beginning of a programme of progressively more advanced classes on biochemistry proper supplied for biochemistry students by the Centre for Biochemistry (BZH), the Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH) and the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS Heidelberg).

These ongoing classes also involve a six-week biochemical research practical that students can take either at one of the labs in the institutes referred to above or at related research institutions in Heidelberg, such as the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPImF) or the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL

). The course ends in the sixth semester with an examination and an eight-week B.Sc. thesis on a biochemical subject at the research lab of a university lecturer/professor involved in the teaching side of the B.Sc. programme.

The modular structure of the course is also designed to enhance student mobility. Semester 5 is recommended for study abroad, which should be undertaken in consultation with the Study Dean of the Biochemistry teaching unit.

Here you can find a summary of the degree course scheme.

More information

 

Formal requirements

Admission

Admission to the course is restricted (NC = numerus clausus). Click here for the current Selection Regulations. Selection and admission are conditional on prior application.

International applicants

There are special regulations for international applicants. For more information, apply to the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2). International applicants can participate in a preparatory course lasting one semester and taking place in the summer term prior to the start of the course proper.

Subject combinations

The B.Sc. course in Biochemistry is a one-subject course (100%). Combinations with other subjects are not possible.

Study and examination regulations

Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (last change 29.07.15)
Examination and study regulations B.Sc. (last change 07.02.13)

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

Tuition fees at Heidelberg University are payable at the beginning of each semester.

M.Sc. course

A consecutive M.Sc. course in Biochemistry is scheduled to begin in the winter semester 2015/2016.

 

Academic advisor

Dr. Rainer Beck
Biochemie-Zentrum (BZH)
Heidelberg University
Im Neuenheimer Feld 328
D-69120 Heidelberg
phone: +49 (0)6221 545452
e-mail: rainer.beck@bzh.uni-heidelberg.de

 

Contact

Faculty of Biosciences
Internet: www.bio.uni-heidelberg.de

Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Internet: http://www.chemgeo.uni-hd.de/

Address of both Faculties

Im Neuenheimer Feld 234
D-69120 Heidelberg