As the saying goes? It's the little things that make up life. This is exactly where the complex Bachelor's degree programme »Biochemistry / Molecular Biology« comes in: This degree) subject is all about the chemical processes in living things. Every matter and every substance consists of tiny particles such as atoms or molecules. These include, for example, the components of our genes, known as DNA. For things that are not visible to the naked eye, methods must be found to make them visible. An exciting and diverse field! What does it take? Above all, curiosity, patience and perseverance. For example, illnesses can be better understood and new drugs, biomaterials or diagnostic procedures can be developed. Because progress is linked to understanding molecular processes. This is why molecular biology and genetic engineering have increasingly emerged as new specialisms in the natural sciences in recent years.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena is one of the few German universities to offer the highly specialised degree course in biochemistry. The focus »Molecular Biology« places a strong biological accent on your education. Your basic discipline training in the first semesters is therefore broadly diversified: Content is taught on Biochemistry, Biophysics, Experimental Medicine, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Theoretical Biology and Cell Biology. You will also receive training in botany, microbiology, zoology, mathematics/biostatistics, Physics and, in particular, Chemistry. And not just in theory, but above all in practice! Laboratory practicals and experiments are an integral part of the programme to deepen the content of the lectures. This is sure to awaken your spirit of research!
The Bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study|regular programme length is six semesters in total, during which various types of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials) are offered for the individual modules.
In the single-subject Bachelor's degree programme »Biochemistry / Molecular Biology«, the course focuses on one degree subject with a total of 180 credit points (abbreviation: LP / 1 LP = 30 hours of attendance, preparation and follow-up work|follow-up activity, coursework and examinations).
The first study phase (1st to 4th semester) is standardised for all students. The second study phase (5th / 6th semester) includes a wide tender of elective modules. These allow you to specialise in a corresponding professional field or to focus on a Master's degree programme that builds on the Bachelor's degree.
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inorganic and general Chemistry (12 CP) |
Physics (6 CP) |
Biochemical & Molecular Biological Methods (8 CP) |
Bachelor thesis (10 CP) |
||
| Physical Chemistry (9 CP) |
Organic Chemistry (13 CP) |
Microbiology (7 CP) |
Biophysics and Bioinformatics (9 CP) |
Proof|to register for|to take several required elective modules totalling 30 CP* |
|
| Genetics (9 CP) |
Biochemistry I (14 CP) |
Biochemistry II (13 CP) |
|||
| Mathematics (3 CP) |
Zoology (8 CP) |
Experimental Medicine (9 CP) |
|||
| Cell Biology (5 LP) |
Project module (5 CP) |
||||
| Botany (7 CP) |
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Abbreviations: CP = credit points (ECTS)|ECTS credits
* In the elective area, there are modules with 5 LP and 10 LP. These must be selected so that you achieve a total of 30 CP. The following modules are tendered, for example: Natural Product Chemistry, Virology, Biomembranes, Human Genetics or Medicine Microbiology.
You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.
Career opportunities:
PhD student works in a laboratory at the Center for Molecular Biomedicine
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Good knowledge of the English language desired
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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