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Bachelor (1 subject)

Chemical Biology

Summary

Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Subject group Natural Sciences and Computer Sciences
Standard program duration 6 semesters
Admission requirements none
Overview NC procedure
Start of studies Winter semester
Language German
Further information Website of Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Overview

The Bachelor's degree program in Chemical Biology is strongly interdisciplinary and is offered with the participation of the neighboring Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology. Students gain a broad range of basic knowledge through courses in the following areas:

  • chemistry (general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry)
  • methods of structure determination
  • mathematics and physics
  • toxicology and law
  • biochemistry and molecular biology
  • cell biology and microbiology
  • bio-organic chemistry
  • bio-inorganic and biophysical chemistry
  • compulsory elective courses.

Most mandatory courses are accompanied by laboratory internships. With the associated seminars, these comprise 46% of the attendance time during the program. The Bachelor’s degree program concludes with a Bachelor’s thesis, a first scientific paper. Since the examination of chemical processes in biological systems stands in the foreground, the program is more strongly oriented toward chemistry than most courses of study in biochemistry. In the courses in chemical biology, students learn more in theory and practice concerning the properties of biomolecules in particular, including how they can be used to carry out reactions, for example, to create new products.

Skills and knowledge

There are no requirements for prior knowledge or internships in chemistry, since all the basics are covered in the program. However, the more chemical and biochemical knowledge a student comes with, the easier it will be to get started. In mathematics and English, on the other hand, basic knowledge is required. At the least, it is assumed that students will be able to read and understand scientific publications written in English no later than the end of the Bachelor’s degree program.

In general, this course of study requires enthusiasm for chemistry and biochemistry as well as experimentation. Besides that, students should bring to the program a capacity for teamwork, perseverance, motivation, joy in learning, and an independent way of working. To help students prepare for the program, the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers a preparatory course in the last two weeks before studies commence in the winter semester. Here the chemical and mathematical material taught in high school will be recapitulated.

Field of activity

After completing their studies, chemical biologists can work, for example, in the following areas:

  • fundamental research
  • new active pharmaceutical agents
  • development of biosensors
  • biotechnological products
  • diagnostic methods
  • food additives
  • cosmetics and detergents
  • development of medical measurement methods and devices
  • ...

The majority of the graduates of the degree program work in research. There are also career opportunities in areas such as product management, clinical studies, quality management, analytics, sales, marketing, intellectual property, documentation, organization, public relations, business consulting, and pharmaceutical consulting, among others.

The Bachelor’s degree program qualifies graduates for professional life. Most, however, pursue a Master’s degree program.

Additional information

A semester or year abroad is quite possible, particularly in the Master’s phase. Here no more compulsory courses need to be completed; rather, with the exception of one seminar each in chemical biology and medical chemistry, and within certain basic guidelines, students need only take elective courses. During the stay abroad, students can take courses, carry out a research internship, or complete the Master’s thesis.