Chemical Biology
Summary
| Degree | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Natural Sciences and Computer Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 4 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
|
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
Summer semester |
| Language | English, German, Bilingual |
| Enrollment requirements | |
| Further information | Website of Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
Overview
The Master’s degree program in Chemical Biology focuses on the molecular aspects of the life sciences with regard to the understanding of biological processes and their targeted chemical manipulation. Modern methods of biotechnology and bioanalytics as well as their applications are also taught. The main language of instruction in the Master's degree programme is English. This way, students learn to master English technical terms and to apply them in an international professional environment.
In compulsory elective lectures, laboratory courses and seminars in chemical biology, cell biology and medicinal chemistry, students deepen their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in research-relevant topics. They can also take courses in chemistry or other natural or non-natural science fields. In addition, students choose a major subject in which they participate in ongoing research and demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research in the Master’s thesis. The completion of the Master’s thesis, scheduled to take six months, marks the end of the degree program.
In the Master's degree program, it is very well possible to study abroad for one or two semesters. Comparable exams and laboratory courses passed successfully abroad can easily be credited due to the freedom of choice in the Master's degree program.
Skills and knowledge
The Master’s degree program in Chemical Biology is based on the corresponding Bachelor’s degree program. Therefore, not only a comprehensive theoretical education from the Bachelor’s degree program is required, but also a comparable scope of laboratory courses, not only in the field of biochemistry/chemical biology, but also in chemistry. Admission to the Master's degree program is therefore only possible if the Bachelor's degree program is comparable to the Bachelor's degree program in Chemical Biology at the TU Dortmund, e.g. a degree program in Biochemistry with a comprehensive part in Chemistry. An application for admission must be submitted to verify the equivalence. For admission to the Master’s degree program, a German grade of at least 3.2 is required, as well as proof of English language proficiency at level B2.
Field of activity
The degree program focuses on research and development in the field of chemical and molecular biology, covering topics such as new active pharmaceutical ingredients, food additives and agricultural products, as well as biomedical analysis and diagnostics. Chemical biologists can also work in the food and cosmetics industries and in the development of medical devices. Another very important field is the highly relevant area of basic biological and medical research. There are also good career opportunities in patents, administration, product management, sales, analysis, production, health and safety, quality management, marketing, public relations, pharmaceutical consultancy and business consultancy.
However, most students complete their doctorate before entering the workforce. During this period of completing the thesis (about 3-5 years), it is common to finance living expenses through temporary employment (usually half-time) or a scholarship.
Additional information
In addition to courses in cell biology and biochemistry, the Master’s degree program also offers courses in medicinal chemistry, biomolecular modeling, systems biology, structural biology, and bioorganic, bioinorganic, and biophysical chemistry. Another area in which students can deepen their knowledge is the special analytics of biomolecules. It is also possible to take vocational training courses, particularly in the field of economics, as part of the degree program.
Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering and the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors. This gives students a wide range of options for choosing courses and the area in which they gain a deeper insight into research through the research internship and the Master’s thesis.