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 |
| Enrollment requirements | |
| Further information | Website of Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
Overview
The Master’s degree program Chemical Biology focuses on the molecular aspects of the life sciences with respect to the understanding of biological processes and their targeted chemical manipulation. In addition, modern methods of biotechnology and bioanalytics as well as their applications are taught. As the courses are mainly held in English, the students learn to master the English scientific terms and use them in an international environment in their professional life.
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-scientific fields. In addition, students choose a focus area in which they participate as interns 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, studying abroad for one to two semesters is easily possible. Comparable exams passed successfully abroad can be credited without any problems 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. Thus, admission to the Master’s degree program is only possible if the Bachelor’s degree program is comparable to the Bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry/Chemical Biology at TU Dortmund University. An application for admission must be submitted to verify the equivalence. A grade of at least 3.2 is required for admission to the Master’s degree program.
Field of activity
The degree program focuses on research and development in the field of chemical and molecular biology with 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 occupational field is the highly relevant area of biological-medical basic research. There are also good career opportunities in the fields of patents, administration, product management, sales, analytics, production, occupational health and safety, quality management, marketing, public relations, pharmaceutical consulting, and business consulting.
Most students, however, do their doctorate before starting their professional lives. In this phase of writing the doctoral thesis (approx. 3-5 years), it is common to earn a living 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. Furthermore, it is possible to take courses leading to professional qualifications, particularly in the field of economics, as part of the degree program.
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 is also particularly noteworthy. 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.