General

The M.Sc. course biosciences is characterized by its broad variety of subjects and reflects the dynamics of a quickly developing area of research. This study course is an excellent preparation for a doctorate course in the life sciences. Download Flyer (in German)

Begin: in winter and summer semesters
Standard period of study: 4 semesters
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Application: locally at the WWU, online via the registrar's office.
Admission is granted according to the following criteria (Zulassungsordnung - admission rules):

• completed Bachelor's in the natural or life sciences with a 2,3 grade (German scale) minimum (for application purposes preliminary certificates can be accepted).

Dates:
Application deadline for the 2012 winter semester: July 15, 2012
Application deadline for EU-foreigners is May 31, 2012
personal interviews (if applicable): to be announced

Informationen about the online application can be found here:
Bewerbungsinformationen (in German)

The degree course Biosciences offers:

• Orientation towards research with a  broad range of possible specializations
• Focus on lab experience
• small groups and very good mentoring (Interships with 2 to 12 participants max.)
• free choice of modules
• Integration and support of study time abroad (of which up to 15 credit points can be accredited)
  
• practical introduction to the methods and conceptes of scientific research
• teaching of interdisciplinary key skills, e.g. in the field of project management, communication and team work (10 credit points)
• acquisition of the project leader certificate (Projektleiterschein) nach §15GenTSV
• thorough development of a research project in the Master thesis
• strong cooperation with the Master courses Biotechnolgy and molecular biomedicine
  

Curricular design

During your study course you will complete

• 6advanced modules (FGM, 5 credit points each); list of available FGM
• 2research modules (FOM, 10 credit points each); list of available FOM
• a project management module(scheme)
• the Master thesis (including the corresponding modules and final defence; 60 credit points, approx. 9 months; scheme)

Advanced modules and/or one research module can be completed by following external courses offered by other departments (15 credit points max.) or by external research institutions or by the industries (outside the WWU, 10 credit points max.)

In addition to scientific skills, interdisciplinary key skills in the field of project work, team work, and leadership skills as part of the project management module will be acquired during the first and/or second year of study.

The second year is dedicated to writing the Master thesis. In the Master thesis a scientific research project is independently developed (9 months time frame) and finally defended in form of a public scientific presentation. The modules 'methodic and organizational basics of the experimental life sciences' (MGedl and OGeL) and 'Current state of research' are an integral part of the Master thesis. These modules are being completed during the Master thesis within the group in which the thesis is being written.

With a Master's in biosciences there are possible careers in a broad range of scientific functions in the life science area of the industries, the economy, as well as at universities and research institutions.
The Master's degree prepares you to further qualify yourself through appropriate doctorate programs.

Responsible for the degree course:

Prof. Dr. Michael Hippler
Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen
Hindenburgplatz 55
48 143 Münster
Tel. ++49 (0)251 83-2 47 90
mhippler

Deputy degree course coordinator:

Prof. Dr. Susanne Fetzner
Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie
Corrensstraße 3
48 149 Münster
Tel. ++49 (0)251 83-3 98 24
fetzner

Advisor:

Dr. Bernd Oppermann
Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie
Corrensstraße 3
48 149 Münster
Tel. ++49 (0)251 83-3 98 23
opperma

How to apply

Application is submitted online via the registrar's office. A printed copy of the application form has to be handed in together with copies of certificates and all other documents.

Dates
Application deadline for the 2012 winter semester: July 15, Juli 2012
Application deadline for EU-foreigners is May 31, 2012
Personal interviews (if applicable): to be announced

Admission to the degree course is granted through a selection that is made by the selection committee of the degree course. A 2,3 B.Sc. final grade (German scale) minimum is required. A preliminary certificate with the required grade will be accepted. Alternatively the applicant could prove that he/she ranks amongst the first 40% of his/her year. Proof of relevant professional experience or internships at relevant institutions can also be included in the decision.
Additionally the selection committee might conduct personal interviews with the applicants.
The decision about the admission is based on the Bachelor's grade, the results of the personal interview with the applicants and the presented documents.

The following documents are to be submitted online together with the application at the
registrar's office:

• completed application form
• proof of university entrance qualification
• Bachelor's certificate (should the final certificate not yet be available a preliminary certificate will have to be submitted)
• proof of study and examination credits (e.g. transcript of records)
• letter of motivation
• curriculum vitae
• if applicable: proof of additional qualifications for the Master course (e.g. job references, additional diplomas, relevant internships)
• proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (in case that the university entrance qualification was not obtained at a German speaking institution)

Information about application and admission is summarized here.