Biology - Bachelor of Science

The subject of biology lies at the heart of the socially and economically highly relevant topics of health, nutrition and sustainability. Modern biological research covers an enormous range of topics and methods, ranging from molecular structures such as DNA and proteins, cells and tissue to multicellular organisms, populations and entire ecosystems. At Osnabrück University, we investigate biological relationships at various levels in bacteria, fungi, animals and plants.

Facts

Standard period of study:
6 semesters
Language of instruction:
German, partly English
Admission:
admission-free
Start of studies:
winter semester
Degree:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Two men in a laboratory fill liquids into a plastic tube using pipettes.
© Uwe Lewandowski

The subject of biology lies at the heart of the socially and economically highly relevant topics of health, nutrition and sustainability. Modern biological research covers an enormous range of topics and methods, ranging from molecular structures such as DNA and proteins, cells and tissue to multicellular organisms, populations and entire ecosystems. At Osnabrück University, we research biological relationships at various levels in bacteria, fungi, animals and plants.

Our Bachelor's degree course in Biology combines a comprehensive scientific education with the opportunity for research-related specialization for postgraduate courses in the life sciences. It also offers a number of specific advantages and opportunities:

  • High practical component from the first semester
  • Personal and respectful contact with lecturers
  • Possibility to design individual qualification profiles
  • Teaching of interdisciplinary skills
  • Research-related theses
  • Excellent academic environment

Due to the broad and profound education, the Bachelor's degree qualifies you for most Master's degree programs in the field of life sciences. In Osnabrück, you can choose between two international degree programs:  Biology: From Molecules to Organisms and  Nanosciences: Materials, Molecules & Cells.

Even the Bachelor's degree opens up a wide range of activities. These include, for example

  • Universities and other research institutions
  • Research, development and sales (e.g. pharmaceutical or agro-industry)
  • Healthcare
  • Public administration (e.g. offices for environmental protection or water management)
  • Museums and zoological or botanical gardens
  • Science journalism

Regulations

Every degree has sets of regulations which govern access, admissions, examinations and the structure of the program. More concrete information on the structure of the program is provided here:

Study Program Plans

Study program plans are an example of how the degree program may be structured.

Many modules can be completed flexibly in different semesters.

Sem.
1

Introductory phase

Mathematics preliminary course

Fundamental Studies

Starter modules Biology 1-6

Advanced modules Biology 1-6

Interdisciplinary qualifications and excursions

Key competence module

Assistance module

3 small excursions

2
3

In-depth and specialization phase

Mathematics for Biology module

Module Biostatistics & Digital Competencies

Research skills module

Compulsory elective focus modules: Choice of 5 focus modules from 30

Compulsory elective extension modules: Choice of 3 extension modules from 15

4
5
6

Bachelor thesis phase

Working on a biological question as part of the research module
and the project and Bachelor's thesis

  • The course begins with a "Studium Fundamentale", during which all biology working groups introduce themselves and discuss current, socially relevant topics. You will then receive a comprehensive introduction to biology. Within the framework of 6 starter and 6 advanced modules and the first practical courses, various topics from individual molecules to entire ecological systems are covered. In addition, you will be taught scientific and mathematical knowledge relevant to biology.
  • This is followed by a deepening of theoretical and practical knowledge within the framework of various extension and focus modules in the compulsory elective area. Here you can individually design your qualification profile and set your own initial priorities for your future specialization .
  • As part of the assistant module , you will supervise students in modules that you have already completed yourself and thus acquire key qualifications in the field of teaching.
  • Your studies will conclude with a research-oriented Bachelor's thesis in one of the 20  working groups at Osnabrück Biology. During the practical phase, which lasts around three months, you will be involved in current research projects and learn modern research methods.

General information about university admissions may be accessed at  Admission Requirements. The German Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur) entitles students to commence a first degree qualification at Osnabrück University. The term “first degree qualification” refers to a period of study that culminates in a student’s first professionally-relevant university degree (Bachelor’s degree or First Legal State Examination). Information about the conditions that apply for people seeking to embark on an undergraduate degree without the higher education entrance qualification may be found at  Studying without an Abitur.

Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of  German Language Proficiency.

This program is not subject to admission restrictions.

All information pertaining to the application process may be found at  Application, Admission and Enrollment.

German and international applicants with German certification can enroll directly for this subject that does not have admission restrictions. You can find all information on enrollment and the enrollment deadline for the desired semester under  Bachelor's degree programs (one subject) - open admission.

Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for  Applicants with Non-German Certification!

The examination regulations do not prescribe an obligatory period of study abroad. However, a number of  Options for Studying Abroad are available to you within a range of exchange programs. The  International Office will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Studying at Osnabrück University means you will be subject to semester fees. Depending on how much of your study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have used up, you may also have to pay long-term study fees. Additional information on this topic may be found at  How Much does Studying Cost?

Our  Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.

If you have any questions about the course, access requirements and course content, please contact the  Osnabrück Biology Student Advisory Service.

If you are interested in a Master's degree course at Osnabrück University, please take note of its  regulations on access, in which the respective admission requirements are regulated.

In addition to the consecutive degree programs listed below, it may be worth considering other Master's degree programs and checking whether you can be admitted. You will usually receive appropriate advice from the departmental study counseling service or the course coordinators.