Biology: From Molecules to Organisms - Master of Science
The international Master's degree course "Biology - From Molecules to Organisms" offers a research-oriented in-depth study and specialization in current areas of molecular and organismic biology. The biology department in Osnabrück covers a broad methodological and thematic spectrum, ranging from structural biology and biophysical principles to cell biology and physiological phenomena to ecological, evolutionary and behavioral biology issues.
The international Master's degree course "Biology - From Molecules to Organisms" offers a research-oriented in-depth study and specialization in current areas of molecular and organismic biology. The biology department in Osnabrück covers a broad methodological and thematic spectrum, ranging from structural biology and biophysical principles to cell biology and physiological phenomena to ecological, evolutionary and behavioral biology issues. The Master's program offers a stimulating and scientifically excellent environment:
- Three thematic specializations: (1) General Biology, (2) Evolution, Behavior & Ecology, and (3) Cell and Molecular Biology.
- Flexible module selection within your own specialization
- Teaching of interdisciplinary skills in special courses
- High practical component with a strong focus on research
- Thesis work in an excellent research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
Biology is at the heart of the socially and economically highly relevant topics of health, nutrition and sustainability. A Master's degree opens up a wide range of career paths in these areas. The range of activities includes, for example
- Basic research at universities and other research institutions
- Applied research, development and sales (e.g. pharmaceutical or agro-industry)
- Teaching in an academic environment
- Scientific journalism
- Work as an expert (e.g. state criminal investigation office, environmental reports)
- Work in museums and zoological or botanical gardens
- Public health
- Public administration (e.g. offices for environmental protection or water management)
For careers in research, the additional qualification of a Doctorate is an option. The excellent research environment of Osnabrück Biology offers a wide range of thematic opportunities and structured doctoral programs.
Many modules can be completed flexibly in different semesters. A typical study plan could look like this, for example:
| Sem. | |||||
| 1 | Introductory module 2 credit points | Special lecture module 4 credit points | Master modules 4 master modules on different biological topics 11 credit points each | ||
| 2 | Excursion or internship module 11 credit points | Assistance module 4 credit points | |||
| 3 | Project work Two projects in different working groups 8 credit points each | Literature module 9 credit points | |||
| 4 | Master's thesis 30 credit points | ||||
After a one-week lecture series in which all 20 working groups of the biology department in Osnabrück introduce themselves, you can put together an individual selection of Master's modules. Through a balanced combination of lectures, seminars and exercises , you will deepen your scientific skills in these areas.
An excursion or internship module gives you the opportunity to strengthen specific practical skills. The assistance module includes the supervision of Bachelor students and serves to impart important key qualifications in the field of teaching.
As part of research-oriented project work in two different working groups , you will prepare for your Master's thesis in terms of methodology and content. Accompanying literature work serves to deepen your understanding of the topic of your research project.
Thanks to the intensive preparation, you will be able to work on the research project for your Master's thesis largely independently and thus further develop your scientific work skills. This gives you the best chance of completing a highly qualified Master's thesis within the standard period of study.
A Bachelor's degree in Biology (B.Sc.) or in a closely related subject. Further information on the access requirements can be found in the admission regulations.
Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of German Language Proficiency.
This degree course is not subject to admission restrictions in the summer semester 2025.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can find all information about the application and the application deadline for the desired semester under Master's degree programs (single subject).
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.
For further information on the degree program, you can also contact the students in the Osnabrück Biology Student Council.
The degree program is accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programs (AQAS).