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Module guide for the master´s program Molecular Biology of Cellular Systems

The Molecular and Cellular Biology master's program educates you in the molecular and cellular sub-fields of biology, both technically and methodologically. Additionally the department closely cooperates with the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology.

All modules of the degree program are compulsory elective modules, which means that you have to pass all module areas but within this areas you have different options.
For example: During your studies you have to pass four Advanced Modules - obligatory! But those four modules you can choose out of a range of appr. 20 different modules.

Order of study

The degree programs are comprised of modules. A module is a teaching unit whose content and themes are covered over the course of one or two semesters. Each module receives credits (ECTS points) that reflect the average work load of a student for the given module.

Here you will find an overview of all offered modules in the MSc "Molecular and Cellular Biology" in classified order. Please check also the exemplary schedule.

  • Advanced Modules

    In the first two semesters you choose four  Advanced Modules at free option in order to achieve advanced theoretical and practical knowledge.

    Offered Advanced Modules:
    Practical Work Experience Molecular Biology of Cellular Systems
    Cell and Developmental Biology/Physiology 
    Current Methods of Genetic Analysis
    Developmental Biology of Marine Organisms (Molecular Focus) 
    iGEM-Project
    Methods for Biological Research
    Methods in Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry: From Gene to Structure 
    Methods of Synthetic Microbiology
    Microbial Ecology (Molecular Focus) 
    Molecular Cell Biology
    Molecular Embryology and Developmental Genetics 
    Molecular Genetics 
    Molecular Microbiology: From Proteins to Cellular Organization 
    Molecular Physiology of Plant-Fungal Interactions 
    Quantitative Cell and Tissue Dynamics
    Synthetic Microbiology
    Additionally you are allowed to choose one advanced module from the master´s degree course M.Sc. "Biodiversity and Conservation".

  • Profile Modules 

    During your studies you have the opportunity to obtain additional qualifications by taking profile modules in an amount of 12 ECTS points. Those profile modules - offered as well by the department of biology as by other cooperating departments - will make  your curriculum unique.

    The Manual for Profile Modules please find in the list on the bottom of the page (German, pdf).

  • Specialisation Modules

    Starting with the third semester you will deepen your knowledge in one discipline. From now on you are integrated in the research activities and an active member of your working group. You can choose one of the following modules:
    Current Topics in Microbiology (Molecular Focus) - Specialisation 
    Development and Function – Specialisation 
    Molecular Animal Physiology - Specialisation
    Molecular Cell Biology - Specialisation
    Molecular Genetics - Specialisation
    Molecular Methods in Biology (Evolutionary Biochemistry) - Specialisation
    Molecular Physiology of Plant Development and Defense – Specialisation
    Molecular Processes in Photobiology and in the Adaption of Photosynthesis - Specialisation
    Synthetic Microbiology – Specialisation

  • Master´s Thesis

    The Master´s thesis completes your master´s degree course. In this final module you document and discuss the results you acquired in the specialisation module.

The Module Manual for  the M.Sc. Molecular Biology of Cellular Systems

You will find the following information for each module in the module manual:

  • content and qualification goals of the modules
  • teaching and learning methods/types of classes,
  • requirements for attending,
  • applicability of the module,
  • ECTS point requirements (e.g., passing exam),
  • workload and duration of the module.

By reading through these pages you can find out what your studies will bring and what will be expected of you even before the program begins and you will be able to avoid unpleasant surprises:

Please note:

This page applies to the most current examination regulations in Wintersemester 2019/20. If you are studying according to an earlier or later examination regulation other provisions may apply. In that case please contact our advising service for further information.