Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc. Biology)
The bachelor’s degree program consists of modularized courses, most of which are in block form and take from four to six weeks.
In the first two years, required basic modules in botany, plant physiology, zoology, animal physiology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry including biochemistry, physics, mathematics and ethics must be successfully accomplished. Parallel to this, a mentoring program has been implemented to advise and support the students. In the first two years, the B.Sc. students of any given year are required to take a fixed set of modules. Third-year students are free to choose required elective modules from the module catalogue of the Department of Biology as well as from those offered by the other departments of the University.
Study Program
First year: Required basic modules with orientation examinations at end of year
Second year: Required basic modules with intermediate examinations at end of year
Third year: Required elective modules with bachelor’s degree examination and thesis at conclusion.
Basic Modules (required)
The basic modules provide an overview of all the facets of biology.
In addition, basic modules in chemistry (including biochemistry), mathematics and physics are required.
Advanced Modules (required elective)
The aim of the advanced modules is to increase existing knowledge of a specialized field and provide more detailed insight into the subject matter of this field. These elective modules usually take four weeks and can be freely chosen from the module catalogue.
A total of 36 credit points have to be gained by participation in elective modules, of which a maximum of 12 points can be gained by modules from the general university catalogue.
Participation in additional optional advanced modules is also possible.
The surplus credit points earned from additional optional modules cannot, however, be taken into account for your degree nor can they be used to augment module grades or bachelor’s degree examination grades.
Project Modules
The project modules prepare students for the bachelor’s thesis. Project modules provide instruction on scientific working methods in a particular field. The project module should be chosen from the field with which the thesis is concerned.
Bachelor’s Thesis
The subject matter of the bachelor’s thesis should correspond to that of the project module. The thesis should show the correct presentation and handling of a scientific research question. Work on the thesis can only start when the first and second-year modules have been completed. A successful bachelor’s thesis earns 12 credit points.
Bachelor’s Degree Examination
The bachelor’s degree examination, which is course-related, comprises the results of examinations in all the basic modules, the advanced modules and the project module. The bachelor’s degree examination also encompasses the bachelor’s thesis and must be completed by the end of the ninth semester
Application for Bachelor’s Degree Program
Application through the Central Student Administration starts in mid-May. Applications are only possible for the winter semester (starting October 1st). Your application must reach the Central Student Administration by July 15th at the latest. Please check our continually revised Application FAQ.
The only criterion for admission is the grade average in the secondary school leaving examination plus a bonus, if applicable. The grades in individual subjects or the type of secondary school are not relevant. Interviews are not held. The exact grade required for admission can, unfortunately, not be fixed, as this depends on the number of applicants. In the past years, the grade limit was 2,4. Some applicants with lower grades did, however obtain a place through move-up procedure. A total of 178 places are available for B.Sc. students.
- Application to our Bachelor of Science program requires attestation of an advanced knowledge of German (TestDaf 4444 or DSH2 or B2/C1).
- Language of instruction: German (in few 3rd year lectures also English)