The MSc CIB is a two years program with a total 120 CP (= Credit Points according to the ECTS), i.e. 30 CP per semester. 90 CP are awarded for courses, 30 CP for the thesis. Most modules are graded and will contributed to the overall grade of your master degree; the exception are Elective Modules and courses for the Interdisciplinary Module: these module/courses are either not graded or their grades will not be included.
The graph above shows a typical course of study. Depending on the selected courses, it may look differently. The module handbook specifies content, teaching methods, prerequisites, and examination procedures for each module. The examination rules contain detailed information about the calculation of the final grade of the master degree.
Overview of the four semesters of MSc CIB
Semester 1 of MSc CIB
During the first semester of the MSc CIB, you delve into the theoretical background of the molecular processes that regulate the behaviour of cells during normal development and homoestasis as well as how these processes are modified during disease and infection (module Fundamentals of Cellular and Immunological Biosciences). You will learn the theoretical knowledge of techniques that enable you to investigate these processes and have hands-on experiences on a broad selection of theses techniques (module Methods in Cellular and Immunological Biosciences). In the module Spotlights on Current Research Topics, you gain insights into ongoing research projects conducted in different labs associated with the MSc CIB. These labs are part of the University Tübingen and of associated research institutes, e.g. the Max-Planck-Insitute for Biology Tübingen and the Friederich-Miescher-Laboratorium.
Semester 2 of MSc CIB
During the second semester, you learn quantitative techniques used in molecular biology (module Quantitative and Computational Biology) and start to exploit different research areas that interest you (Advanced Elective Module). From courses of the Advanced Elective Module, at least 12 ECTS and up to 24 ECTS will contribute to your curriculum. You can also study topics offered by the University Tübingen that are outside of the MSc CIB program, e.g. languages courses or courses from the Faculty of Medicine. From these courses, up to 12 ECTS can contribute to the MSc CIB curriculum (Interdisciplinary Study Area).
Semester 3 of MSc CIB
During the third semester of MSc CIB, you are getting ready for the master thesis. You delve deeper into specific research topics during two longer individual lab internships (Research Module 1 and Research Module 2). In addition, you learn different techniques of science communication, from preparing scientific posters to scientific writing (Scientific Communication).
Semester 4 of MSc CIB
In the last semester of the MSc CIB, you perform your master thesis. The master thesis enables you to demonstrate your abilities in addressing a scientific question experimentally and present the data and conclusions adequately.