Biochemistry (B.Sc.)

The Bachelor's degree programme in Biochemistry is a research-oriented, full-time course of studies over 6 semesters. It is an interdisciplinary degree programme offered by the Faculty of Biology and Psychology and the Faculty of Chemistry in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Natural Sciences.

The course of studies comprises 180 ECTS credits (abbreviated: C), which are allocated to professional studies (133 C), the area of professionalization (31 C) and the Bachelor's thesis (12 C).

The course of studies is divided into two segments, the orientation year and the main studies.

In addition to sound basic knowledge in Biology and Chemistry, students are given an opportunity to acquire in-depth expert knowledge in a specialized biological, chemical or biochemical subject area of their own choice in order to

a) acquire excellent general and specialized professional skills,

b) lay the foundation for completion of a further degree with higher professional qualifications in the form of a Master's degree programme.

To achieve these goals, sound basic knowledge is combined with practical biochemical research questions, to enable students to acquire the scientific qualification as well as practical professional competence.

After passing the Bachelor's examination, students will graduate from Georg-August University with the academic degree of a "Bachelor of Science" (abbr.: B.Sc.).

Computer literacy and knowledge of mathematical and scientific thought and methods, as well as German language proficiency.

Research-oriented profiles for the subsequent Master's degree programmes "Molecular Life Sciences: Microbiology, Biotechnology and Biochemistry", "MSc/PhD Developmental, Neural, and Behavioral Biology", "MSc Chemistry", "MSc Molecular Medicine", "MSc/PhD Molecular Biology", "MSc/PhD Neurosciences" and "MSc Chemistry".

Scientific research and laboratory work mainly in biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular medicine at universities, public authorities, public research institutes and private enterprises in the medical, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The field of activity is diversified, ranging from product development, production, quality management and project management to consulting and marketing.

The orientation year consists of five orientation modules and four compulsory modules, which are made up of the following lectures and practical courses:

“Introduction to Biochemistry”, ‘Experimental Chemistry I+II’, ‘Laboratory Practicals for Inorganic and Organic Chemistry’ and the compulsory modules ‘Mathematics for Chemists I + II’, and ‘Experimental Physics I+II’.

The main study program comprises two years of study.

The degree program offers specialist modules such as “Biochemistry”, “Bioinformatics”, “Genetics and Microbial Cell Biology”, “Physical Chemistry”, “Bioanalytics”, “Biophysical Chemistry”, “Biological Chemistry”, “Bioinorganic Chemistry”, “Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding.

There are also compulsory elective areas; students choose two out of three biology modules (“Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants”, “Microbiology” and “Developmental Biology”). For the compulsory elective area of chemistry, students choose one of four modules: “Biomolecular Chemistry”, “Image Processing”, “Organic Stereochemistry” and “Chemical Reaction Kinetics”.

Building on the foundation modules, students must complete a specialization in one subject area. This consists of a six-week “specialization internship” including a “literature seminar” and “scientific project management”. The Bachelor's thesis should be written in the same subject area as the specialization.

As part of the specialization and professionalization area, students can take additional elective modules in biology and chemistry for 13-16 credits or choose freely from the university-wide module list for “Interdisciplinary Key Competencies” and the courses offered by the Central Institution for Languages and Key Qualifications (ZESS). If the module “Scientific English II” is taken, students acquire the UNICERT III certificate, which is accepted as an entry requirement for the international Master's programs offered by the Faculty of Biology and Psychology.

The Bachelor's thesis is usually written in the 6th semester and comprises 12 credits.