Structure of the study programmes

The core of the Master's study programs is based on the three pillars of cell and molecular biology, infection biology and pathophysiology/pharmacology:

• The Cell and Molecular Biology pillar provides in-depth knowledge in the modules Cell Biology and Molecular Biology as well as in Human Genetics in combination with a broad spectrum of modern research methods, which form a basis for most research directions in the field of biomedicine.
• The Infection Biology pillar comprises the modules Immunology, Microbiology and Virology. Here too, students acquire advanced knowledge and a range of methods that open up access to many areas of current biomedical research.
• The Pathophysiology/Pharmacology pillar consists of the Physiology/Pathophysiology and Pharmacology/Toxicology modules. Paradigmatically, it also contains content from clinical medicine, thus building a bridge between basic biological subjects and the Clinical Department and enabling a deeper understanding of the medical relevance of scientific issues. In addition to cellular mechanisms and methods, systemic aspects and methods of physiology and pharmacology are also taught.

The following modules are also included:

• Module Responsibility in Biomedicine with the three module parts Genetic Engineering Safety, Laboratory Animal Science (handling permits are acquired in these two subjects) and Biomedical Ethics (2nd semester, 6 CP)
• Compulsory elective module I & II: students can choose between (currently) the modules Medical Microbiology, Biomembranes, Introduction to the Biochemistry of Signal Transmission and Processing, Organogenesis and Regeneration, Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Experimental Hematology, Transplantation Immunology, Molecular Pathology, Special Immunology, Tumor Biology, Glycobiology in Health and Disease and Molecular Regulation in Skeletal Muscle and Heart (2nd semester, 2x5 CP)
• Module Biostatistics, Omics Techniques and Big Data (3rd semester, 5 CP)
• Laboratory internship I and II: two six-week full-day research internships, each in an MHH laboratory (also possible externally) (3rd semester, 10 CP each). Individually supervised small research projects are carried out.
• Master's thesis in the form of an independent outlined research project in an MHH research laboratory (also possible externally) with a preparatory course in scientific writing and completion with a written Master's thesis and oral colloquium (entire 4th semester, 30 CP)

Aims of the study programmes

The Master's degree course in Biomedicine expands and deepens the skills in scientific thinking, working methods and procedures from a successfully completed Bachelor's degree course.

In addition to imparting the necessary specialist knowledge, the 4-semester study programs focus on promoting practical skills. The ability to plan, discover, observe, document, critically evaluate statements and formulate working hypotheses is an important goal of the study programmes. Students are also trained to access scientific sources of information and to critically question them in order to introduce the information into discussions on socially relevant topics. The knowledge and experience acquired should enable students to adopt a self-determined attitude towards personal, political and economic decision-making processes, especially in their everyday working life.

In addition to expanding methodological and social skills, further goals are to increase the motivation and self-organization of our students.

Through experimentally oriented compulsory elective modules, two six-week laboratory internships and the preparation of the Master's thesis, a scientific specialization is achieved from the second semester onwards. During the Master's thesis itself, students demonstrate that they can work on a problem under supervision using scientific methods within a set period (six months).

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree program prepares students for a career as a scientist in research institutions or as a specialist in (research) companies, biotechnological/clinical laboratories or government authorities. The study programmes form the basis for further independent research work/doctoral studies (also in international doctoral programs) or for a career in industry.