Biologie (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. At home, students engage in activities such as preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is an undergraduate (grundständiges Studium) study program. It can be pursued at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard period of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate Biology program imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, and organismic biology (botany, zoology, ecology). This field of study can sometimes be combined with other subjects. Biology is also available as a teaching degree (Lehramtsstudiengang). Possible undergraduate programs include Aquatic Biology, Biology, Biological Diversity and Ecology, Technical Biology, and Technical and Applied Biology. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent higher education institutions include a general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least a Fachhochschulreife is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection procedure and providing proof of English language proficiency may be necessary. Students attend lectures.

The standard period of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student union, semester ticket). Where applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds) are also part of the costs. For information on funding opportunities: German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) - Funding Opportunities; Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) as amended on 07.12.2010 (BGBl. I S. 1952), last amended by Article 11 Para. 1 of the Law of 16.04.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 107).

Modules may include: Analytical Methods in Biology, Biology, Botany, Genetics, Microbiology, Scientific Fundamentals: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Ecology, Plant Physiology, Zoology. Elective modules may include: Advanced Seminars in Genetics and Genomics, Analytical Biochemistry, Basics in Bioinformatics, Infection and Immunity, Climate Change and Extreme Events, Cellular Microbiology. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in medical facilities), and semesters abroad.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses: Attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises: For example, conducting microbiology practicals in laboratories. Independent work: Preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Organization: Independently planning the study program within the given structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation: Potentially completing internships (e.g., in bioscience research institutes), and preparing for career entry.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, in France, there is a binational German-French Bachelor's degree program in Biology offered by the University of Saarland and the University of Strasbourg. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Licence en Sciences degree. More information is available from the University of Saarland regarding its German-French Bachelor's program in Human and Molecular Biology.

The following subjects can be alternatives to the Biology (undergraduate) program: In the field of Biology, options include Agricultural Biology (undergraduate), Biochemistry (undergraduate), Biosciences/Life Sciences (undergraduate), and Chemical Biology (undergraduate). Common to these areas is acquiring knowledge about natural and environmental relationships, and collecting, processing, and analyzing data. In the field of Biotechnology, Biomechanics (undergraduate) and Biotechnology (undergraduate) can be alternatives. Common to these is translating knowledge about biological processes into technical products and methods.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful university studies: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, for example, to facilitate access to scientific study content. Mathematics is important for topics such as differential, integral, infinitesimal, and vector calculus. English is needed, for instance, to read, understand, and write foreign-language texts. Latin can facilitate access to specialized terminology.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, topics such as image processing, intercultural competence, foreign languages, and economics are relevant. Elective modules like 'Infection and Immunity' can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in environmental agencies, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university). Information on universities in Germany can be found through the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate Biology program provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, as well as organismic biology (botany, zoology, ecology). It leads to a first university degree. This field of study can partially be combined with other subjects. Biology is also available as a teaching degree program.

Examples include Applied Biology (Bachelor), Applied Biology (Food and Pharma) (Bachelor), Aquatic Biology (Bachelor), Biological Sciences (Bachelor), Biology (Bachelor), Biological Diversity and Ecology (Bachelor), Technical Biology (Bachelor), and Technical and Applied Biology (Bachelor).

Depending on the university, the Biology degree program can be combined with subjects such as English Studies, American Studies, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy, Ethics, Physics, Sports Science, or Economics.

For Bachelor graduates in Biology, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as laboratory analysis, pharmaceutical consulting, pharmaceutical sales, or process and product development.

In the 19th century, biology established itself as a scientific discipline. The 20th century saw further development of the field through technical innovations like the electron microscope and advancements in genetics and evolutionary theory. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, introduced reforms to the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonizing degree programs (Bachelor and Master), and improving student and faculty mobility.

The degree awarded upon completion of this program is 'Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)'.

If you discontinue your Studium (university studies) in Biology, alternative Ausbildung (vocational training) professions in the plant sector include forester or gardener specializing in tree nurseries, cemetery gardening, landscape gardening, vegetable cultivation, fruit cultivation, or ornamental plant cultivation. These share commonalities in horticulture, forestry, ecology, plant breeding, and plant care. In the laboratory sector, alternatives could be biology laboratory assistant, state-certified biological-technical assistant, plant technologist, or environmental protection technical assistant. These share commonalities in laboratory work, plant breeding, and the examination and analysis of biological materials. In the biology field, a biology model maker is an alternative, sharing the commonality of representing biological forms and materials three-dimensionally.

No remuneration is received during the Studium (university studies). However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

Depending on the university and degree program, specialization is possible in areas such as developmental biology/genetics, evolution/ecology, or plant sciences.

Legal regulations for the Studium (university studies) are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and accreditation regulations apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes and study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are applicable.

For university studies (Studium) at universities, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) is required. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the Fachhochschulreife or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the federal state (Bundesland) is needed. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals is available. Some universities conduct an internal selection process, and English language proficiency may need to be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in Biology can continue their studies in an advanced subject, such as Biology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Possible advanced study subjects include Applied Natural Science, Bioinformatics, Biomechanics, Biomedicine, Bionics, Chemical Biology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science.