Biomathematik (grundständig)

The degree program (Studium) takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, and laboratories. At home, students prepare for and follow up on courses, complete assignments, and may participate in online courses.

This is an undergraduate degree program (grundständiges Studium) that can be pursued at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate Biomathematics program provides fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, computer science, biology, and medicine. Possible undergraduate degree programs include Biomathematics, Mathematics in Medicine and Life Sciences, Mathematical Biometry, and Quantitative Biology. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general higher education entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) or, if applicable, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection process and demonstrating English language proficiency may be necessary. Course content includes compulsory modules such as analysis, image processing, bioinformatics, biometry, biosciences, database systems, linear algebra, linear optimization, and numerical methods.

The standard duration 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 body, semester ticket) and, if applicable, tuition fees. 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 years or certain income limits) are also part of the costs. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk). The Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) is another source of funding.

Compulsory modules include, for example, analysis, image processing, bioinformatics, biometry, biosciences, database systems, linear algebra, linear optimization, numerical methods, programming, statistics, and probability theory. Elective modules may include topics such as Big Data, Biology, Biophysics of the Cell, and Quantitative Genetics of Plants. Practical study content varies by university but typically includes internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in pharmaceutical companies in software development).

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended during the semester in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms, or potentially online. Practical exercises involve, for example, conducting chemical analyses in laboratories. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks). Organization involves independently planning the degree program (Studium) within the given structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational skills are essential). Career preparation includes, if applicable, completing internships (e.g., at pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies in software development) and preparing for entry into the profession.

The following fields of study can be alternatives for Biomathematics (undergraduate): In the field of Mathematics and Statistics, these include Statistics (undergraduate), Technomathematics (undergraduate), and Mathematics (undergraduate). A commonality among these is preparing and evaluating data using mathematical methods. In the field of Hardware and Software Development, alternatives include Bioinformatics (undergraduate), Medical Informatics (undergraduate), and Computational Science (undergraduate). Common aspects here are developing algorithms as a basis for software creation and undertaking programming tasks.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university study): Mathematics, for example, to facilitate access to mathematical and statistical models; Biology, for example, for biostatistical studies; English, for example, to read and understand foreign language texts; and Computer Science, for example, for programming languages and databases.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as self-management and rhetoric are relevant. Elective modules like Big Data Biology can also provide additional qualifications. Praktika (internships), for example, in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies or in software development, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of the Hochschulen (universities) (see contact details of the respective university): Hochschulen in Germany - Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate Studienfach (field of study) Biomathematics imparts fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, computer science, biology, and medicine. It leads to a first Hochschulabschluss (university degree).

Examples include Biomathematics (Bachelor), Mathematics in Medicine and Life Sciences (Bachelor), Mathematical Biometry (Bachelor), and Quantitative Biology (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates of Biomathematics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as data collection, data analysis, software development, or process and product development.

Around 1900, biology was established as a scientific discipline. Around 1925, biomathematics emerged from theoretical biology, aiming to clarify biological questions using mathematical methods and models. Around 1950, the world's first biomathematics degree program was founded in Chicago (USA). Since 1998, it has been established as an independent, interdisciplinary degree program in Greifswald. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs and qualifications (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

The following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives if you discontinue your studies: In the laboratory field, you can become a state-certified biological-technical assistant or a pharmaceutical-technical assistant. Common aspects include statistics and evaluating biological data. In hardware and software development, you can become an assistant for informatics (general informatics), an IT specialist in application development, a state-certified mathematical-technical assistant, or a mathematical-technical software developer. Common aspects include developing and applying specific software, and analyzing data. In the medical field, you can become a specialist in medical documentation for media and information services. The common aspect is preparing and analyzing data in the medical field. You can search for career fields via BERUFENET.

No remuneration is received during the study period (Studium). Compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases.

At the federal level, the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) in the version of the announcement from 19.01.1999, most recently amended by Article 1 of the Act from 15.11.2019, applies. There are also joint structural guidelines of the federal states (Bundesländer) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, and a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of degree programs, and qualification or higher education entrance regulations apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for studying at universities and equivalent higher education institutions is the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the Fachhochschulreife or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective federal state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Education) is required. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the access regulations for higher education in the individual federal states. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process may take place. English language skills may need to be proven.

Bachelor graduates in Biomathematics can continue their Studium (university studies) in an advanced subject, such as Biomathematics, Mathematics, or Biometrics, Biostatistics, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. They can pursue advanced studies in Bioinformatics, Biomathematics, Biometrics, Biostatistics, Mathematics, and Medical Informatics.