Biomedizin, Molekulare Medizin (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 a foundational study program (grundständiges Studium). It can be pursued at universities or universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in chemistry, biology, and medicine. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible undergraduate programs include Biomedicine, Biomedical Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, and Molecular and Technical Medicine. Admission requirements for universities typically 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, at least the Fachhochschulreife is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection process and demonstrating English language proficiency may be necessary. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university in compulsory modules such as general virology, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, anatomy, and cell biology.

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 union, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after consuming a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study supplies, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically for those exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits) may also be required. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) - Funding Opportunities, and through the Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (duale Studiengänge) combine academic studies with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate field of Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine, study programs integrating vocational training are possible. For example, a study program in Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine can be combined with vocational training as a Medical Technologist for Laboratory Analytics. Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include: General Virology and Immunology, General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology of Animals, Genetics and Neurobiology, Histology, Microbiology, Physiology of Organisms, Human Physiology, Statistics. Elective modules may include: Imaging Techniques in Life Sciences, Introduction to Bioinformatics, Introduction to Current Methods in Experimental Biomedicine, Pathophysiology and Pathobiochemistry. Practical study components, depending on the university, may involve internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in clinics).

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: During the semester, you will attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; you may also participate in online courses from home. You will conduct practical exercises, for example, microbiology exercises in laboratories. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks). You are responsible for planning your studies within the given curriculum, adhering to submission deadlines and study periods, and completing academic and examination requirements on time. This requires self-discipline and organizational skills. You may also complete internships, for example, in research laboratories, to prepare for your career.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful study program: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, for example, to facilitate access to scientific and medical study content. Mathematics, for example, differential, integral, infinitesimal, and vector calculus. English, for example, to read, understand, and write foreign-language texts. Latin, for example, to facilitate access to medical terminology.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as foreign languages, intercultural competence, and presentation techniques are relevant. Elective modules like cell biology can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in research institutes, specifically prepare you 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). For information on universities in Germany, refer to the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate study program in Biomedical, Molecular Medicine provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in chemistry, biology, and medicine. It leads to a first university degree. This study program is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium).

Examples: Biomedicine (Bachelor), Biomedical Chemistry (Bachelor), Biomedical Sciences (Bachelor), Bio Science and Health (Bachelor), Human Biology (Biomedical Science) (Bachelor), Medical Biology (Bachelor), Molecular Biomedicine (Bachelor), Molecular Medicine (Bachelor), Molecular and Technical Medicine (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Biomedicine and Molecular Medicine, various fields of activity are available in the private sector. These include laboratory analysis, pharmaceutical consulting, pharmaceutical sales, or process and product development.

In the 20th century, methods of DNA analysis and the use of cell biological procedures were developed to research diseases or develop therapies. Biomedicine and Molecular Medicine became an independent discipline. In 1999, the first Molecular Medicine degree program was established at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. The Bologna Process, which began in the same year, brought reforms to the European higher education landscape. The goals of these reforms included creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs and qualifications (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

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

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives if you discontinue your studies: Laboratory field: Biology laboratory technician, state-certified biological-technical assistant, state-certified chemical-technical assistant, medical technologist for laboratory analysis, pharmaceutical-technical assistant, cytology assistant. Common aspects: Laboratory work, test and analysis procedures. Searching via occupational fields may open up further alternatives. For more information on prospects after discontinuing studies, visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during studies (Studium). For practical phases, for example during an internship in a company, a payment can be agreed upon. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Depending on the university and degree program, specialization is possible during studies. For example: Molecular Biotechnology - Applied Biomedicine in Industry; Molecular Medicine - Applied Biomedicine at Research Institutions.

Legal regulations for university studies are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and joint structural guidelines of the states. These regulations cover the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and qualification frameworks. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and administrative regulations apply, for example, regarding the accreditation of study programs, qualification, or university admission regulations. At the university level, the university's own statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective fields of study are applicable.

For studies at universities and equivalent higher education institutions, a general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) is required. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least a Fachhochschulreife or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the federal state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Culture) is needed. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be obtained from access to higher education in the individual federal states. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), an apprenticeship, internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (referred to as a practical partner) is usually a prerequisite. English language proficiency may need to be demonstrated. Proof of measles protection is required for practical phases in community facilities and medical facilities. Furthermore, institutions may require additional vaccinations (e.g., against Hepatitis A and B) or corresponding immunity proofs.

Bachelor graduates in Biomedical, Molecular Medicine can continue their studies in an advanced field, such as Biomedical, Molecular Medicine, Chemical Biology, or Microbiology, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. They can pursue further studies in fields like Biochemistry (advanced), Biomedical, Molecular Medicine (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced), Chemical Biology (advanced), Clinical Research, Drug Testing and Approval (advanced), Microbiology (advanced), Molecular Science (advanced), and Toxicology (advanced).