Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences (grundständig)

The 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. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is an undergraduate program (grundständiges Studium) that can be pursued at universities or universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in Biosciences, Life Sciences provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biochemistry and biophysics, microbiology, genetics, and animal and plant physiology. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible undergraduate programs include Applied Biosciences, Applied Life Sciences (Applied Bio-, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Sciences), Biosciences, Integrated Life Sciences, Life-Science Engineering, and Life Sciences. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) is required. In some cases, passing an internal university selection procedure and demonstrating English language proficiency may be necessary. The students...

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 Universities - 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 needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) - Funding Opportunities. The Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) is another source of funding.

Dual study programs (duale Studiengänge) combine a university program (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate program in Biosciences, Life Sciences, there are programs that integrate vocational training and programs that integrate practical experience. For example, the program can include the vocational training profession of Medical Technologist for Laboratory Analytics. Further information and search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Fundamentals of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mathematics, Methods of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Physiology. Elective modules may include: Evolution, Aquatic Ecology, Molecular Medicine, Nature Conservation, and Animal Physiology. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in pharmaceutical industry companies), and possibly an international internship or an international semester.

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: attend lectures and seminars at the university during the semester, possibly participate in online courses from home. You will conduct practical exercises, for example, microbiology exercises in laboratories. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing term papers. You must plan your studies independently within the given framework, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time. Self-discipline and organizational talent are essential. You may also need to complete internships, for example, in pharmaceutical industry companies, to prepare for your career.

The following study subjects can be alternatives for Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences (undergraduate): Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomathematics, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, and Molecular Science. Common aspects include conducting biological measurements, analyses, and laboratory tests, setting up experimental apparatuses, conducting experiments, and documenting results.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful studies: Biology and Chemistry, for example, to understand biological and chemical study content. Mathematics and Physics, for example, to facilitate access to technology-related study content. English, for example, to read specialist literature and give presentations. Computer Science, for example, to facilitate entry into areas such as data structures, algorithms, or programming languages.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as project management and rhetoric are relevant. Elective modules like Molecular Medicine can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in pharmaceutical industry companies, specifically prepare for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of the universities.

The undergraduate study program Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biochemistry and biophysics, microbiology, genetics, as well as animal and plant physiology. It leads to a first university degree. This subject is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium).

Examples: Applied Biosciences (Bachelor), Applied Life Sciences (Applied Bio-, Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences) (Bachelor), Biosciences (Bachelor), Integrated Life Sciences (Bachelor), Life-Science-Engineering (Bachelor), Life Science Management (Bachelor), Life Sciences (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Biosciences and Life Sciences, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as laboratory analysis, expert and appraisal activities, or process and product development.

From the 1950s: independent institutes for biophysics at medical faculties were established. From the 1970s: the first biotechnology companies were founded. From the 1980s: Biosciences and Life Sciences became established terms; study and research fields often remained focal points within established subjects (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Medicine). In 1999: the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving student and lecturer mobility. In the 21st century: independent degree programs were established. Fundamental scientific education is combined with a focus on bioscience issues, for example, in the fields of ecology, microbiology, biotechnology, and evolution.

Degree titles are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

The following vocational trainings (Ausbildung) can be alternatives if studies are discontinued: In the medical field, a Medical Technologist for Functional Diagnostics is an option. Similarities include laboratory work, testing and analysis procedures, and working with biological material. In the laboratory field, state-certified agricultural-technical assistant, biology laboratory technician, state-certified biological-technical assistant, state-certified chemical-technical assistant, medical technologist for laboratory analysis, medical technologist for veterinary medicine, pharmaceutical-technical assistant, and environmental protection technical assistant are alternatives. These professions also share similarities in laboratory work, testing and analysis procedures, and working with biological material.

No remuneration is received during the study period. For practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company, compensation 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 study program, specialization is possible, for example, in biochemistry, molecular biology/physiology, or organismic biology.

Legal regulations for Studium (university studies) are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines. These regulations include resolutions by the KMK (Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs. Additionally, the qualifications framework for German higher education degrees falls under this scope. At the Bundesland (state) level, higher education laws are applied in conjunction with administrative regulations, for example, regarding program accreditation, qualification, or university admission ordinances. At the university level, each university has its own statutes, as well as study and examination regulations for the respective fields of study.

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

Bachelor's graduates in Biosciences and Life Sciences can continue their studies in an advanced field, such as Biosciences, Life Sciences, Molecular Science, or Biotechnology, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Possible advanced fields include Biochemistry (advanced), Biology (advanced), Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine (advanced), Biophysics (advanced), Biotechnology (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced), Chemical Biology (advanced), Marine Biology (advanced), Microbiology (advanced), Molecular Science (advanced), Natural and Active Substance Chemistry (advanced), and Environmental Science (advanced).