Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences (weiterführend)

This degree program is offered at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning takes place on campus in lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. Home study also includes preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration of the program is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). Depending on the circumstances, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. Additionally, there are expenses for learning materials and study supplies, such as specialized literature and excursions, and contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds). Information on funding opportunities can be found from the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duales Studium) combine academic studies with professional activity or practical phases in a company. In the advanced field of Biosciences, Life Sciences, there are career-integrated study programs available. Further information and searches for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Modules include, for example: Applied Analytics, Biocatalysis and Renewable Resources, Biocompatible Materials, Bioreaction and Bioprocess Engineering, Biothermofluid Dynamics, Biotechnology with Cell Cultures, Chemistry and Analytics of Food, Computational Chemistry, Energy and Sustainability, Gene Expression and Replication, Mechanical Process Engineering, Membrane Technology, Microscopy, Modern Methods of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Products from Renewable Resources. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., at environmental authorities).

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars take place during the semester in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; participation in online courses from home may also be required. In career-integrated study programs (Berufsbegleitendes Studium), students work during the day on weekdays and attend university in the evenings or on weekends. Practical exercises involve, for example, conducting biochemical analyses in the laboratory. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research involves deepening skills in scientific work. Organization and planning require independently planning one's studies, adhering to given study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation may include completing internships (e.g., in environmental authorities).

The following study programs can be alternatives for Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences (advanced): Within the field of Biology, these include Biology (advanced), Biochemistry (advanced), Bioinformatics (advanced), Biomathematics (advanced), Biophysics (advanced), Biotechnology (advanced), Chemical Biology (advanced), Marine Biology (advanced), Microbiology (advanced), Molecular Science (advanced). Common aspects include conducting biological measurements, analyses, and laboratory tests, setting up experimental apparatuses, conducting experiments, and documenting results. Within the field of Medicine, Biomedical Science, Molecular Medicine (advanced) can be an alternative. Common aspects include conducting biological measurements, analyses, and laboratory tests, setting up experimental apparatuses, conducting experiments, and documenting results.

Universities (Hochschulen) typically require the following undergraduate (grundständig) degrees: Biology, Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences, Applied Natural Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Medicine, Biophysics.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, English for natural scientists, project management, and rhetoric training are relevant. Internships (Praktika), for instance, with environmental authorities, specifically prepare for professional life. Acquiring additional and key qualifications during studies is beneficial for a successful career start, as are relevant internships. Opportunities for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (Hochschulen).

This advanced (weiterführend) study program deepens knowledge from undergraduate (grundständig) studies and, if applicable, professional experience (Berufstätigkeit). Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as Applied Analytics, Pharmaceutical Technology, or Mechanical Process Engineering. Additionally, there are Master's (Master) programs that cover a broad spectrum of the Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences field. This study leads to a second university (Hochschule) degree. Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences is also available as a dual (dualen) or part-time (Teilzeitstudiengang) study program.

Examples include Biowissenschaften (Master), Integrated Life Sciences (Master), Life Science (Master), Life-Science-Engineering (Master), Life Science Innovation (Master), Life Science Management (Master), and Life Science Technologies (Master).

For Master's (Master) graduates in Biowissenschaften, 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. Those aiming for an academic career at a university (Hochschule) typically need to pursue a doctorate (promovieren). A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

Starting in the 1950s, independent institutes for biophysics were established at medical faculties. The 1970s saw the founding of the first biotechnology companies. By the 1980s, 'Biowissenschaften' (biosciences) and 'Life Sciences' became established terms, though study and research often remained focal points within established fields like biology, chemistry, and medicine. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to create a unified European higher education area, harmonize Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, and improve student and faculty mobility. The 21st century brought the establishment of independent degree programs (Studium) combining foundational scientific education with a focus on bioscience questions in areas such as ecology, microbiology, biotechnology, and evolution.

The degree awarded in this field is Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during the degree program (Studium). However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, such as an internship in a company. The Master's thesis may be completed as part of an activity in a company, with remuneration during this period usually aligning with internship compensation. Remuneration during a dual degree program (duales Studium) varies depending on the company.

At the federal level, regulations include the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint state structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. A qualifications framework for German higher education degrees also exists. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws, administrative regulations (e.g., on program accreditation), and qualification or university admission ordinances apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs (Studium) are in effect.

Admission to the degree program (Studium) requires a first professionally qualifying higher education degree; typically, an undergraduate degree in biosciences or life sciences is expected. For continuing education programs, at least one year of professional experience is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place, with selection criteria including performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. For dual degree programs (duales Studium), a practical training or employment contract with a suitable company (known as a 'Praxispartner') is usually a prerequisite. English language proficiency may also need to be demonstrated.