Master's in Biology — Specialisation in Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

The specialisation in Molecular Cell Biology provides comprehensive, research-oriented training that employs cutting-edge technologies to address questions at the interface of cell biology, molecular medicine and molecular genetics. The coursework consists of a series of compulsory interactive lecture courses designed to provide students with an in-depth theoretical background in molecular cell biology, genetics, immunology, cellular biochemistry, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing as well as courses of choice on other aspects of modern biology. These theoretical classes are complemented by a number of practical courses aimed at enhancing the students' technical and analytical skills. Most practical courses are lab rotations in modern research laboratories at the RPTU University in Kaiserslautern on projects in close collaboration with experienced PhD students and post docs. We also particularly encourage internships in industry or in international research labs. The students can choose their specific lab courses according to their personal preferences. A Master's thesis helps to develop the students' ability to conduct independent scientific research and to write up and present their scientific results. We accept about 15 to 20 students from German and international Bachelor's programmes per year.

For a detailed description, please visit our website.
The two-year study programme consists of the following modules/courses:

Warm-up meeting and research project presentations (6 CP, ungraded)
Four interactive "Lecture and Reading Courses" (4 x 3 CP, graded)
Two-part lecture: "Modern Methods in Biology" (2 x 3 CP, graded)
Two advanced practicals (2 x 12 CP, graded)
Advanced practical or industrial internship (12 CP, ungraded)
Courses of choice — self-chosen theoretical and/or practical training, including soft skill courses (15 CP, ungraded)
Research practical (15 CP, graded)
Master's thesis (30 CP, graded)

Application deadlines for foreign Master's students holding no German visa: 31 October for the summer semester of the following year, 30 April for the winter semester of the same year

For candidates already holding a visa and for candidates from the EU, application deadlines are 15 July for the winter semester, and 15 January for the summer semester of the same year.

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related subject. Excellent students will be admitted on the basis of their academic qualifications (e.g. courses studied for the Bachelor's degree) and their Bachelor's degree grades. Practical training (hands-on lab work) is a prerequisite.

SOCIAL FEE: 350 EUR per semester (including public transport ("Deutschland-Semesterticket"), reductions at the RPTU canteen, university sports, etc.)

ASSESSMENT FEE (for verification of foreign certificates): 60 EUR

RECOMMENDED: German language & orientation course: 800 EUR

MONTHLY COST OF LIVING: approx. 850 EUR (including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)

More information: 
Fees & Living Expenses — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.) or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these jobs are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

Moreover, the university offers a student assistant job portal:
Hiwi-Stellenbörse — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Limited funding opportunities for excellent students, on a competitive basis

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding (student) jobs and in deepening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry as informal career meetings.

Furthermore, we set up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and information sessions focusing on the skills & competences students need to integrate in the German (business) culture.

More information on how to enhance your degree can be found at our related website for international students: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree.

ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in KAISERSLAUTERN:
The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

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• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the "Studierendenwerk" offers a starter package for the apartment. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation