Master of Science in Biophysics Ulm University

Biophysics is a very exciting and rapidly expanding research field that explores new areas between physics and biology. The complexity of life is investigated at every level and analysed with physical methods. At Ulm University, we strive to understand these molecular interactions and the mechanisms that control them, to learn more about life processes, their underlying physical principles and the bases of disease in case of malfunction.

The aim of the Master's programme in Biophysics is the following:

• to provide a comprehensive education and hands-on research in modern biophysics
• to prepare students for the interdisciplinary nature of modern-day life sciences
• to train students in quantitative thinking and in state-of-the-art experimental techniques reflecting current research

Students will deepen their previous knowledge of biophysics, chemistry and biochemistry, and will be supported in carrying out their first independent research project.

Our interdisciplinary research environment is based on strong collaborations between physics, chemistry and biology. Hence, students may choose Master's courses from a wide field of subjects, examples of which include the following: cellular biophysics, bioinformatics, neurobiology, cellular and molecular biology, nanomaterials, and polymer physics.

The Master of Science in Biophysics is a research-oriented programme targeted at highly motivated students with a strong interest both in physics and biology as demonstrated in their application.

The Master's programme has a modular structure. Each student can configure the study plan according to personal preferences and inclinations.

"Early on adaptation" modules enable students from different backgrounds to study in the Biophysics programme. The first two semesters focus on adaptation, core lectures in biophysics, advanced seminars and biophysics lab courses to be combined with elective courses from different areas of life sciences. The biophysics experiments are carried out in small groups.

In the second year, students focus more on their research projects and Master's thesis. Two research projects have to be carried in biophysics and other natural sciences, respectively. The final semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which is research-oriented and has a duration of six months.

Study plan

One research internship must be completed in the faculty of natural sciences (15 ECTS). After prior application, it may also be completed externally.

1. A Bachelor's degree in biophysics, physics, physics and management, chemistry, molecular medicine, biology or biotechnology or at least an equivalent degree

a) an academic final examination with a Bachelor's degree with an overall grade of 3.0 or better, or if no degree has yet been awarded,

b) previous study and examination achievements up to the time of submission of the application with an average grade of 3.0 or better, as well as

2. knowledge and skills in the fields of mathematics and physics amounting to a total of at least 12 ECTS credits, of which at least 5 ECTS credits must be from physics,

3. if the overall or average grade according to no. 1 is lower than 2.5, a written report in English of no more than one page, in which the personal and subject-specific reasons for applying for the degree programme are listed and in which the choice of the desired degree programme is explained (letter of motivation) and which is assessed “suitable” according to paragraph 2 and

4. adequate English language skills according to § 3 (2) of the applicable statutes on the required language skills for studying at Ulm University.

The semester contribution is 182 EUR per semester. For further details, visit the Office of the Registrar website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/study/organisation/tuition-fees/.

The cost of living in Ulm is estimated to be around 945 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month. For more information on the costs students in Ulm can expect, see the following website: https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/io/degree-phd/welcome/finances/living-expenses/.

Student assistant jobs are regularly offered by institutes in all faculties as well as in the central administration. Student assistants help with the preparation and execution of tutorials, work on research projects, or help with administrative tasks. Furthermore, several companies with strong ties to the university are located on campus (e.g. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Continental, BMW Car IT, Sartorius, and more) and offer the possibility of student jobs.

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Students who perform well academically and/or participate in community service are eligible to apply for scholarships such as the "Deutschlandstipendium".

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The Career Service at Ulm University serves as a valuable resource for students, offering assistance in career exploration, skill development, and a successful transition from academia to the professional world.

The Graduate & Professional Training Centre Ulm ("ProTrainU") focuses on supporting doctoral students and other young researchers in their careers and professional development.

The Entrepreneurs' Campus at Ulm University offers opportunities for creative academics who want to develop their ideas into products or business models.

Students admitted to the programme have the opportunity to have a room reserved in one of the student residences. The university has several residences (all within a bus ride or walking distance from campus) featuring fully furnished rooms for one person and a kitchen and bathroom that are shared with a few other students.

Rental rates vary. If desired, student accommodation in halls of residence can be arranged by the coordination office immediately after admission. Private accommodation must be arranged by the students themselves.

Founded in 1967, Ulm University is dedicated to world-class teaching and research in medicine and STEM. Its 10,000 students are distributed among the faculties of medicine, engineering, computer science and psychology, mathematics and economics as well as natural sciences.

According to a Times Higher Education ranking based on research and teaching excellence, Ulm University is ranked 14th worldwide among all universities founded in the "Golden Age of Higher Education", an era between 1945 and 1967 that is characterised by rapid university expansion. Ulm University is also a founding member of YERUN, a network of highly ranked young European research universities.

Ulm University's subject range concentrates on the STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The latest research findings are swiftly incorporated into the curriculum, ensuring cutting-edge subjects and content. Ulm University attaches great importance to the ongoing refinement of its high standards in teaching, which are defined and anchored in its teaching mission statement. 

As a young research university, Ulm University is oriented towards the global challenges of the future. Strategic and interdisciplinary research themes are contributing to improvements in the areas of green energy, quantum technologies, data science as well as human health and well-being. Great success in the acquisition of third-party funding and numerous larger projects, such as collaborative research centres and a Cluster of Excellence, are all testimonies to the university's research strength.

Ulm University is the centre of and driving force behind the "Science City Ulm", an innovative teaching, research and science hub. There are numerous start-ups, development centres of renowned companies such as Siemens, Nokia, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BMW and Continental, as well as clinics and non-university research institutions that are well-connected with the university. As a result of close collaborations with these partners, students benefit from access to contract lecturers from the industry as well as invaluable opportunities for research projects, internships and final theses. 

For more information on Ulm University, see https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/.

Ulm is one of the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growing and liveable cities in Germany. It is located in the heart of southern Germany near Stuttgart, Munich, the Alps and Switzerland.

With a population of more than 120,000 people, Ulm has an ideal size for living, studying and working. The city offers a mix of medieval and modern architecture and a great variety of cultural, sports and leisure activities.

A healthy mix of medium-sized businesses and global players, high-tech and trade, and innovation and tradition makes Ulm and the greater Ulm area one of Germany's economically most dynamic regions.

A truly outstanding landmark is the "Muenster", Ulm's cathedral. The Muenster has the world's second tallest church steeple, which measures 161.5 metres (530 ft).

Ulm is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein (1879 to 1955), the world's most famous scientist. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out this video featuring the highlights of Ulm.