Molecular Biology — International Max Planck Research School (MSc/PhD) University of Göttingen

Study concept

The integrated Master's/PhD programme offers excellent study and research conditions to prepare aspiring young scientists for a professional career in academia or science-related professions in the private or public sector. At every stage of their studies, the students are exposed to a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical training, individual counselling and guidance.

Study contents

In 36 lecture weeks (accompanied by tutorials), 20 methods courses during the first three months of the Master's programme, and three eight-week research projects (lab rotations), students acquire in-depth knowledge in the following subject areas of molecular biosciences:

Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Metabolic Physiology, Cell Biology, Oncology, Immunobiology, Neurobiology, Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Systems Biology, and Biotechnology.

Professional skills such as good scientific practice, scientific writing, presentation techniques, design of scientific illustrations, and handling of experimental animals are taught in workshops and applied during lab rotations and reporting seminars.

In addition, all foreign students can participate in free German language courses, which are optionally offered at different levels as introductory intensive courses and evening courses throughout the study programme.

During the subsequent PhD studies, students benefit from the wide range of qualifications (scientific methods courses, professional skills workshops, industry excursions, language courses, other events) offered by the Graduate School GAUSS and the Graduate Centre GGNB.

Annual retreats of the Molecular Biology programme, the student-organised international symposium Horizons in Molecular Biology and regular cultural nights contribute to a close personal and scientific exchange.

Finances

All MSc students are supported by a stipend of the Max Planck Society and additional funds are available during the doctoral studies. More details can be found in the "Cost/Funding" section.

Counselling and support

Newly admitted students receive info letters in preparation of their studies, advising services, and a variety of administrative support as part of a two-week orientation programme prior to their first year of study. Throughout their studies, students receive individual counselling from members of the programme regarding their course of study and the advancement of their skills, interests, and personal development.

Awards

The Molecular Biology programme is regularly evaluated by independent external reviewers and has been rated several times as a model best practice example.

Leading scientists of all partners offer research-oriented training across a broad spectrum of modern molecular life sciences with access to their state-of-the art laboratories during methods courses and individually supervised research projects.

Intensive course programme in the first year

During the first year of research-oriented training, students earn 90 credits (ECTS) in a combination of theoretical and practical modules between October and July:

• Lectures / Tutorials (October to July)
• Methods courses (October to December)
• Short presentations by research groups (October to November)
• Professional skills (November to January)
• Research projects / Lab rotations (January to June)
• Master's seminar (March to June)

The first year of study concludes with a written and two oral Master’s examinations in August.

Integrated Master’s/PhD concept

After successful completion of the Master’s examinations, a six-month Master’s thesis (30 credits ECTS) leads to the award of the Master of Science degree concluding the Master’s programme after 18 months. The majority of students continues in the Molecular Biology programme with their PhD research without the need for panel-based admission interviews.

Alternatively, students who have passed the Master’s examinations at the end of the first year with good or excellent results qualify for direct admission to a three-year doctoral project in one of the participating research groups without being required to complete a Master's thesis first (fast-track option).

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI-NAT), German Primate Centre (DPZ), Göttingen Centre for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB)

During the Master's year, all students carry out three lab rotations of eight weeks in the research labs of the programme or in research labs of participating local industry. During the doctoral phase, there is the option of research collaboration with other research institutions. A wide range of methods courses are offered in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell staining and imaging, electrophysiology, systems physiology, light and electron microscopy, and genetics.

Previous education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 120 credits (ECTS or equivalent) at the time of application
• Eligibility: Degree programme in molecular biosciences, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline

Selection

The online application portal is open for each application round from 15 September to 15 January (start of studies: October).

In addition to the information on personal background and motivation and the upload of all relevant documents, the contact details of two reviewers for letters of recommendation should also be provided. The reviewers should be informed by the students in time about the planned application.

All applicants will be informed in the second half of January whether they have qualified for the second selection round (15-minute online interviews at the end of January).

During a third selection round in mid-February, admission decisions are made on the basis of two personal interviews (30 minutes each).

Fees are approx. 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

Master's stipends: All students are supported by an International Max Planck Research School Stipend throughout their Master's studies unless they receive comparable scholarships from other sources. This stipend amounts to 934 EUR/month plus a health insurance subsidy of up to 100 EUR/month (in the case that their health insurance is not covered by their home insurance or family insurance).

PhD funding: During their PhD studies, students are usually funded by the supervising institution through work/funding contracts. The programme has a budget available for start-up, bridging, or wrap-up funding as needed.

Student activities: Budgets are available for students to attend international scientific conferences and student-organised, scientific or cultural events.

By offering a wide range of services including a tailored workshop programme, the GAUSS Career Service is supporting careers in natural and life sciences – inside and outside of academia.

More information about the services, the workshop & event schedule and general information about career planning can be found on the Career Service Website.

The Molecular Biology programme offers support in finding accommodation for all admitted international students. This service includes rooms in the dormitories of the Student Services ("Studentenwerk") and privately run dormitories as well as single room apartments on the private housing market (to a limited extent).

Additional information on the housing market in Göttingen can be found on the website of the Accommodation Service of the International Office: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html