Life Science (MSc) University of Koblenz

The Master’s programme in "Life Science (MSc)" provides advanced knowledge of the organisation and pathways of life at the molecular and cellular level in both molecular-biomedical ("Molecular and Biomedical Life Science") and environmentally relevant ("Environmental Life Science") contexts. The curriculum places a particular emphasis on (bio)analytical methods and experimental training, enabling students to investigate complex biological processes and systems using modern analytical and quantitative approaches. The programme is designed for graduates of Bachelor’s programmes with a strong interest in research-oriented topics at the interface of chemistry and biology.

The Master's programme in "Life Science (MSc)" comprises four semesters of full-time study during which participants are required to obtain a total of 120 ECTS. Ultimately, a total of 300 ECTS are required for the award of the MSc degree. Compulsory courses are organised into two main categories: "Molecular and Biomedical Life Science" and "Environmental Life Science" (60 ECTS). Elective modules (15 ECTS) offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in line with their individual interests. The practical phase emphasises research-oriented learning and consists of a research project (15 ECTS) as well as the Master‘s thesis including a final oral exam (30 ECTS). During these phases, students conduct an independent research project and gain practical experience in scientific investigation and data analysis.

To be enrolled in the Master's programme "Life Science”, students must have graduated from any study programme in the subjects chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology, in which the following content was included:

a. Basics and applications of general and inorganic chemistry
b. Substance classes and reaction mechanisms of organic chemistry
c. Basics of biodiversity, taxonomy and phylogeny, microbiology and ecotoxicology

The graduation grade of the respective Bachelor's programme must be 2.5 or better. In addition, there should be basic experience concerning practical work in the organic or biochemistry lab of 10 ECTS.

Exceptions from the above prerequisites are to be decided by the board of examinations upon an application of the student. Exceptions might be a grade in the Bachelor's thesis of 1.5 or better or at least one year of professional working experience in chemistry, biochemistry or biotechnology.

Currently approx. 350 EUR per semester, covering contributions to the student services, the student union, and the local public transport ticket

We estimate that students require 992 EUR per month to cover the costs of living (including housing, bills, Internet, food, clothes, study materials, etc.). However, this depends on the individual style of living, the type of housing, etc.

To apply for a study visa, it is often mandatory to show proof of a blocked account of around 11,900 EUR.

There are a number of jobs available at the university (e.g. as student assistants). Students can also find part-time jobs outside the university, e.g. in companies in Koblenz and the surrounding area. A basic knowledge of German is helpful when looking for a job.

Preparation of international Master's students for the German job market in the context of the university's DAAD-funded project "FIT4SukCESS", e.g. in the form of workshops on application practices and CV checks

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in halls of residence are reserved for incoming international students. Students can contact the International Relations Office for further information on the application process or regarding the search for private housing.

E-mail: accommodation@uni-koblenz.de or international@uni-koblenz.de

University of Koblenz

The University of Koblenz is one of the youngest universities in Germany — and yet rests on a long-established scholarly tradition. Four profile areas are linked in a unique way: “Education”, “Computer Sciences”, “Culture and Mediation” and “Material and Environment”. These profile areas also provide important impulses for teacher education, which plays a pivotal part at our university. Interdisciplinary cooperation and short distances on campus characterise everyday university life and enable vivid interdisciplinarity and continuous innovation in science.

The University of Koblenz offers a broad range of high-quality study programmes to its over 9,700 students, including around 1,300 international students.

The university sees itself as a driving force in developing a vivid economic and scientific region and is internationally visible and connected at the same time. Its great emphasis on internationalisation is also reflected in the academic and professional as well as intercultural and linguistic support it offers to its international students throughout the entire duration of their studies. With its new DAAD-funded "FIT4SukCESS" project, the university provides international students with tailor-made offers in the four topic areas: "Preparation for Studies", "Study Success", "Employability" and "Labour Market Integration", in order to lead them to academic success and subsequently to a career in Germany.

The university has given itself the motto “continue discovering”. This reflects the incentive and aspiration of all members of the university to constantly question the familiar and the customary in order to arrive at new insights and findings. To this end, the university offers its members the required resources to further develop their studies, teaching and research and to break new ground in transferring ideas, knowledge and technology.

Koblenz is a city with a rich, 2,000-year history. With currently more than 113,000 inhabitants with more than 130 different nationalities, Koblenz is located in one of the most attractive regions in Germany. Its surrounding landscape, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is honoured as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Together with the metropolitan areas of Frankfurt and Cologne, which are close by, it features many cultural attractions and recreational facilities in combination with moderate living costs, making Koblenz an ideal place to study.