Infection Biology and Control University of Tübingen

Infection Biology aims to characterise the interaction between pathogens and their host in order to elucidate the mechanisms through which parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi invade their host and cause diseases. Infectious diseases contribute in great proportion to illnesses and death worldwide. Understanding how pathogens get access to their host, colonise and cause disease is an important step towards developing strategies for control. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest burdens of infectious diseases world-wide.

The Master’s programme in Infection Biology and Control is fully focused on the predominant causes of the infectious diseases burden in sub-Saharan African countries, e.g. major parasitic pathogens and emerging and re-emerging viruses with an added emphasis on translational aspects of infectious disease control in the Central African context. To successfully control infectious diseases, the underlying molecular, immunological, and epidemiological mechanisms first need to be better understood. The aim of this programme is to equip young students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle biological and medical challenges. These include the timely identification of emerging drug resistance for many neglected parasites using novel tools in genomics, molecular biology such as the use of environmental DNA techniques for vector research and last but not least, urgent one-health-related research questions.

The Master's programme in Infection Biology and Control is a consecutive, research-oriented programme, which leads to a Master of Science (MSc) degree. The programme is offered by the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Tropical Medicine. The programme lasts four semesters and comprises a total of 120 ECTS. The place of study will be the CERMEL in Lambaréné, Gabon. The number of students is limited to 20; therefore, small group work is possible in all modules. The programme is characterised by the following crucial features:

1. International exchange & networking
2. Research-orientation
3. Mentorship: You will receive support and advice throughout the programme by your individual mentor with whom you will be paired at the beginning of the programme. They will guide your personal and professional development throughout your studies and provide support for the successful completion of the programme.
4. Master's thesis: In the fourth semester, students will work on a six-month Master's thesis. In addition to laboratories at the University of Tübingen and at the Cermel in Lambaréné, laboratories are also available in Berlin, Heidelberg, Libreville or partner institutes of the Institut Pasteur in Africa.

Cooperation agreements
The Master's programme in Infection Biology and Control is a DAAD-funded programme within the framework of CAIDERA (Central African Infectious Disease and Epidemics Research Alliance).

A large number of co-operations make this degree programme possible. The most important co-operation partner for the University of Tübingen is the CERMEL (Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné). The University of Tübingen and in particular the Institute of Tropical Medicine have been working together with the CERMEL for many years. The CERMEL will provide the campus for the students of the Master's programme in Infection Biology and Control.

If you are an EU citizen and you are interested in emerging infectious diseases, then you can apply to our partner programme for EU citizens: "One Health in Emerging Infectious Diseases" (1H-EID) in France.

CERMEL

The Master's programme in Infection Biology and Control is only open to non-EU citizens.

Application requirements
The application must be made using the form provided by the University of Tübingen (online portal). The application form must be accompanied by (uploaded documents):

1. A Bachelor’s degree of at least six semesters of study in biology, or an equivalent degree in a comparable subject with a grade of 3.0 or better (German grading system)
2. English language skills at B2 level CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
3. Documentation of French proficiency of at least level of A2 CEFR (DELF A2)
4. Documentation of the contents of the completed study programme
5. If available, evidence of special achievements and e.g. laboratory internships and/or relevant (research) activities

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 200 EUR per semester. No tuition fees have to be paid.

The study programme Infection Biology and Control includes the possibility of a monthly DAAD scholarship of 500 EUR for the standard study period of four semesters.

Advice and internships
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