Master of Science in Biochemistry Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Building upon their existing knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, students in the MSc Biochemistry programme will learn advanced concepts of molecular biology and biochemistry. They will also apply methodical approaches to the analysis of biomolecules and cellular functions on molecular levels within a broad range of scientific fields.

The programme is coordinated by the Center for Molecular Biomedicine in Jena and involves contributions from the Fritz Lipman Institute on Aging, the Hans Knöll Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology. All of these institutions are located on the primary science campus in Jena, the "Beutenberg".

In three mandatory basic modules in the first semester, students learn about 1) modern techniques in spectroscopy and bioimaging, including a lecture, a seminar, and a practical course; 2) regulatory aspects of biochemistry, including a lecture on regulatory aspects of biochemistry,  a lecture on basic methods of analytical biochemistry; and a seminar on genome structure and changes, and 3) cell biology, including a lecture on molecular cell biology, a lecture on signal transduction, a lecture on hormones and their actions, and a seminar in molecular pharmacology.

In the second semester, students may presently choose three out of 14 advanced modules. These include 1) Biochemistry of Natural Products, 2) Organic Chemistry, 3) Chemical Ecology, 4) Genetic Instability, Tumour Biology, and Ageing, 5) Molecular Medicine of Ion Transport, 6) Proteomics, 7) Systems Biology, 8) Epigenetics and Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes, 9) Cellular Plasticity, including Neuronal Plasticity, Stem Cells and Immunology of Ageing, 10) Pharmacological Cell Biology, 12) Immunobiology, 13) Infection Biology, 14) Virology. Each of these modules contains a lecture and/or seminar plus a practical course to learn advanced techniques, often in a lab of choice in Jena. It is possible to choose one additional advanced module and/or to choose one advanced module from another Master's programme in Jena.

The second year is completely dedicated to practical work, learning techniques, and planning projects as well as to doing a Master's thesis in a lab of choice in Jena. Counselling and advice for a choice that best fits the interest of each student are offered.

Organised mostly by the study coordinator, the Master's programme is intended to be as flexible as possible to optimally support the scientific interest of each individual student.

Within the three basic modules in the first semester, lectures include substantial contributions from local experts in the fields, rather than being entirely taught by one professor. During the first semester, a presentation of all advanced modules for the second semester is done by each of the professors or scientists responsible for each of the advanced modules. Choice of these advanced modules is then performed by an electronic survey, and students are admitted such that the modules they attend suit their interests.

The structure of the advanced modules in the second semester is up to the person responsible for each module. Some modules may contain a lecture and a seminar, or only a seminar, or more than one seminar. A practical course for modern relevant techniques is included in each advanced module. This practical course may be done as a block training, which is attended by all students in this module. Alternatively, many modules offer free choice of a relevant lab in Jena to perform the practical course and offer counselling for students to find the lab best fitting their interests. This ensures that every student finds a lab that is the best fit for the Master's thesis, with regard to both scientific interests and general atmosphere.

The third semester is dedicated to a project module and a specialisation module, both of which are usually already performed in the lab in which the Master's thesis will be done. In these modules, students learn the relevant techniques as well as how to plan a project and do pilot experiments for a Master's thesis.

The fourth semester is entirely dedicated to the Master's thesis, which will give plenty of opportunity for independent scientific work, under supervision of the group leader. The Master's thesis is then written and evaluated by two independent reviewers.

During the first semester, one of the three mandatory modules includes a practical course in advanced spectroscopy and bioimaging techniques. During the second semester, each of the three elective modules includes a practical course. The second year is dedicated to practical work and to doing a Master's thesis in a lab of choice in Jena. Overall, more than 70% of the Master's programme consists of practical training or research.

Applicants must hold or be about to receive a Bachelor's degree in the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, or a field recognised as equivalent to one of these fields (such as pharmacy, biotechnology, molecular medicine, or chemistry). Admissions decisions will be based on a number of criteria, including your grade point average, letter of motivation, and previous practical experience.

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.