MSc Biochemistry and Biophysics University of Freiburg

The Master’s programme in Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Freiburg and (when choosing the binational study option) the University of Strasbourg is a consecutive, research-oriented four-semester Master’s programme. Building on Bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, biophysics, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, chemistry or molecular medicine, students acquire comprehensive qualifications in the interdisciplinary fields of biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics and bioengineering. The programme combines interdisciplinary research with state-of-the-art analytical methods such as protein crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Project-based modules and practical laboratory work combine biochemistry, biophysics and technological applications to create a unique educational experience. The binational programme at the Universities of Freiburg and Strasbourg enables students to obtain both Master’s degrees. Graduates are ideally prepared for research and development in biochemistry, biophysics, life sciences and biotechnology. Many continue their studies directly with a PhD, acquiring the highest academic qualifications. Furthermore, the programme equips students with interdisciplinary skills and intercultural competencies that open the door to international careers in science, industry and innovative biomedical-technological fields.

In the binational programme, two mobility models are offered:

• First year in Strasbourg – second year in Freiburg
• First year in Freiburg – second year in Strasbourg

The following description refers to the binational programme starting in Freiburg:

• The first semester focuses mainly on a good integration of the fundamentals in biochemistry, biophysics, mathematics and computer sciences.
• In the second semester, the focus is on practical work in the lab.
• For the third semester, students who started the programme in Freiburg go to Strasbourg to continue their studies there.
• During the fourth semester, students work on their Master’s theses.

This programme offers a binational study option in cooperation with the Université de Strasbourg.

In the second and third semesters, students can choose to take internships abroad. These are optional, and students are responsible for organising them themselves.

Application period Freiburg:
1 March to 15 July

Application period Strasbourg:
The application period in Strasbourg differs from the one in Freiburg. Please check their website.

Please note: For the binational programme, you are required to be enrolled at both partner universities for the entire duration of the programme. This means you must apply to both universities in parallel and be accepted by both to begin the programme. However, tuition fees need only be paid to one of the two universities.

Prior subject knowledge from a Bachelor’s degree programme in biochemistry, biophysics, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, chemistry or molecular medicine:

• 10 ECTS credits in the subject areas of biochemistry or biophysics
• 10 ECTS credits in the subject areas of mathematics, bioinformatics or physics

Required language skills for the bilingual study option:

• German B2
• English B2

Required language skills for the binational study option – first year in Freiburg:

• German B2
• English B2

Please note that students need to have French language skills at the B2 level by the time they study in Strasbourg. Students can learn this third language in integrated language courses during the first year of the programme.

Required language skills for the binational study option – first year in Strasbourg:

• French B2
• English B2

Please note that students need to have German language skills at the B2 level by the time they study in Freiburg. Students can learn this third language in integrated language courses during the first year of the programme.

For the binational study option starting in Strasbourg, French B2 is required (in addition to English B2) by the time of admission.

Further details on the certificates accepted by the university can be found on the website: https://uni-freiburg.de/en/studies/applying/language-certificates/#french.

190 EUR per semester:

• Administrative fee: 80 EUR
• Contribution to the constituted student body: 7 EUR
• Contribution to the student union: 103 EUR

Participants must ensure that sufficient funding is available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 850 EUR to 1,000 EUR.

Some details:

• Rooms in private accommodation, including extra costs: 350 EUR – 700 EUR
• Rooms in student residences, including extra costs: 250 EUR – 550 EUR
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR per month.
• Health insurance is available for approx. 120 EUR per month.
• Transport: A special student ticket for regional transport costs approx. 96 EUR per semester.

In general, some of the faculty’s research groups offer research assistant positions for which (high-achieving) students can apply.

Additionally, students can look for other part-time jobs both on and off campus.

In Strasbourg: Espace Avenir (https://espace-avenir.unistra.fr/fr)

In Freiburg: at the Student Service Center (https://uni-freiburg.de/en/studies/advising/career-entry/

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable and affordable place to live can take a little while. The University of Freiburg offers all newly enrolled international students the possibility to apply for student housing via the International Office. In addition to these dormitories, which are run by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (www.swfr.de/en), several independent residence halls are listed on the university website (https://uni-freiburg.de/internationaloffice/housing/). The Studierendenwerk Freiburg and the International Office also offer a list of available private rooms.