Molecular Life Sciences

Study information
Key facts
Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
English
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institution
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

Students in this Master's programme will learn to conduct independent academic work in the modern, interdisciplinary field of Molecular Life Sciences. Key issues in genetics, cell and developmental biology will be discussed and critically analysed. The primary focus of these analyses is - in both a theoretical and a practical sense - molecular network analyses on various levels (genomic, proteomic, and metabolomics).

In the first year of the programme, students will already take three advanced courses from the areas of developmental biology, cell biology, molecular genetics, system biology, and biophysics in addition to the core courses required for all students. In the second year, students will gain more profound knowledge and understanding of a specialisation area of their choice by completing both an internship focusing on methods and directed research in a project internship.

Special features

 The MSc Molecular Life Sciences offers a great deal of practical work and independent projects. This gives students the chance to design and conduct scientific research as well as to document and present their results orally and in writing (particularly in English).

Career opportunities

After completing this programme, graduates are qualified for positions in related industries, especially biotechnology. They may also choose to pursue additional academic qualifications (PhD), such as in the areas of bioinformatics, biochemistry, developmental biology, evolution biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular medicine, molecular biology, system biology, and cell biology. The Friedrich Schiller University as well as many other universities in Germany and abroad offer PhD programmes in these fields.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree, containing at least 50 credits (ECTS) in disciplines of life sciences (e.g. molecular genetics, molecular developmental biology, molecular cell biology) or equivalent credits in a related discipline.

    ​The overall grade (CGPA) of the bachelor's degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systems: 2.0).

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:  

    • good English language proficiency
    • providing proof by certificate is however not mandatory

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

Additional application documents for international students

  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - Prof. Dr. Günter Theißen

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Matthias-Schleiden-Institut
Genetik und Bakteriengenetik
Philosophenweg 12
07743 Jena

Student Representatives Biology/Biochemistry
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Biological Sciences
Master Service Centre

Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person as well as by Service Desk (ticket system), Zoom, live chat, post and telephone.

Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at: www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre
07737 Jena

Video chat: Zoom – Video chat Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
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