While all courses are taught in English, it is very helpful to know some German for everyday life early on. The study programme regulations require that students prove basic competency in the German language before the start of the third semester. Complimentary courses at every level are offered through the university's language centre.
See the programme description for further information. The programme is designed to be a fast track programme, accelerating access to a doctoral project within the Graduate School of Life Sciences , comprising more than research groups. Substantial relevant experimental research experience using state-of-the-art methodology is essential for joining this programme minimum : experimental Bachelor's thesis, or alternatively, comparable academic experimental research experience may be acceptable under certain conditions.
If they also manage to obtain at least an A- in the subsequent Master's thesis projects, they can start a doctoral project as early as in the second year of the programme. The remaining credit points for obtaining the Master's degree en route to the doctoral degree are earned in parallel with the doctoral project for activities that are obligatory during the doctoral study programme, such as special lectures and courses provided by the various GSLS sections, participation in conferences, attending group seminars, journal clubs, summer schools, etc.
If the fast track criteria are not met, the programme can also be finished as a regular Master's programme within a regular study period of two years. The research internship will take place at one of the GSLS research labs. During the first semester, students will decide which of the various fields of the life sciences they want to pursue, exemplified by the five sections of the GSLS. Second semester and following The Master's thesis project 25 ECTS will take place in one of the laboratories of the over participating research groups.
If the thesis is evaluated with an A- or better, candidates may proceed directly to a doctoral project. Important note : The current success rate for the fast track is approx.
