The general degree program “Master of Science in Biosciences” offers a practice-oriented opportunity to specialize in individually selected fields within the biosciences, as well as to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in a previous degree program. You can explore different subject areas and adapt the course of your studies to your personal interests. The flexibility and wide range of subject areas are major advantages of the Biosciences master’s program in Würzburg. The master’s program normally lasts 4 semesters (120 ECTS) and can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. The program is broadly divided into two focus areas, referred to as Topic 1 and Topic 2. Which subject areas are available and how you can choose and combine these topics will be explained further below.

In addition to the general master’s program, eight English-taught “BioEU Master’s programs” are also offered. These are tailor-made programs focusing on specific aspects of biology, enabling you to complete a specialized master’s degree entirely in English. The programs include “Behavioural Neurobiology (Neuroethology),” “Biophysics,” “Cell and Infection Biology,” “Conservation Biology and Applied Ecology,” “Ecology,” “Molecular and Computational Biology,” “Protein Chemistry,” and “Systems Biology and Metabolomics.” Like the general M.Sc. program, the BioEU master’s programs can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. If you would like more detailed information about the different BioEU programs, you can visit the faculty’s website via the following link.

The following section refers to the M.Sc. Biosciences program.

First of all, enrollment in the M.Sc. Biosciences program is open without admission restrictions. However, there is a so-called eligibility assessment and subject-specific admission requirements. This simply means that you need to demonstrate certain competencies. We will explain in detail exactly what these are here.

Application & Enrollment:

Since the M.Sc. Biosciences program is admission-free, you initially only need to apply via WueStudy. The application deadlines are end of May to July 15 for the winter semester and early December to January 15 for the summer semester. If you have not received all your documents (e.g., Bachelor’s degree certificate) by this deadline, there is usually an extension period until September 15 (winter semester) or March 15 (summer semester). 
If you have already submitted your Bachelor’s thesis but have not yet received the grade, your Bachelor supervisor can send a provisional confirmation to the chair of the Examination Board (PD Dr. Ulrich Terpitz), stating that the Bachelor’s thesis has been passed with at least a grade of 4.0, with the final grade to be submitted later.

After a successful application via WueStudy, you will receive an email with your login details (s-number, etc.) and a link to confirm your email. To enroll, you must then fill out an online enrollment application on WueStudy, print it, and send it along with the remaining documents by post to the University of Würzburg (the address is provided on the application).

You can also refer to the university’s enrollment guide on WueStudy for a more detailed description of the process.. 

The following documents must be attached to the application:

• Proof of a university degree / equivalent qualification / acquisition of 130 ECTS credits (from the Bachelor’s program)
• Transcript of Records (the modules corresponding to the admission requirements below, along with their ECTS credits and grades, should be clearly visible)

• Degree with an overall grade of 3.0 or better in the Bachelor’s program in Biology (180 ECTS) or a comparable program (e.g., Bachelor’s degree in General Biology / Biosciences or in Molecular / Biochemical / Biomedical programs or in Organismic / Ecological programs).
  
• Proof of acquired competencies depending on the area of the Bachelor’s program:
  
  Area I (General Biology Focus):
  Basic knowledge in Botany, Zoology, and Microbiology from the areas of Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Systematics, Physiology, Ecology, Neurobiology, Behavioral Biology: 20 ECTS
  Advanced knowledge in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Behavioral Biology, Virology, Immunology, Neurobiology, Human Genetics, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Ecology, Pharmaceutical Biology, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, or Biochemistry: 40 ECTS
  Knowledge from Inorganic / Organic / Physical Chemistry or Biochemistry: 15 ECTS
  Knowledge from Physics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, Biophysics: 15 ECTS
  Thesis: at least 10 ECTS
  
  Area II (Molecular Biology Focus):
  Basic knowledge in Botany, Zoology, and Microbiology from the areas of Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Systematics, Physiology, Ecology, Neurobiology, Behavioral Biology: 10 ECTS
  Knowledge from Inorganic / Organic / Physical Chemistry or Biochemistry: 20 ECTS
  Knowledge from Physics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, Biophysics: 12 ECTS
  Advanced knowledge in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Developmental Biology, Anatomy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Tumor Biology, Molecular Psychology, Virology, Immunology, Neurobiology, Genetics, Human Genetics, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or Biophysics: 50 ECTS
  Thesis: at least 10 ECTS
  
  Area III (Organismic Biology Focus):
  Basic knowledge in Botany, Zoology, and Microbiology from the areas of Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Systematics, Physiology, Ecology, Neurobiology, Behavioral Biology: 20 ECTS
  Knowledge from Inorganic / Organic / Physical Chemistry or Biochemistry: 10 ECTS
  Knowledge from Physics, Mathematics, Biostatistics, Biophysics: 12 ECTS
  Advanced knowledge in Evolutionary Biology, Behavioral Biology, Sociobiology, Animal Ecology, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Agroecology, Forest Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Invasion Ecology, Tropical Biology, Marine Biology, Taxonomy: 50 ECTS
  Thesis: at least 10 ECTS
  
• For fully English-taught programs (e.g., BioEU M.Sc.): proof of basic German language skills must be provided by the end of the re-registration deadline for the 3rd semester at the latest.

The M.Sc. Biosciences program is roughly divided into four blocks: Topic 1, Topic 2, complementary achievements, and Thesis/Colloquium. But what exactly do these terms mean? We will explain them in more detail here.

At the beginning, you need to choose two topics from a large catalog of subject areas (see below) to serve as your main focus areas. At this stage, you do not yet need to decide which of these two topics will be your main focus (Topic 1) and which will be your secondary focus (Topic 2).

To complete a topic block, you need two theory modules (A-modules) as well as an F1 practical module. A-modules usually consist of a lecture and the corresponding seminar. Depending on the module, this can vary, so make sure to check the details on WueStudy!

A-modules can be assigned to a wide range of topics. For this, you can consult the module descriptions (SFBs; German, English) again. A classic example is the topic “Bioinformatics,” under which many theory modules can be credited. Most topics, however, require one of the two theory modules as compulsory. For example, in Immunology, you can only take the two designated Immunology lectures.

Once you know in which focus area you want to complete your thesis, this topic becomes your Topic 1. You can decide freely until the last moment in which of the two topics you want to continue working after completing two A-modules and one F1 practical module. By choosing the F2 practical module, this focus area then becomes your Topic 1.

• Note: For some instructors, attending the corresponding ring-lecture is a prerequisite for doing your Master’s thesis in their research group. It is best to check in advance whether this applies to you! The lecture series include: “Neurobiology, Behavioral Physiology, and Animal Ecology” (Module Group 1), “Molecular Biology” (Module Group 2), and “Current Methods in Biology” (Module Group 3).
• The module groups have no further significance and serve only as a rough classification. You can choose your two topics either from the same module group or from two different module groups.

In addition to the two focus topics, you must complete 15 ECTS in Compulsory Elective Area 2 (B-modules). B-modules are generally not graded. This provides an incentive to explore different fields without the pressure of grades, allowing you to broaden your knowledge and try out areas beyond your personal strengths.
Most lectures from Compulsory Elective Area 1 (A-modules) can also be taken as B-modules (with reduced scope, usually without a seminar), as well as other general and interdisciplinary topics such as biopsychology, bio- and research ethics, conservation, philosophy of science, epistemology, quality management, and special courses.
In addition, practical courses (even outside the university) can also be completed here. You can find the available modules under “Subarea: Complementary Achievements” on WueStudy or in the module descriptions (SFBs; German, English).

The following briefly lists the different subareas and topics, which can also be read about in detail in the module handbook (German, English). Module Group 4 includes the exclusively English-taught courses (→ BioEU M.Sc.).

Exam registrations can only be done online and within the deadlines on WueStudy!

You can find the registration deadlines for lectures (“Lecture” → “Dates”) and exam registrations (“Exam” → “Dates”) for the respective modules on WueStudy.

• Theory modules WITHOUT seminar: pay attention to registration deadlines! Lecture series have direct access, as there is no participation limit.
• Theory modules WITH seminar: online procedure with limited spots.
• There are two deadlines (announced in the introductory event via email):
• Deadline 1: in the week before the lecture starts – Wednesday to Friday; if the module is oversubscribed, admission is by lottery, not by registration time.
• Deadline 2: during the first week of lectures; admission is on a first come, first served basis.

• Anmeldung zur Thesis: mit Antragsformular (Dropdown-Menü: Anmeldung zur Thesis) beim Prüfungsausschuss (Sobald die Anmeldung vorliegt, wird diese auf WueStudy eingetragen)
• Voraussetzung Thesis: 
• 1x 10 ECTS-Theoriemodul (A-Modul) + 10 ECTS F1-Praktikum (oft auch entsprechende Ringvorlesung aus der Modulgruppe gefragt; mit Betreuer*in abklären!) 
• Zwei Gutachter*innen (davon: mind. 1 aus der Fakultät für Biologie)
• Das Kolloquium kann erst stattfinden, wenn eine Benotung für die Thesis vorliegt (mindestens bestanden)

Thesis Registration: via application form (dropdown menu: “Thesis Registration”) with the Examination Committee. Once the registration is submitted, it will be recorded on WueStudy.

Thesis Requirements:

• 1 × 10 ECTS theory module (A-module) + 10 ECTS F1 practical module
  (Often the corresponding lecture series from the module group is also required; check with your supervisor!)
• Two examiners (at least one from the Faculty of Biology)
• The colloquium can only take place once a grade for the thesis is available (at least “passed”).

There are three regular practical courses in the program: the two F1 practicals and the F2 practical. The F1 practicals are expected to last 5–6 weeks and are graded. They are designed to give you hands-on experience within your two focus areas. The F2 practical usually serves as preparation for the thesis, for example, to establish methods and define the research question. It lasts 3 months and is not graded. Part of the practical courses often also includes participation in group or institute seminars to learn more about the research in your field.

In general, the exam performance for practicals should be documented in writing, typically in the form of a lab report/protocol. However, a seminar contribution or similar can also be credited as a partial or alternative achievement. It is best to discuss this in advance with your supervisor. For the F2 practical, a report in the style of a thesis is usually expected.

External practical courses are generally possible and can be well integrated. You can complete practicals at companies, the University Hospital, or other research institutes. It is important that you confirm with a Biology instructor before starting the practical whether it can be credited. Find a supervisor whose research aligns with your planned practical. The credit approval is then issued using the relevant form (see below). The timeline is as follows:

1. BEFORE the practical course: Have the credit approval signed by a Biology instructor (see the form on WueCampus: “Anerkennung der Äquivalenz externer Lehrveranstaltungen für Externes Praktikum/Auslandsstudium”).
2. AFTER the practical course: Have the exam/protocol completed by your supervisor (see on WueCampus: “Vorlage Bescheinigung für Praktika”).

• For international matters contact Dr. Palmetshofer!

In general, the thesis lasts 6 months and is worth 25 ECTS. In combination with the F2 practical (3 months; 15 ECTS) as a preparatory practical, the total duration is at least 9 months. The F2 practical only needs to be registered on WueStudy in the semester in which the exam performance (usually an ungraded protocol/lab report) is submitted. The thesis must be registered before starting via an application form (dropdown menu: “Thesis Registration”) with the Examination Committee. You need two examiners, at least one of whom must be from the Faculty of Biology.
Note: You have two attempts to successfully submit and pass a thesis.

Structure of the thesis:

The structure of the Master’s thesis should be similar to the common structure used in doctoral theses. Normally, this will also be discussed in detail with your supervisor. The thesis can be written in GERMAN or ENGLISH, but the summary/abstract must always be provided in both German and English. The thesis should be approximately 60–80 pages in length (excluding appendices), and all references must be fully listed. At the end of the thesis, a signed declaration of independent work must be included (without this, the thesis will be graded as failed!).

Colloquium:

For the colloquium, only one examiner plus an observer is required. The colloquium should last 45 minutes (30 minutes for the defense + 15 minutes for questions on the thesis) and will be documented. With your consent, the colloquium can also be held publicly within a seminar and entirely in English. It is best to discuss this in advance with your examiners!

Standard Period of Study – Consequences of Exceeding the Standard Period:

The standard period of study is four semesters, but according to the examination regulations, it may be exceeded by two semesters. This means you are allowed to take up to six semesters to complete your degree without any issues.

After these two additional semesters (i.e., at the end of the 6th semester), the Examination Office will contact you and declare the program as not passed for the first time. There are then two possible scenarios:

1. Master’s thesis already submitted:
   You will receive a notice from the Examination Office stating that the program has not been passed for the first time. This has no impact on the continuation of your studies and is merely a notification that you must complete the program within one more semester.
2. Master’s thesis not yet submitted:
   You will receive a notice from the Examination Office stating that the program has not been passed for the first time. In this case, the Master’s thesis will be considered failed for the first attempt, leaving you with only one remaining attempt! This also has no impact on the continuation of your studies and is merely a notification that you must complete the program within one more semester.

If you require an extension of your study period after this, it is only possible through a hardship request / compensation for disadvantages, by submitting a timely application to the Examination Committee along with a justification for the extension (e.g., medical certificates, grade transcript).

You always have until the end of the semester to complete your studies, so you will receive the notices at the beginning of the following semester. If you have already re-registered for the next semester as a precaution (which is always recommended) and have actually completed your studies, you can also have the semester fee reimbursed.

End of Study:
Your studies are officially completed once your last examination performance has been recorded. However, to issue the degree certificate, which usually takes 1–4 weeks, a separate application to the Examination Office is required. From the date your last performance is recorded, you can no longer register for additional modules, BUT you remain enrolled until the end of the semester (Winter: March 31; Summer: September 30). In general, it is possible to postpone certain modules in order to achieve a better final grade. However, this is only possible if the certificate is not issued automatically (i.e. without applying for it).

• WueStudy Help/FAQs
• WueCampus-Courseroom„Master Biosciences“
• Our (FIBio) WueCampus-Courseroom (you should be automatically added to the courseroom)
• Examination Office/Forms
• Study with children (Family-Service)
• Contact and Information Center for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (KIS)
• International Office/Studying in Würzburg
• Appartment search
• Biocentre Chairs/Institutes
• Studiendekanat
• Examination Committee
• Application for a Program Change (for JMU students from the Biology Bachelor; “Continuation of studies in the consecutive Master’s program”)
• Module-Guide (German, English)
• Subject-Specific Regulations (German)