Faculty of Biosciences Biochemistry – Master

The Master’s degree programme in Biochemistry considers the theoretical and practical foundations of modern biochemical research, thereby equipping students with the knowledge and skills they require to work independently in a research context. The Master’s degree course prepares students to undertake doctoral studies, or to pursue a career in the field of research, or take on a leading position within academia, within governmental agencies or in industry. The skills and knowledge acquired also equip students to enter the job market. 

The Master’s degree programme in Biochemistry is interdisciplinary. The curriculum is organised into modules consisting of classes (lectures, seminars, practical classes, lab practicals) in which the subject matter in question is dealt with cogently and coherently within a predefined space of time. There are examinations at the end of each class. Modules to be completed during the course of study are completed in the first three semesters. The Master’s thesis is written in the fourth semester. 

The academic programme consists of compulsory and compulsory elective modules. 

• The compulsory module “Biochemistry” conveys further knowledge about the theory and practice of biochemical research. 
• In the compulsory interdisciplinary module “Focus in Biochemistry”, students gain an insight into current research being carried out at selected Heidelberg institutes of chemistry and biology. This enables students to select a research focus for the Master’s thesis. 
• Students select a total of three compulsory elective modules from those offered across chemistry and biology. Students are therefore able to select a specialism in either chemistry or biology. 
• The practical element of the Master’s degree programme consists in four research placements of eight weeks each. 

Students who want to spend a semester abroad are recommended to do so in the third or fourth academic semester.