This interdisciplinary Master's teaches how physical and mathematical approaches can illuminate biological systems. You will learn to apply quantitative methods to describe and analyze processes such as protein structure–function relationships, DNA sequence analysis, and the complex interactions between biomolecules and cells. The course is delivered in English and emphasizes rigorous, method-driven investigation of biological phenomena.
Students deepen their mathematical and biophysical skillset while focusing on two out of three specialised tracks: Mathematical Modelling and Systems Biology; Bioimaging and Biophysics; and Biological Structures and Processes. Coursework and practical training provide advanced methodological competence for quantitatively driven biological research.
A mentoring system guides you in selecting the most suitable module groups and elective courses, ensuring your study plan matches your background and career goals. The programme equips graduates with quantitative and interdisciplinary expertise useful for research, further doctoral studies, or roles that bridge biology with physics and mathematics in academia or industry.
Requirements (concise)
In the first year you build a broad interdisciplinary foundation by selecting two of three core module groups: Mathematical Modelling and Systems Biology (MG1), Bioimaging and Biophysics (MG2), and Biological Structures and Processes (MG3). Each chosen module group combines a mandatory core course with a range of practical and theoretical electives, allowing you to tailor your training. The mandatory courses are Systems Biology and Biomathematics (MG1), Bioimaging and Biophysics (MG2), and Interactions of Biological Macromolecules (MG3). Typical elective examples include high-resolution microscopy, structure elucidation of biomolecules, biophysics topics and biomembrane studies.
This structure is designed to develop complementary competences across quantitative and experimental life-science disciplines: mathematical and computational modelling and systems-level thinking (MG1); advanced imaging methods and physical principles of biological systems (MG2); and molecular/structural understanding of biomolecules and their interactions (MG3). Through a mix of lectures and hands-on modules you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory or instrument-based experience, preparing you to address biological problems with interdisciplinary approaches.
The second year is focused on deeper specialisation and on completing an independent Master’s thesis. During this year you consolidate your chosen area(s) of expertise and carry out a research project that demonstrates your ability to design experiments or models, analyse results, and communicate scientific findings — key preparation for research careers or further doctoral study.
Requirements (curriculum-related)
Admission is based on an academic Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification and a review of your prior study content. You must demonstrate specialised and methodological knowledge in at least one of the core areas: mathematics, molecular biology or physics. The admissions team will evaluate your suitability mainly from the curriculum and grades of your current or previous degree; if there is any uncertainty about your preparation, you may be invited to a personal interview.
If your Bachelor’s degree is not clearly equivalent to the programme’s Bachelor of Integrated Life Sciences, or if your BSc grade is 2.6 or worse, you will be required to take an admission test. This test is an oral examination of about 30 minutes designed to assess whether you can achieve the programme’s learning goals independently and responsibly on a scientific basis; it concentrates on basic knowledge in Biology, Mathematics and Physics. The test is organised by the programme’s admissions committee and will normally be scheduled as soon as possible after your formal application.
Practical notes for applicants: the examination date will be announced at least one week in advance, an online interview is possible on request, any costs arising from the test must be covered by the applicant, the result is recorded as pass or fail, and the admissions committee may set additional conditions for admission. You may repeat the admission test one time within a year; a second repeat is not permitted.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers in academia (PhD programmes), research institutes and the life-sciences or biotechnology industry, where quantitative, interdisciplinary skills are in demand. Typical roles include computational biologist, biophysicist, structural biology researcher, imaging specialist or bioinformatics scientist.
The combination of laboratory, imaging and mathematical training also suits positions in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, data-driven life-science startups, and technology transfer or consulting roles that require bridging experimental and computational approaches.
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