Overview This English‑taught master's builds a strong foundation for molecular disease research by combining human biology, pathology and systems biology with hands‑on analytical skills. Core modules cover molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical cell biology, medical statistics and human genetics to highlight the interfaces between medicine and the life sciences. From the start you will learn how to gather, validate and apply scientific knowledge in research settings.
Specialisation and coursework From the second semester you choose one of three focus areas: Evolutionary Medicine (examining how human–environment interactions shape disease susceptibility and why certain genetic variants persist), Inflammation (molecular mechanisms and the network linking chronic inflammation, genetics and environment) or Oncology (molecular research into cancer, tumour cell biology and gene–environment interactions). In addition to your focus, a wide range of electives lets you tailor the degree—examples include Genomic Diagnostics, Metabolomics, Tissue Engineering, Neurosciences, Epithelial Barrier Functions, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Imaging, MolOcular and “Tracing Disease through Time” (the study of biomolecules, diets and pathogens in archaeological samples).
Practical training and career preparation Teaching combines lectures and seminars with substantial lab practicals, project work in modern research laboratories and a research‑based master’s thesis to develop experimental and analytical competence. The curriculum emphasises bioinformatics and systems biology for processing and interpreting large datasets, and integrates soft‑skill training such as project management, career orientation and scientific English writing to support the transition into research, diagnostics or other professional roles at the interface of medicine and the sciences.
Key facts & next steps
This Master's curriculum is organized across four semesters and combines classroom teaching, hands-on laboratory work, and career-oriented activities to prepare you for research and professional roles in biomedical science. The program mixes lectures, seminars and tutorials with practicals and lab projects, and culminates in a dedicated fourth semester reserved entirely for the Master's thesis. For detailed information on individual courses, examination formats and credit allocation, consult the program’s module information pages.
In the first semester (summer) you build core foundations with lectures in Molecular Biology, Human Biology, Pathology, Clinical Manifestations of Diseases, Medical Statistics, Immunology and Systems Biology, supported by tutorials, practicals and seminars including career orientation and a career day featuring guest speakers and alumni. The second semester (winter) shifts toward Molecular Pathology, Bioinformatics and genomic topics, with seminars on Genomic Diagnostics, English Scientific Writing and Project Management and continued lab practicals. The third semester (summer) emphasizes electives and specializations—Human Genetics, Scientific Studies and Biobanking—with an extended lab project, lab visits and a workshop on New Technologies in Biomedical Research. The fourth semester (winter) is fully reserved for completing the Master’s thesis.
Key modules and components
Learning outcomes you can expect
Note: For exact course lists, examination rules and credit point (ECTS) distribution, refer to the program’s official module pages.
This master's seeks candidates with a completed undergraduate degree in a life-science discipline. Typical academic backgrounds include biology, molecular biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, molecular biotechnology or related biological sciences — applicants with closely related bachelor’s degrees will also be considered.
Successful applicants must bring both theoretical and practical experience. You should have a solid grounding in molecular biology, hands-on experience from molecular research laboratories and reliable laboratory skills. Additionally, you need documented bachelor's-level knowledge of vertebrate physiology and be prepared to demonstrate this understanding during the application.
Winter Semester (International)
Application periods are set early, starting in May for the next summer semester, to enable international students to apply for their student visas in time. Please check procedures and deadlines on theMedical Life Sciences website.Visa processing times can take five to nine months or longer in many instances. It is strongly advised to inform yourself as early as possible about the requirements for visa applications and processing times.
Graduates are prepared for research careers in molecular and biomedical sciences, including roles in academic research groups, diagnostic laboratories (genomic diagnostics), and industry sectors such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. The programme's strong lab component, bioinformatics training and the six-month research-based Master's thesis provide practical experience valued by employers and research supervisors.
Alumni can also pursue doctoral studies (PhD) in related fields or take positions in clinical research, translational medicine, and public or private research institutions. Career support elements such as a career day, alumni guest speakers and application training help students transition into biomedical job markets or further academic training.