This master's programme explores how pathogens—parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi—interact with their hosts to cause disease. It concentrates on the biological processes that allow microbes to enter, colonise and damage host organisms, and why understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective disease control. Given the large global burden of infectious diseases, the course places particular emphasis on the challenges faced in sub‑Saharan Africa, where many infections remain a leading cause of illness and death.
The curriculum is fully oriented toward the pathogens that predominantly affect sub‑Saharan African populations, with special attention to major parasitic diseases and emerging or re‑emerging viral infections. Coursework and research are designed to be translational, addressing real‑world control strategies in a Central African context—linking laboratory findings to public‑health applications and intervention planning.
Students gain a multidisciplinary foundation in the molecular, immunological and epidemiological bases of infection and control. The programme equips graduates to identify and respond to urgent problems such as emerging drug resistance (using genomics and molecular biology), vector ecology and surveillance (including environmental DNA methods), and One Health–related questions that bridge human, animal and environmental health—preparing them for careers in research, diagnostics, public health and disease‑control programs. The programme is taught in English.
Key topics and practical skills you will develop
Overview The Master’s programme is a consecutive, research-focused MSc delivered jointly by the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Tropical Medicine. It runs over four semesters (120 ECTS) and is taught on the CERMEL campus in Lambaréné, Gabon. Admission is intentionally limited to 20 students, enabling intensive small-group teaching and close supervision throughout the course.
Key components and learning outcomes The curriculum emphasizes hands-on research, international exchange and professional networking. From the start you are paired with an individual mentor who supports your academic progress and career development. The programme culminates in a six-month Master’s thesis in the fourth semester, giving you the opportunity to carry out an independent research project. Laboratory placements for thesis work are available across partner sites, strengthening practical skills and exposure to different research environments. By graduation you will have developed research competencies in infection biology and control, experience in international collaboration, and the ability to plan and complete an independent scientific project.
Partnerships, funding and mobility This DAAD-funded programme is part of CAIDERA (Central African Infectious Disease and Epidemics Research Alliance) and is run in close cooperation with the Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), which provides the study campus. Thesis and research options extend to laboratories at the University of Tübingen, CERMEL (Lambaréné), and partner institutions in Berlin, Heidelberg, Libreville or affiliated Institut Pasteur sites across Africa. EU citizens interested specifically in emerging infectious diseases can also consider the related partner programme in France, “One Health in Emerging Infectious Diseases (1H‑EID).”
Program facts / requirements (concise)
This master's programme is only open to non-EU (third-country) applicants. Applications must be submitted through the university’s online portal using the official application form, and all required documents must be uploaded with the application.
Academic and language prerequisites are specified below. In addition to the formal qualifications, you should include documentation describing the content of your completed degree programme. If you have them, evidence of special achievements—such as laboratory internships or relevant research activities—can strengthen your application.
Required documents (to be uploaded with the online application)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and applied roles in tropical medicine, infectious disease laboratories, public health institutions, epidemiological surveillance units, NGOs and international health organisations. The combination of molecular, immunological and epidemiological training equips students to contribute to pathogen surveillance, outbreak response, diagnostics development and control programmes with a One Health perspective.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for academic pathways: many graduates are well positioned to pursue PhD programmes in infection biology, global health or related fields given the emphasis on independent research and the six‑month master’s thesis.