Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Institut für Biologie

M.Sc. Biophysics

 

 

Students of this international, research-oriented Masters's program learn and apply modern techniques in Biophysics. In a highly interdisciplinary approach, students will be trained in advanced methods and theoretical concepts in fields that form the interface to Biophysics: Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Within the first year of the program, students attend several compulsory and elective modules that advance their competencies in the field, such as Statistical Physics, Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Optics, Complex Systems in Biology, Biophysics of Photosynthesis, Molecular, Cellular and Medical Biophysics Systems Biology, Models of Neural Systems and Neurobiophysics. The second year is mostly research-oriented, including a study project and the final Master Thesis.

The framework of this consecutive Master's program is specified by the Study and Examination Regulations. The main text is merely available in German, whereas the description of individual modules is in English.

 

Degree

Master of Science

Program duration

2 Years (4 Semesters)

Beginning

Winter term

Language

English

Credits

120 ECTS-Credits

Application Deadline

see Academic calendars and deadlines (non-restricted Master of Science)


 

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
 

 

Prospective students require a first academic degree obtained in a course of study with a minimum length of three years in a biological field; usually, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credits or equivalent. All of the following academic requirements must be met by the applicants to be admitted to this consecutive program. To prove the former, applicants are required to complete the Self-Assessment form. Prospective students can find further information on requirements and the certificates to be submitted in the subject-specific Admission Regulations, available in German.

International applicants are offered initial counseling on the application procedure and requirements at HU International - Initial Counseling
Please also take note of the FAQ - Application for Master's Programs at IfB.


Language Requirements
Proficiency in English C1 (CEFR)
Academic Requirements
Molecular Biology 10 credits
Biochemistry and Biophysics 5 credits
Physics 5 credits
Bioinformatics 5 credits
Chemistry 5 credits
Mathematics and/or Statistics 10 credits

 

General information on the application for a master's program at HU
Application procedures and forms

 


 

Profile and Structure

 

The consecutive Master's program consists of compulsory (60 credits), elective (50 credits) and interdisciplinary elective modules (10 credits). During the course-based first year, students attend two compulsory modules ('Statistical Physics', 'Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Optics') and five elective modules out of eight modules offered. In the research-oriented second year, students conduct a study project and proceed to the final module, the Master Thesis.

 

Exemplary study plan M.Sc. Biophysics

 

MABPh study plan.png

 

Elective Modules


Students acquire a total of 50 credits, which corresponds to five elective modules (10 credits) to be chosen from the following offer. Please note that the winter term offer differs from the summer term offer, below labeled as (w) or (s). For detailed descriptions of each module, see the Study and Examination Regulations.
 

MABPh 5 Complex Systems in Biology (w)
MABPh 6 Neurobiophysics (w)
MABPh 7 Biophysics of photosynthesis (w)
MABPh 8 Molecular, Cellular and Medical Biophysics (s)
MABPh 9 Systems Biology: Dynamic Modeling and Data Integration (s)
MABPh 10 Optobiology (s)
MABPh 11 Systems Biology: Computational Analysis and Interpretation of High-Throughput Data (w)
MABPh 12 Models of Neural Systems (w)

 

Study Project / Final Module - Master Thesis


A group or individuals work on a scientific project that has to be related to the theoretical and experimental topics of this Master's program. The study project extends over one or two semesters and comprises several hours of experimental work and a protocol. Scientific projects can be conducted at the Department of Biology or an associated research organization, for instance, at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine. Students apply autonomously to research groups of their field of interest. For further information on the modalities of the Study Project, please contact the Examination Office Biology/Biophysics.

Within the Final Module, students use their specific knowledge in a current research topic in the field of Biophysics, planning and conducting a scientific project at current research standards independently, and writing the Master Thesis.

 

ÜWP - Interdisciplinary Elective Modules


Students are free to attend modules of the Interdisciplinary Elective Area (ÜWP) in other disciplines or institutions of the university according to their own preferences. The modules offered in this sector are posted on AGNES - ÜWP. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to attend Non-ÜWP-Modules (regular modules of other programs). If you are interested in attending Non-ÜWP-Modules, please contact the  Examination Office Biology/Biophysics for detailed information.

 

 


 

Contact

 

Information on Application, Admission and Enrollment

 

Informationen on Content and Structure of the Program

 

Different request? Find the appropriate contact at Hilfe und Beratung.