New Microbiology and Neuroscience programs to be launched in the 2022/2023 winter semester in addition to the existing Master's program in Molecular Biotechnology
What to do after obtaining a Bachelor's degree in the wide field of Biology? This is a question that many students ask themselves. In the future, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) will offer graduates of Bachelor's programs in Biology three additional study options: Starting in the 2022/2023 winter term, there will be two new master's degree programs at JGU focusing on microbiology and neuroscience. They complement the existing bachelor's and master's degree programs in molecular biotechnology.
photo: Simone Jäger
The Neuroscience M.Sc. program: Understanding complex neural systems
One aspect of particular interest to biologists is how the cognitive abilities of various living beings are generated. To understand this, the complexity of the underlying neural networks must be analyzed. Once it has been understood how these networks function, the insights should help to explain why behavioral changes occur and also to provide the means to develop treatments for related pathological conditions. These are just a few of the various topics neuroscience is addressing. Given the complexity of the subject, it is not surprising that many areas of biology, including cellular biology, molecular biology as well as genetics but also other areas of natural sciences - such as physics, chemistry, and computer science - and even engineering play a role.
The Master's program in Neuroscience at JGU is a consecutive program and is designed for graduates who have already earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biological Chemistry, Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine, Biophysics, or Bioinformatics from JGU or an equivalent degree from another institute of higher education. The degree program is offered in English only.
The Microbiology M.Sc. program: Studying in Dijon and Mainz
The international Master's degree program in Microbiology is the perfect choice for those who want to specialize in microbiology and combine this with an international course of study. It consists of study sections at JGU and at the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon in France. The language of instruction is English. Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biotechnology, Biology and Molecular Biology obtained at JGU or an equivalent degree from another university are eligible to apply.
Participants in this international program will focus on Molecular Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Biotechnology, and Microbial Ecology. The program is research-oriented; the focus is on various potential applications in industry, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, food technology, waste management, soil remediation, or materials research. Graduates of the program have particularly good prospects of finding employment in the international job market.
Application for admission must be submitted to the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon.
The Molecular Biotechnology M.Sc. program: An interesting interdisciplinary combination
Biological chemistry, microbiology, or physiology? Or a combination of all three disciplines? The Master's program in Molecular Biotechnology at JGU, which started in 2020, offers this unique possibility. It is designed as a consecutive program for those holding a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biotechnology, Biology, or Molecular Biology awarded by JGU or equivalent qualifications obtained at another institute of higher education. The interdisciplinary program is jointly run by the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at JGU; the language of instruction is English. The program focuses on the identification, development, use, and application of processes in and components of microorganisms, with a particular emphasis on the detection and biosynthesis of microorganism-related pharmaceutical agents that can be used in medicine and for crop protection.
This Master's program prepares its graduates for a competitive and continually expanding job market and enables them to work in an interdisciplinary, research-led field. The program is attractive for those with a general interest in chemical, biological, and biotechnological aspects and interested in a future career in life sciences.
Those who have obtained their university entrance qualification and are interested in a Master's degree in Biotechnology at a later stage can first enroll for the Bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology at the Faculty of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Geosciences. The program has a duration of six semesters.
