M.Sc. Molecular Medicine

Profile M.Sc. Molecular Medicine in Freiburg (60 CP)

The interdisciplinary Master of Science programme links life sciences and medical research. The programme is a joint programme of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Biology and as such aims to solve current problems of human medicine with the mind-set and methods of laboratory experimentation. The one-year M.Sc. Molecular Medicine programme is consecutive to the four-year B.Sc. Molecular Medicine programme in Freiburg. The M.Sc. Molecular Medicine allows deepening the knowledge gained during the Bachelor studies and at the same time provides an in-depth insight into leading biomedical research at the University of Freiburg. The programme offers advanced training in biomedical research based on the research focus areas at the faculties involved in the programme – Genetics and Epigenetics, Immunology and Infectiology, Molecular Cell and Tissue Research, Neuroscience, and Oncology, as well as Biological Signalling Studies. Two compulsory modules that address the basics of independent research, such as legal and ethical aspects of working with laboratory animals and genetically modified organisms, and discuss recent topics of basic and applied biomedical clinical research. In the core programme of the curriculum students will have the opportunity to specialise by choosing between electives of basic research (e.g. cellular quality control and signalling), disease related research (e.g. medical metabolomics and oncogenic signalling) and clinical research (e.g. experimental cardiovascular research and molecular pathology). In these electives, students will extend their practical skillset and gain elaborate experience working in a scientific environment. The programme aims to prepare students in particular for work in biomedical research at universities, private and governmental institutes and pharmaceutical companies.

The standard period of study is one academic year and adds up to 60 CP. The curriculum is divided into two parts; the first part provides a general introduction to the field of molecular medicine extends the knowledge of good scientific practice and gives the opportunity to create an individual specialisation through three blocks of research electives and one block of biomedical electives. The second part comprises the research for the master thesis project and its defence.

Qualification objectives of the M.Sc. Molecular Medicine

The aim of the Molecular Medicine programme is to train researchers with the basic qualifications to work independently on their own research projects. Our graduates make decisions based on critical analysis, discussion and profound background knowledge and act self-critically and conscientiously. For this purpose, the programme provides ample opportunities to acquire higher level knowledge and hands-on experience in selected disciplines aligned to the life science focus research areas at the University of Freiburg and offers knowledge in relevant legal and ethical issues.