Faculty of Engineering Sciences Matter to Life – Master
This is a joint Master’s program between Heidelberg University and University of Göttingen, with the courses taught by the Heidelberg faculty focusing on molecular systems chemistry and engineering. Approaching this topic from different perspectives of chemistry, physics, molecular systems, bioengineering, and life sciences, ensures a unique multidisciplinary education.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Master of Science, Joint Degree |
| Type of programme | Consecutive |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | English |
| Fees and contributions | 161.10 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Zugangs- und zulassungsbeschränkter Masterstudiengang Matter to life |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Can be completed entirely in English | Yes |
| International degree program | Yes |
COURSE CONTENT
The Master’s degree program, Matter to Life (MtL), at Heidelberg University and University of Göttingen is part of the Max Planck School Matter to Life and focuses on the areas of chemistry and engineering for molecular systems. This joint degree program provides students with a multidisciplinary education by integrating foundations of chemistry with aspects from the fields of physics, molecular systems, engineering and biosciences.
The curriculum focuses on the following scientific areas:
- Understanding the chemistry and physics of life and of the components of living systems
- Quantitative analysis of life
- Engineering of molecular and nanoscopic entities as the basis of life-like materials.
The aim of the Matter to Life program is to prepare students for a research-oriented career in interdisciplinary and innovative scientific areas. Students are given the tools to construct and theoretically describe life-like molecular systems and components, and to apply chemical-physical principles for describing the nature of complex materials. Students further learn to formulate and solve complex problems and tasks in different set ups such as universities, research institutions and industry, and thereby, gain experience in communicating their findings and expertise in diverse environments.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The MtL program at Heidelberg University focuses on the field of Molecular Systems Chemistry and Engineering and aims to overcome the traditional boundaries that exist between disciplines. It addresses the roots of biological processes in the context of chemistry and physics, thus forming the basis for the understanding of life, as well as providing the means to engineer life-like processes.
1st Semester
In the 1st term you share all lectures with your fellow students from both universities (Heidelberg University and University of Göttingen. This is dedicated to learning the basic subjects required for you to learn and conduct research in this field.
Shared core courses:
- Introduction to Physics of Complex Systems
- Quantitative Analysis of the Chemistry of Life
- Bioengineering/Synthetic Biology
- Biophysics and Physical Chemistry of Life
- Ethics in Synthetic Biology
- Professional Skills in Science
You will learn to appreciate that tackling a problem from different perspectives can give you invaluable information and help you devise novel approaches to solve complex issues situated at the interface of chemistry, biology and physics.
2nd Semester
You can select and choose topics from the module handbook from our faculty that you find intriguing or maybe even challenging. The second semester gives you the freedom to shape the curriculum that fits your aptitude and interests.
3rd and 4th Semester
It is all about learning by doing! The second year of your Master's will be dedicated to practical work - in the lab or in front of a computer at one or more of our Faculty's laboratories and research groups. To bring interdisciplinarity truly into practice, the first half of the year covers lab rotations wherein you will be doing a project across two different groups. Semester IV is when you get an opportunity to carry supervised research on a topic as part of your Master thesis.
Overall, the program is heavily research-oriented and encourages students to think and learn autonomously. The combination of theory in the first year and practical experience in the second year ensures that you are prepared to take on the challenge of the doctoral thesis.
My Way To Application And Admission
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