Medical Faculty HeidelbergMedical Biometry/Biostatistics – Master
Medical biometry (also known as Biostatistics) is the scientific modelling and analysis of quantifiable biomedical processes and phenomena. Students consider the planning and evaluation of empirical studies and the mathematical modelling of relationships in (biology and) medicine.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Type of programme | Continuing |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | German, sometimes English |
| Fees and contributions | 3,000.00 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Continuing-education master’s programmes |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
Course Content
The Master’s degree programme in Medical Biometry / Biostatistics provides students with the methodical skills required to plan, conduct and evaluate clinical studies. In addition, they learn how to apply these skills in concrete research projects. This degree programme also provides the necessary skills for successful completion of interdisciplinary projects and independent methodical research. The primary focus of the programme is on the application of the methodical knowledge gained in scientific medical research projects, including scientific modelling, the selection of appropriate methods, and problem-oriented interpretation.
The programme is designed to prepare students for scientific professions, in accordance with international guidelines for conducting clinical studies. All clinical investigations require the participation of a qualified Biometrician, who is responsible for the proper design of experiments as well as for the evaluation and documentation of results. After the director of the study (Principal Investigator), this is the second most important function in a clinical study. Biometricians carry a great deal of responsibility.
In order to successfully plan and conduct clinical research projects, Biometricians must possess not only methodical knowledge, but also comprehensive medical and cross-disciplinary knowledge, and the ability to combine these two scientific disciplines.
Course Structure
The Master’s degree programme in Medical Biometry / Biostatistics is designed to be studied part-time. It consists in a total of 23 lectures or courses which students must attend in person. The individual courses and lectures take place in blocks, which generally run from Thursday to Saturday. To complete each course, students sit a final examination. The academic programme is strongly linked to students’ professional activities. Students must therefore gain credits for the completion of tasks as part of paid employment.
In the first three semesters, students attend seven of the eight set courses and lectures. In the fourth semester, they complete the Master’s thesis and attend additional, varied lectures and courses which they have selected.
The degree programme consists of seven modules: Biometry, statistical processes, studies, data management, epidemiology, medicine, advanced content. Information on the lectures and courses to be completed for each of these modules can be found in the module overview.