Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Regular program length: 4 semester (full-time program)

Credit points (ECTS): 120 credit points

Language of instruction: German

Limited capacity:
First semester: yes
Higher semester: yes
Application possible for:
First semester: winter and summer term
Higher semester: winter and summer term
Application deadline:
German and EU nationals
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Non-EU nationals
First semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term
Higher semester: July 15 for winter term, January 15 for summer term

Program structure

In the master's degree program in Chemical Biology, you will deepen the knowledge you acquired in your bachelor's degree; it is divided into an advanced module in Chemical Biology and freely selectable elective and specialization modules.

  • advanced module in chemical biology
  • advanced elective module in organic chemistry / physical chemistry / biology
  • advanced compulsory elective module organic chemistry / biology / biophysical chemistry+biochemistry / chemical biology

The program is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity and includes extensive laboratory courses. You will also acquire key qualifications that are relevant for your future professional practice. At the end of your studies, you will complete a master's thesis, which takes six months to complete.

The Chemical Biology program is characterized by its interdisciplinary orientation, which is reflected in a wide range of qualifications. This consistently prepares students for later work across individual scientific boundaries. Topics of study include molecular evolution, enzymatic specificity and catalysis, medical mechanisms of action, molecular communication and biosynthetic processes. The methods training is predominantly based on the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics. The four-semester Master's program continues to provide the opportunity to expand knowledge and develop specializations. It is divided into an advanced module in chemical biology as well as freely selectable elective and specialization modules from the subjects of chemical biology, biochemistry/biophysics, organic chemistry or biology.

Graduates of the Master's program in Chemical Biology:

  • have acquired supplementary and extended knowledge based on the educational objectives of the Bachelor's program. They thus have in-depth chemical-biological expertise and greater confidence in its theoretical and practical application, so that they can also scientifically describe, analyze, evaluate and successfully solve complex problems and tasks in chemical biology.
  • have in-depth knowledge of modern theoretical and experimental chemical and biological methods and have the skills to design, plan and independently conduct experimental investigations. They can interpret the obtained results and draw conclusions from them.
  • have a responsible and independent scientific approach, which has enabled them to work independently on a completed area of research in a scientific environment.
  • are able to successfully apply the acquired scientific and mathematical knowledge and skills to formulate and solve complex tasks in research and development in industry, at universities or other research institutions, to critically question them and to develop them further if necessary. They are able to identify and obtain the information needed to solve problems.
  • are able to develop concepts and solutions to basic research-oriented problems with broad involvement of other, especially related disciplines. They can use their knowledge, skills, and also their creativity and scientific judgment to design and develop new knowledge, products, and processes.
  • are able to work on and communicate concepts, approaches, and results as part of a team. They are able to become familiar with the technical language, terminology, and expressions of related fields and can communicate and collaborate with specialists in various chemical fields and other sciences and engineering.
  • have been trained with the breadth and depth necessary to quickly become familiar with future technologies and areas of work in their own field and in developing peripheral areas.
  • have acquired extra-disciplinary qualifications and are thus prepared for the non-subject-related requirements of a professional job.
  • have an in-depth understanding of applications of chemical compounds, materials and processes in biological contexts, are aware of the limits and hazards involved and can apply their knowledge responsibly, taking into account safety, ecological and economic requirements. They can actively shape the opinion-forming process in society regarding scientific issues.
  • acquire the scientific qualification for a doctorate.

Excerpt from the diploma supplement of the study program

After completing a master's degree in chemical biology, students often pursue a doctorate. After completing a degree in chemical biology, you will have a wide range of career opportunities, for example at universities and research institutes, in companies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries and in the biotechnology sector. The fields of activity there range from research and development, diagnostics, analytics, production and sales to marketing or consulting.

Characteristic features of Chemical Biology M.Sc. at KIT

  • unique opportunity to combine university education with research at large-scale research facilities
  • broad range of courses, numerous specialization options
  • integration into the EUCOR university network and the European University EPICUR. Participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse as well as Amsterdam, Poznan, Vienna and Thessaloniki

What KIT has to offer

  • central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  • 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  • wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  • numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  • study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  • excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  • comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  • extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  • internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  • modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  • Lernraum app
  • diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  • stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Chemical Biology are based on the current admission regulations:

  • bachelor's degree
    a bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or a degree program with essentially the same content) from a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
  • minimum achievements
    achievements in laboratory courses totaling 50 ECTS credits (CP) in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics

Note on the application documents

Enclose proof of all (laboratory) courses completed during your studies with details of the CP awarded for each. Proof of internships must include a description of the content.

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Chemical Biology, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language. Your German language skills must correspond to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of sufficient German language skills

Your school-leaving certificate is sufficient proof of your German language skills if

  • you obtainted it at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad
  • you are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB)
  • you obtained your degree at a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country on the recoginition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany

A complete list of foreign school-leaving and language certificates that are recognizes as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the webste of the Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany).

If you have not obtained your higher education entrance qualification (HZB) at one of the above-mentioned institutions, you must provide a separate language certificate - regardless of your nationality. Only the following are accepted

  • the passed „Prüfungsteil Deutsch“ of the Feststellungsprüfung,
  • the passed DSH with an overall result DSH-2,
  • the passed TestDaF level 4 in all four parts of the examination (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral expression)
  • a comparable, recognized certificate of sufficient German language skills

To find our which other recognized certificates can be accepted by KIT as comparable, please contact

Please note:
Language certificates are extremely important application documents that can prevent your enrollment if you do not submit them on time. Therefore, check early on in the application process whether you have the necessary language certificates for your degree program and, if necessary, plan to take one of the language tests mentioned above. The deadline by which you must submit language certificates corresponds to the enrollment deadline stated in your admission offer. In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of this deadline. The extension can be granted until the start of the lecture period at the latest.

There are 29 study places available each year. These are allocated on the basis of a ranking list among those applicants who meet the admission requirements. The ranking list is based on a maximum of 298 achievable assessment points.

You can achieve in detail

  • max. 198 points for academic achievements
  • max. 100 points for other academic and professional achievements (completed, relevant vocational training or professional activity, special training, practical activities, academic achievements such as publications, outstanding academic work, research activities, research stays)

Application for the 1st semester

Application for a higher semester

Dr. Julia Misiewicz
Student advisor
Student advisory services (ZSB)

+49 721 608 - 44930Julia Misiewicz does-not-exist.kit edu

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB)
Engelbert-Arnold-Str. 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Studierendenservice

 

+49 721 608 - 82222

 

Contacts for students

Contacts for applicants

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Studierendenservice
Kaiserstr. 12
76131 Karlsruhe

 

Business hours

International Students Office
First point of contact for international applicants

+49 721 608 - 44911

Contact form

 

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
International Students Office (IStO)
Adenauerring 2
76131 Karlsruhe

Current studies and examination regulations Chemical Biology M.Sc.
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26.02.2025, veröffentlicht 27.02.2025

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30.03.2023, veröffentlicht 30.03.2023

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20.05.2022, veröffentlicht 20.05.2022

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04.09.2020, veröffentlicht 04.09.2020

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10.05.2016, veröffentlicht 09.05.2016

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WT 2024/25

10-21-2024 to 02-15-2025

ST 2025

04-22-2025 to 08-02-2025

WT 2025/26

10-27-2025 to 02-21-2026

ST 2026

04-20-2026 to 08-01-2026

WT 2026/27

10-26-2026 to 02-20-2027

ST 2027

04-19-2027 to 07-31-2027

WT 2027/28

10-25-2027 to 02-19-2028

ST 2028

04-18-2028 to 07-29-2028

Lectures will not take place:
  • From 12-24 to 01-06
  • the week after Pentecost
  • on all public holidays in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg