Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Master's program in Informatik in den Naturwissenschaften (M. Sc.) at Bielefeld University is designed to extend theoretical and practical knowledge in computer science, combined with one of the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, or biotechnology. The program focuses on current methods and scientific results, with special attention given to conveying skills required to communicate with specialists in both fields.

Program Structure

The program is a four-semester Master's degree that builds upon a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science combined with one of the natural sciences as a minor subject, or any similar first academic degree. The primary goal is the extension of basic education and specialization in a few areas of computer science and the natural sciences, extensive project work, and a 6-month Master's thesis during the fourth semester.

Admission Requirements

For students enrolled before the winter term 2025, the degree program offers an English-speaking branch that guarantees courses will be offered to non-German speaking students. A list of English study modules is available. Proficiency in English is usually verified by a language test (TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum of 87 points or telc English with a minimum grade of B2).

Course Plan

The course plan for students enrolled or after winter term 2025 is designed to provide a comprehensive education in Informatik in den Naturwissenschaften. The course plan for students enrolled before winter term 2025 is also available.

Contents of Studies

The program adds a second qualifying degree in the intersection between computer science and the natural sciences. The primary goal is the extension of basic education and specialization in a few areas of computer science and the natural sciences, extensive project work, and a 6-month Master's thesis during the fourth semester.

Career Prospects

The subject Informatik in den Naturwissenschaften has been conceived in the form of a diploma program by Bielefeld University's Faculty of Technology since 1989. Meanwhile, this profile has been established as a highly interdisciplinary area of applied computer science. It has been the starting point of many successful careers. After finishing the degree program, students will be ready to work in science, but based on the competences acquired, they will also be optimally prepared to engage in science-oriented projects and software development.

Doctoral Studies

A doctoral degree will be relevant in particular for those students who plan for a scientific career after their Master's studies. The goal is to perform innovative research and gain new scientific insights, resulting in a text (doctoral thesis) describing the independent research work performed and an oral exam (doctoral defense). To guarantee optimal supervision, Bielefeld University hosts a network of international and national graduate schools and structured doctoral degree programs that are continuously developed further. The Faculty of Technology offers program-free doctoral studies, as well as the following doctoral programs:

• Bioinformatics (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.)
• Industrial Biotechnology (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.)
• Intelligent Systems (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.) In addition to their work on the dissertation project yielding the Dr. rer. nat. or Dr.-Ing. degree, members of a doctoral program complete an individual study program. This includes special scientific mentoring and a course program with scientific and additional skill courses like presentation techniques, scientific writing, or career planning.