Program Overview

Molecular Bioengineering Master's Program

The Molecular Bioengineering Master's program at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) offers a comprehensive education in the field of molecular bioengineering. This program brings together a novel combination of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, material science, medical science, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology.

Program Overview

• Degree: Master of Science
• Language: English
• Tuition: None
• Start: Winter Semester (October)
• Duration: 4 semesters (3 semesters of coursework and lab classes + 1 semester for Master's thesis)
• Internationality: Approximately 70% of the students come from outside Germany

Why Molecular Bioengineering Master's Program?

The Molecular Bioengineering program allows students to engineer cellular machines and learn how to combine life science with technology. The program explores biology to understand how nature engineers its mighty molecules and uses nanotechnology and computational biology to engineer nanomachines, tiny molecular factories, and biomaterials for medical and industrial applications.

Teaching Staff

The program features state-of-the-art teaching by the CMCB's esteemed professors and group leaders. Students are guided by renowned scientists from the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and the B CUBE - Center for Molecular Bioengineering, complemented by colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials (MBC), Leibniz-Institute for Polymer Research (IPF), and the Medical Theoretical Center (MTZ).

Internationality

The program offers an international learning environment, with over 60% of students coming from outside of Germany, representing a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives.

Career Prospects

The dynamic development in life sciences and biotechnology creates a huge demand for qualified scientists in these areas. Graduates of the Molecular Bioengineering program should be able to find appropriate positions in research institutes as well as in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and software industry.

Curriculum

The Molecular Bioengineering curriculum is a comprehensive Master's program that provides a well-rounded education and sought-after wet-lab skills over the course of four semesters.

Biomedical and Technological Modules

The initial three semesters are dedicated to building foundational knowledge in a variety of courses that fall into two categories:

• Biomedical modules: genomics and stem cell engineering, proteomics, and chemistry with biomolecules
• Technological modules: bioinformatics, bionanotechnology and biomaterials, biophysics and cellular machines

Elective Modules

Starting in the second semester, students have the opportunity to dive deeper into their areas of interest by selecting one out of two elective (optional) modules:

• Application in biomedicine (Materials in Biomedicine, Biomedical Tissue Engineering)
• Application in technology (Microsystems Technology, Applied Bionanotechnology)

Students also have an opportunity to participate in a workshop on public and economic aspects of bioengineering that discusses ethical and legal issues, patenting, and skills required to found and lead biotechnological companies.

Lab Project

Over the course of the third semester, students have the ability to gain valuable hands-on experience in one of the laboratories at the CMCB, TU Dresden, or partner institution.

Master's Thesis

The studies culminate in the fourth semester, which is dedicated to the Master's thesis. Students have the flexibility to choose from a variety of research topics and work in one of the research groups at the B CUBE, BIOTEC, or CRTD. They can also reach out to groups at other TU Dresden departments or partner institutions.

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Degrees and Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, Diploma degree, or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:
  • Biology / Life Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry / Biochemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Medicine
  • Nanotechnology
  • Physics
• Good command of English:
  • Diploma of secondary school or university completed in English
  • TOEFL: minimum 92 points internet-based
  • IELTS: minimum 6.5
  • Certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered, e.g., UniCERT, CAE, CPE
• Other Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in biochemistry, cell biology, materials science, physics, and mathematics

PhD Early Admission

Through a cooperation between the Dresden International PhD program (DIPP) and the CMCB, there is a possibility for an early admission for a PhD within the DIPP program. Selected students have an option of starting a PhD after their 3rd semester of Master's program. The decision is made based on performance and reference letters.

Supporting Study Documents

The study documents for download include:

• Curriculum
• Study Schedule
• Module Description
• Overview of the changes to the Study and Examination Regulations
• Study Regulations
• Examination Regulations
• Admission Regulations