Program Overview

Introduction to the Master Program in Molecular Systems Science and Engineering

The Master Program in “Molecular Systems Science and Engineering” (MSSE) aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore the complexities of molecular systems through the lenses of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and the Molecular Life Sciences.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Master of Science
• 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: Consecutive master’s programmes with admission restriction
• Application by lottery: Yes
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
• Part-time option: Yes
• Can be completed entirely in English: Yes
• International degree program: Yes

Course Content

After one semester of basic lectures with exercises in at least three of the five main subjects, students specialize in electives from the second semester onwards. The compulsory modules Creative Science Lab, Technology Transfer, Data & Project Management form an important part of the program, as they provide students with the knowledge and skills to design and carry out research projects as independent scientists. This is followed by the research phase in the form of internships accompanied by seminars and a Master's thesis.

Career Prospects

MSSE graduates will be well-prepared for careers in research or development in the field of Molecular Systems Science and Engineering, as well as for participation in PhD programs.

Course Structure

The MSSE program at Heidelberg University explores the fascinating and highly interdisciplinary realm of Molecular Systems Engineering. Students are introduced to the core research topics within the field and then have the opportunity to narrow down their focus. Alongside this, they'll acquire essential skills and techniques for lab work. Eventually, students get to apply this knowledge firsthand when they join the affiliated research groups full-time during their lab rotations and Master Thesis.

First Semester

In the first semester, students learn the basics of Molecular Systems Science by choosing three out of the five main topics:

• Energy Conversion
• Molecular Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Nanosystems
• Philosophy and Ethics in the Engineering Science They furthermore choose one of the four specializations:
• Specialization (Macro) Molecular Engineering
• Specialization Life Inspired Molecular Systems
• Specialization Physics of Functional Materials
• Specialization Physical and Biological Principles of Sensing In addition, students are introduced to the basics of Data and Project Management.

Second Semester

In the second semester, students choose their two final specialization topics:

• Functional Organic Materials
• Synthetic Biosystems
• Advanced Macromoelcular Chemistry
• Physics of Molecular Systems Science and Engineering They are furthermore introduced to the methods and lab practices necessary for their lab rotations and Master Thesis in the Creative Science Lab (rotation and seminar). Additionally, they learn about Technology Transfer at Heidelberg University.

Third Semester

The third semester is focused on lab rotations in one of the many host labs available at the IMSEAM and other locations at Heidelberg University and abroad.

Fourth Semester

The fourth semester is reserved for the Master Thesis.