Program Overview

Master of Science in Biochemistry

The Master's program in Biochemistry at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University is an international program for German, European, and International students, which is taught entirely in English. It aims at providing a cutting-edge education by combining advanced studies of Biochemistry with corresponding studies in related fields of Chemistry and/or Biology.

Program Description

The program is organized by the Department of Biochemistry in association with the Faculty of Biology. This interfaculty arrangement offers an interdisciplinary education in advanced and most modern experimental and theoretical skills. Internationally known and well-connected researchers teach state-of-the-art biochemistry as well as practical and organizational skills with the goal to enable students to independently conduct competitive research in Life Sciences.

Curriculum

During the program, all students receive a thorough mandatory training in advanced Biochemistry. In addition, they have the option to choose from numerous subjects as complementing major or minor subjects. The underlying idea is that students can develop their own interests and either gain a broader knowledge around biochemistry or focus and specialize in particular fields in depth.

Research Areas

The research of the Department of Biochemistry mainly focuses on Structural Biology and Innate Immunity, with a strong publication record proving the excellence of the teaching faculty in these fields. Students with interest in these research areas can expect top-of-the-line education from experts who are geared to inspire young researchers.

Laboratory Work

An integral and absolutely critical part of the curriculum is to work in laboratories on real research projects either in the context of research internships or the Master thesis. Here, we actively encourage and support our students in following their interests and also choose labs outside of the LMU.

Admission Requirements

For the Master's program in Biochemistry, successful participation in the placement process is required. This requires a successfully completed bachelor's degree in:

• "Chemistry and Biochemistry", Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or a related topic.
• Bachelors in Biotechnology will only be considered if transcripts show sufficient theoretical and practical skills in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology/Genetics, Cell Biology.
• Bachelors in Pharmacy are not considered.
• Excellent command of the English language.

Application Process

The application process applies to all students wishing to enter the master program in Biochemistry. There is no limitation on the number of students who may be admitted to the Biochemistry master program. The students' aptitude for the study program, however, must be ascertained by a placement process.

Entrance Exam

The placement process is part of the application procedure. After reviewing the documents, you will be invited to a mandatory entrance exam, which will take place 2-3 weeks after the deadline at the Gene Center in Munich.

Registration

You can register at the LMU after you have received your letter of acceptance from the Biochemistry Department. Registration (matriculation) must be done after you have filled out the online form.

Master Thesis

The Master's thesis is the independent work in which you will generate a hypothesis, design and perform experiments to test it, document and analyze the obtained data, and discuss the outcome of your experiments with respect to your hypothesis.

Duration and Submission

• The Master thesis should be finished within 26 weeks.
• Two hard copies of the thesis must be submitted, one for your internal supervisor and one for the students'/examination office.
• The thesis must contain an affirmation of authenticity with your signature on it.

Grading and Certificate

• Your supervisor writes a report in which she/he judges and grades your thesis work.
• For externally done theses, the external supervisor sends a report and proposes a grade to the internal supervisor and the examination office.
• The certificate will be prepared upon grading and will take 10-14 days.