Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Life Sciences Program

The MSc Life Sciences program, also known as FOKUS Life Sciences, is an intensive and highly interdisciplinary master's program designed to prepare students directly for a doctoral project at the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS), University of Würzburg. This program combines research expertise from biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, and psychology, offering a broad range of scientific environments and approaches. Teaching and research are fully embedded in an international community with English as the working language.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of life sciences through a combination of lectures, lab courses, and research projects.

• Semester 1: Begins with the lecture series "Topics and Concepts in Life Sciences" and "Methods in Life Sciences," each worth 10 ECTS. These courses are accompanied by a lab course, "Research Concepts in Life Sciences," also worth 10 ECTS, where students join a research group and work hands-on with state-of-the-art experimental approaches.
• Fast Track Option: Students who achieve excellent results in the first semester may proceed directly to their Master's thesis in Semester 2. If their thesis receives a top grade, they may directly transition into a doctoral project, completing the remaining Master's credits alongside their doctoral research through GSLS courses.
• Regular Route: Students who continue with coursework in Semesters 2 and 3 complete their Master's thesis in the 4th semester and finish the degree before starting a doctoral project.

Regulations and Module Descriptions

Detailed information about the study regulations, module catalog, and subject descriptions can be found in the program's official documents, which include:

• Study Regulations (Fachspezifische Bestimmungen)
• Module Catalogue (available in German and English, full and compact versions)
• Subject Descriptions (available in German and English)

Essential Qualifications Degree Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed a B.Sc. study program of at least 3 years (or 4 years in some non-European countries) with 180 ECTS credits by the time of admission. For applicants who have not yet finished their B.Sc. at the time of application, their transcripts must show completion of 5/6 of a regular program. Grades from different grading systems outside Germany will be recalculated to the German scale.

Essential Qualifications Subject Requirements

Applicants must have a strong foundation in the life sciences, solid theoretical knowledge, and substantial hands-on research experience. A Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related subject with a significant focus on the Life Sciences is required. Prior education and training in a medical profession are generally insufficient unless substantial practical research experience in fundamental science can be demonstrated.

Essential Qualifications Language Requirements

Proficiency in English at the C1 level (Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) is required. Accepted certificates include TOEFL, IELTS Academic, and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). Knowledge of German is not required, but learning some basic German is recommended to make everyday life easier.

Finances & Living

Practical information on managing finances, finding accommodation, and everyday life as a student in Würzburg is available, including tips on finances and housing.

Research Highlights by FOKUS Students

FOKUS students and alumni contribute to science through their publications, demonstrating the program's emphasis on research and academic excellence.

Examination Board

The Examination Board consists of:

• Dr. Markus Thamm (Chairman)
• Prof. Dr. Bettina Warscheid
• Prof. Dr. Keram Pfeiffer
• Prof. Dr. Natalie Lackus
• PD Dr. Sibylle Jablonka

This program is designed to provide a solid preparation for independent research and gives graduates a good chance of being admitted to one of the many interdisciplinary research groups in Würzburg.