The four semester Biology / Biologie master programme no longer has mandatory courses. Each student creates an individual study plan from the modules offered in the program. In order to further support individual interests, inclinations, career aspirations, and profile development, students are able to choose 30 of the 120 total credit points (CP) in the degree programme from other universities within Germany and abroad Elective Studies*. The course of studies concludes with the Master Thesis Module (30 CP).

Students can begin the programme in either the Summer or Winter semester. However, due to the broad range of Background Modules offered in the programme, beginning the course in the Winter semester is recommended.

The elective curriculum in the M.Sc. Biology programme combines three module types with different objectives.

Background Modules (min. 24 CP)

Background Modules convey general knowledge on biological topics. Modules take place in 3-7 week blocks (between 6 and 15 CP) and usually consist of a lecture, seminar, and internship with 8-20 participating students.

Skills Modules

Skills Modules (6 or 3 CP) serve to support the development of practical skills and take place in courses with up to 24 students. Topics include various biological working techniques, academic English, and bioethics.

Research Modules (min. 15 CP) und Master Thesis Module (30 CP)

Research Modules consist of individual research projects which, depending on students’ choice of supervisor, take place in either a working group at the University of Oldenburg or in an external research organization. During the research project, students work with a specific research question for 6-7 weeks (15 CP). The individual nature of this module allows students to practice independent academic work, including experimental techniques, working with academic literature, and presenting results. This module prepares students to begin the Master Thesis Module (30 CP) at the conclusion of their studies which includes a substantial research project and a colloquium. 

For an overview of courses offered in the Summer and Winter semesters, see the 

study schedule

Below you find detailed information on the contents and methods of instruction in individual modules. Module descriptions can be viewed by clicking the module title in the following tables of modules. Completed module handbooks for direct download are available here.

Information on the schedule and meetings for courses in the current or previous semesters can be found via the online course catalogue by clicking the module titles.