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Biologie / Biology (B.Sc.)

From bacteria to blue whales: the Bachelor’s in Biology at JLU explores life in all its forms – with plenty of practical work in the laboratory and in the field, and the opportunity to specialise in your own areas of interest.

Overview

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Biology invites you to explore life in all its forms and learn to understand complex ecosystems. You will study botany, genetics, zoology and more, both in theory and in practice in laboratories and in the field, and as the course progresses, you will be able to specialise in areas of your own choosing based on your interests.

 

Applying for admission

 

Start of studies

Winter semester


Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semester


Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)


Language of instruction

German

Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

Are you interested in the science of life? Would you like to understand how organisms function, how cells work and how biological processes take place? Are you enthusiastic about the natural sciences and want to better understand life on earth?

Then the Bachelor's degree programme in Biology is just right for you!From the smallest bacterium to the houseplant in your living room to the giant blue whale - in biology you will study life and nature and learn to understand complex ecosystems. Botany, genetics, zoology - it's all part of the programme, both in theory and in practice in the form of laboratory work and field experiments.

How is the programme structured?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Biology is divided into three sections: 

  • Core curriculum (1st year of study), 
  • advanced phase (2nd year of study) and 
  • specialisation phase (3rd year of study).

A special feature of the degree programme is that the modules are offered in the form of block studies. This means that modules on one topic are taught daily for 4 weeks. After this period, you complete the module immediately afterwards with an examination. This offers you an intensive examination of the respective topic in lectures and practicals and avoids the typical exam stress at the end of a semester.

 

Mandatory Modules

1st semester 2nd semester
Introduction to the study of
biology and management of studies             
Biochemistry / molecular biology                    
General biology Classification practice / excursions
General botany Microbiology
Chemistry for biologists Physics for biologists
Genetics Zoology

Mandatory Modules

Already in the expansion phase additional electives for up to 6 credit points can be taken from the optional range of courses besides the mandatory modules.

3rd semester 4th semester
Mathematics and statistics for biologists                   Developmental biology
Physics for biologists     Plant ecology
Plant physiology Animal ecology
Introduction to animal physiology                    Human biology
Cell biology

Optional module (for a list see the module handbook) or work placement

 

In-depth phase (5th & 6th semester)

In the last two semesters, you choose your own specialisations depending on your interests. In the fifth semester, the organism and ecology specialisations focus on topics such as climate change, nature conservation, evolution and marine biology. The molecular biology specialisation covers topics such as immunology, neurobiology, tumour formation, gene regulation and developmental biology. In addition, you will deepen your scientific writing and presentation skills in a module.

The fifth semester can alternatively be planned as a semester abroad.

The sixth semester prepares you optimally for writing your Bachelor's thesis in the form of a research semester. All modules (such as theory module, project internship, assistant module) in which you familiarise yourself theoretically and practically with the topic of your Bachelor's thesis, as well as the Bachelor's thesis itself, will be completed in the biological research groups at JLU. 

Please also refer to the publications in the University of Giessen (MUG), where you can find the relevant study and examination regulations (see ‘Further information’). You will also find further contact persons under ‘Contact’.

 

Practical relevance

In addition to theoretical content, important technical skills for professional practice are also taught in practical form, e.g. through laboratory practicals, field work and excursions. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience as part of an internship in a biological field.

 

Bachelor's dissertation

Almost half the time in the sixth semester is taken up writing the bachelor`s dissertation. In the thesis the student must show that he/she is capable of working independently on an academic project. The thesis will be evaluated by two examiners.

Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

A subsequent Masters degree programme offers you the opportunity to specialise in academic research:

Doctorate possible with a Master's degree for the degree Dr. rer. nat.

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

The scope of activities and career options is very broad for biologists. Apart from academic and non-academic research biologists can find jobs in diverse fields, such as:

  • research and development
  • services
  • management
  • marketing
  • in scientific journalism
  • in the education sector

Online advertisements for employment on offer and further information can be found on the internet pages:

Verband deutscher Biologen
Biologenkompass
BERUFENET der Agentur für Arbeit

Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

  • From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
  • From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin) .

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency .

Language requirements

English language skills at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required for the degree programme. Proof of this must be provided by

a) the Abitur certificate,
b) upper secondary school reports or proof of at least four years of schooling in English,
c) Proof of successfully completed language courses, whereby at least 120 hours of instruction must be demonstrated,
d) specialised reports or lector examinations on language skills acquired through stays abroad, university language courses or self-study,
e) Proof of a UNIcert level I qualification,
f) proof of a TOEFL test (computer-based score of at least 43, written test with at least 550 points) or
g) another certificate recognised as equivalent by the examination board.

Proof of the above-mentioned English language skills must be provided within the first two semesters of the programme. In cases of doubt, the Examination Board decides on the fulfilment of the admission requirements.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

  • for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
  • for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

 

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Biologie (PDF in German)



Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 23 June 2005.

Is this course right for me?

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

  • creating a course schedule,
  • examination regulations and registration deadlines,
  • campus areas and leisure activities,
  • and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies

Contact

Subject Advisor

Dr. Birgit Jauker

Faculty 08 - Biology and Chemistry
Carl-Vogt-Haus, Room 408
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38
35392 Giessen

Phone: +49 641 99 35064
Email:

Contact hours: Mondays, 10.00-12.00

Central Study Advisor

Wiebke Blumenthal

Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giesen

Advisory services and contact information

International Office

Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students

International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Contact persons and office hours