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Biology (B.Sc.)

Taught in German

Overview

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Bild B. Sc. Agrarwissenschaft

Overview

Overview

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.

Requirements of this course of studies
A general interest in the natural sciences and basic knowledge of chemistry, maths and physics are helpful. Within the first two semesters, you must provide proof of English language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), typically in the form of your Abitur certificate. Missing language skills can be made up in language courses at JLU.

Number of enrolled students

348 students are enrolled in this bachelor degree course (as of winter semester 2024/25).

Accreditation

since 23 June 2005.

Composition of the Study Programme

Degree BSc

Degree

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Duration of studies 6 Semester 180 Credit Points (CP)

Duration of Studies

6 Semesters - 180 Credit Points (CP)

Composition of the Study Programme

Composition of degree programme

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 above: ‘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.

 

Errors and Omissions Excepted.

Application

Commencement of Studies in the Winter Semester

Commencement of studies

Only possible in the winter semester

Entrance Requirements Abitur ohne Praktikumsnachweis

Entrance requirements

  • A valid university entrance qualification.
    • From Germany: Allgemeine Hoch­schul­reife (= Abitur or similar qualifications), Fach­hoch­schul­reife, Meister­prüfung, Hochschul­zugangs­berechtigung für beruflich Qualifizierte. Further Information
    • From outside of Germany: You can find out whether your university entrance qualification (HZB) from your home country entitles you to enrol directly in a degree programme in Germany on the Information System for Foreign Applicants (anabin).
  • Certification of a pre-professional practical period is not required.
  • Special regulations apply to foreign applicants or those who gained their university-entrance qualifications abroad. Read more
Language requirements

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.

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

Application not limited only winter

Application / Enrolment

  • The study programme is not subject to admission restrictions.

  • The enrolment period for the winter semester begins at the beginning of June.

  • The end of the enrolment period is determined anew each year, please enquire in the application portal during the enrolment period.

 

Different rules apply in some cases for international applicants. More...

 

Bewerbungsportal
Application portal

Career Options

Career Options

Programmes of further study at JLU

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

 

Career options / Job market

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

 

Further Information

Further Information: Documents

PDF documents for the courses of study

 

Examination- and study regulations

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Links


Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 08

Any Questions

Any Questions?

Information- and advisory services of JLU can be found under the category “contact” on this page!

Help

Do you need assistance in choosing the right courses of study?

Offers: Courses of study

Which courses of study suits me best?

Ask Justus offers information for prospective students

 

Events for prospective students

There is a whole range of events offered by JLU, current events can be found under “news”:
www.uni-giessen.de/studium (in German)

Contact

Contact

More

Links


Subject Advisors
Bio

Dr. Birgit Jauker

Faculty 08 - Biology and Chemistry

IFZ, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, room B402
35392 Gießen
Telephone: ++49 (0) 641 – 99 35711 or 35122
Contact hours: Thursdays 8.00-10.00

Central Study Advisor
Central Student Services

Directions and welcome desk