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.