Settling in and finding your feet at university
Starting your degree involves more than just familiarising yourself with timetables and modules. A specially designed induction programme will help you to settle in, both academically and personally. You’ll get to know your fellow students, develop your teamwork skills, and discover your own learning strategies. From the outset, the focus is on self-organisation and academic work – skills that, alongside subject knowledge, are essential for success.
This establishes a shared understanding from the outset: a degree requires active, independent learning.
a broad general biological education
The first four semesters are dedicated to providing a broad foundation in biology. The range of courses on offer reflects the diversity of biological disciplines, including cell biology, microbiology, genetics, physiology, systematics and ecology.
Each core module comprises lectures, practical sessions, and laboratory or fieldwork placements. Theory and practice are closely intertwined, enabling you to understand and apply biological concepts experimentally and methodologically.
A sound scientific education also includes mathematics, physics and chemistry. These subjects are taught by the relevant departments and are adapted to address biological issues and methods.
Close to research
From the fifth semester onwards, you will take an increasingly independent role in shaping your studies and can choose from a wide range of compulsory-elective modules. These modules provide direct insight into the department’s current research priorities and reflect the latest developments in the field.
The modules are offered as intensive three-week block courses, enabling you to focus on current academic issues.
Finally, with the six-week research placement and your Bachelor's thesis, you will embark on your own research, either within a departmental research group or at a non-university research institution.
Taking responsibility and building skills
During the 'Course Supervision' module, you will share the knowledge you acquired in your foundation year with subsequent cohorts of students. You will supervise students on practical placements for foundation modules, developing not only subject-specific expertise, but also communication, leadership, and reflective skills. A preparatory workshop will support you in your role as a tutor.
The Bachelor's programme in Biology at TU Darmstadt combines academic excellence with personal development. Alongside a broad scientific education, you will develop skills in teamwork, scientific communication, self-organisation, and responsible conduct — abilities that will optimally prepare you for further Master's programmes, research, or a wide range of career paths.
