Master of Synthetic Biology
Master of Science (M.Sc.)

This new unique Master's degree programme has started in the winter semester 2023/24 at the Department of Biology. Be one of the first students to get a Master's degree in Synthetic Biology: Apply between March 1st and July 15th for the winter semester!

Numerous urgent problems of our time can only be solved with an interdisciplinary approach in an international context. The international and interdisciplinary Master's programme “Synthetic Biology” will allow you to gain knowledge and skills to address these complex challenges in life science research using the principles of synthetic biology.

The English-taught degree programme combines current knowledge from the fields of molecular biology, engineering and materials sciences. By bringing the disciplines together, an engineering approach can be used to endow biological cells with new molecular functions.

There is an emphasis on laboratory-based work using a wide range of modern methodologies and techniques. In addition you will develop an understanding of mathematical modelling of biological systems and the application of engineering principles to solve biological problems.

This degree programme does not stop by teaching scientific knowledge. You will gain the ability to think creatively and innovatively and to work independently. Through our strong focus on practical experience and research, you will be able to transfer your theoretical knowledge into practice and develop your own projects. This project work is completed with training in intercultural and scientific communication.

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This Master's programme starts in winter semesters only. The application is possible between March 1st and July 15th (cut-off deadline).

The application for the Master's programme in Synthetic Biology is exclusively done via the application portal TUCaN of TU Darmstadt. The application documents must be submitted to the central Student Service/Admission International. Only complete application documents will be processed.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • Proof of a college degree (Bachelor's degree in biology or a related subject).
  • Proof of proficiency in English on C1 (GER) level.
  • Equivalency list of required admission competencies as per the template (becomes visible during the application process in TUCaN)
  • Summary of the content of the Bachelor's thesis (in English, max. 1 page)
  • Evidence of at least 6 weeks of relevant practical laboratory experience, if this cannot be demonstrated as part of the Bachelor's degree.
  • Current transcript of records
  • Diploma Supplement (if available)
  • Curriculum vitae (optional)

Detailed information on the entrance examination can be found in the Implementation Regulations of the Master's Programme in Synthetic Biology. The entrance examination is conducted by a committee. It consists of lecturers of the M.Sc. Synthetic Biology programme. Representatives of the Department of Biology assist the commission in an advisory capacity. The entrance examination takes place in two stages.

Stage 1:

Applicants' submitted application materials are independently reviewed and scored by two committee members. A score of 0 to a maximum of 100 points is assigned. Applicants with a minimum score of 80 will be directly classified as suitable.

In cases where individual subject requirements from the first degree programme are not met, applicants may be admitted with the requirement to take foundation examinations in additional subjects for the Bachelor's degree programme in biology for a maximum of 30 credits.

Stage 2:

Applicants who do not achieve a score of 80 points and do not fall below 40 points will be invited to an entrance interview. The 30-minute interview with at least two members of the committee will assess the applicant's suitability for the programme based on the entry competencies. The interview is scored independently by the members of the commission with a score from 0 to a maximum of 100 points. Applicants who achieve at least 60 points with the arithmetic mean of the points from stage 1 and 2 are classified as suitable.

Picture: Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt

Research in the field of synthetic biology:

Intelligent biosensors, point-of-care diagnostics, production of complex chemical compounds, creation of new biocompatible materials, new regulatory mechanisms, generation of electrical energy.

More research topics: Centre for Synthetic Biology

Documents

Module handbook Synthetic Biologie, M.Sc. (opens in new tab)

Regulations of the study programme Synthetic Biology (opens in new tab) (English – the English translation is for information purposes only, the legally binding document is the German version)

Regulations of the study programme Synthetic Biology (opens in new tab) (German)

Curriculum of the study programme Synthetic Biology

Application & entrance examination (opens in new tab) (German)