Synthetic Biology MSc Technical University of Darmstadt

The Master's programme will be held in English (100%).

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 in “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.

15 July for the following winter semester

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 not only teaches scientific knowledge. You will gain the ability to think creatively, how to innovative, and 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. Project work is completed with training in intercultural and scientific communication.

No tuition fees

The registration fee totals about 340 EUR per semester. This includes administrative fees and the semester ticket ("Deutschlandticket"). The area of validity of the semester ticket will be extended to all transportation organisations and lines participating in the "Deutschlandticket" offer throughout Germany.

The Master's programme starts in winter semesters only. The application deadline is 15 July (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 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)
• 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. one page)
• Proof of proficiency in English (details below)
• Evidence of at least six 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 MSc 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.

Language requirements for applicants for a Bachelor's or Master's degree programme in which English is the language of instruction for at least the first year are as follows: proof of English language skills at level C1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.

15 July for the following winter semester

No

TU Darmstadt's International Affairs Department assists international students in their search for accommodation through its Housing Assistance Office. A major science hub, Darmstadt is home to multiple research institutions, three universities, and many high-technology companies, all of which attract people from around the world. A wide variety of accommodations that vary in size, furnishing, and rent are available in Darmstadt and its vicinity. As the university does not own or manage student housing, we support students in finding housing in private and public student dormitories or on the private market. In order to improve your chances in finding the optimal place to live, we recommend that you start your search early. We are happy to assist you in this process. Please make sure to register online on the housing assistance website for international students.

Our services include the distribution of an “Accommodation Guide” that includes links to private and public student dormitories, hotels and youth hostels, and a “Housing Guide” that provides tips on how to search for accommodation in Darmstadt.

TU Darmstadt

By choosing TU Darmstadt, you are making an investment in your personal and professional future. Committed to academic rigour, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, TU Darmstadt provides its community with an environment that sparks innovation. Our challenging 113 academic programmes allow students to gain international experience at an early stage while preparing them for successful careers in research, education, and the private sector.

In addition to its acclaimed strengths in engineering and technology, TU Darmstadt offers prospective students a wide range of study programmes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

Our subject profile:
50% Engineering
35% Natural Sciences
15% Humanities

Founded in 1877, TU Darmstadt is one of Germany's leading universities of technology and a member of TU9, a network of the most distinguished German institutes of technology. TU Darmstadt is also the coordinator of the European University UNITE! (University Network for Innovation, Technology and Engineering) – an alliance of nine leading European universities of technology.

TU Darmstadt has a global reputation for outstanding technology transfer through industrial partnerships, award-winning teaching facilities, and highly ranked research output. Its distinct focus on interdisciplinary cooperation works as a catalyst for innovative approaches to technology in research and everyday life applications.

Committed to an international orientation in teaching and research, as well as the promotion of values like open-mindedness and mutual respect, TU Darmstadt is home to a diverse community of students and researchers from 120 countries. With more than 300 partner universities around the globe and 40 double degree programmes as well as a strong network of industrial partners in the region, our alumni are sought-after professionals on the local, national, and international level. The QS Graduate Employability Ranking regularly ranks TU Darmstadt among the best universities in the world.

At TU Darmstadt, it is our priority to support international students in navigating this new environment. The International Student Services (ISS) team is happy to assist you before and during your stay.

With around 160,000 inhabitants and well over 40,000 students (roughly 26,000 of whom are at TU Darmstadt), the science city of Darmstadt offers a high quality of life as well as numerous cultural and tourist attractions in the immediate vicinity. Due to the city’s location in the centre of the dynamic Rhine-Main region and an excellent public transportation system, Darmstadt is well connected to destinations in Germany and around Europe.

A metropolitan high-tech centre in the heart of Europe, Darmstadt is the birthplace of numerous inventions that have changed our daily lives: from the radio-controlled clock, Plexiglas®, and the first enzyme-based washing agent to the liquid crystals in our mobile phones and notebooks. As the home of Art Nouveau, the internationally renowned European Space Agency, and research facilities like Fraunhofer Institutes, Darmstadt offers a creative and innovative milieu for living, studying and conducting research.

• Getting around: All TU students will be equipped with a semester ticket ("Deutschland Semester Ticket" in German). The "Deutschlandticket" entitles students to use all public transport in Germany.
• The University Sports Centre at TU Darmstadt gives students the opportunity to find a healthy balance between work and personal life. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in activities at the university stadium or swimming pool. Entry is free of charge to both facilities. During the ongoing pandemic, students have the option of taking online classes.
• Finally, TUtor International is a project at TU Darmstadt supporting international students culturally, academically and socially. Our aim is to assist international students with their orientation and integration into student life and German society. As a multicultural and international team, we are well aware of the differences in cultural backgrounds, and we are here for you as companions and friends. 
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