Immunobiology: From Molecules to Integrative Systems University of Bonn

All courses are held in English.

Students will be offered a profound education in both immunology and systems biology. The aim of the programme is to mediate an in-depth understanding of the molecular and structural processes of the immune system combined with substantial knowledge and hands-on training in genomics, epigenetics and bioinformatics.

30 April for non-EU applicants
30 June for EU applicants

Lectures

Topics of the lectures are:

• Immunology I (innate immunology)
• Immunology II (adaptive immunology)
• Methods in life sciences and statistics
• Genomics and epigenetics
• Systems biology, bioinformatics and big data science
• The immune system in barrier organs and immune regulation
• Experimental animals and bioethics
• Good scientific practice

Additionally, the Master's programme starts with two elective lectures. These lectures provide a detailed overview of a particular field and are intended to give the students the opportunity to overcome a lack of basic knowledge in that field. Elective lectures are not graded. Students should attend at least two of the following lectures:

• Biochemistry and organic chemistry
• Cell biology and immunology
• Genetics and molecular biology
• Inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry

Method Course I and II

All students participate in two introductory methods courses. In these practical courses, students are able to learn and become familiarised with fundamental techniques applied in current research. The methods courses comprise a few weeks of experimental work.

Lab Rotations

Every student conducts two individual research projects (lab rotations), which each involve seven weeks of experimental work, followed by one week of data analysis and a written lab report in the format of a scientific research publication. Lab rotations can be performed in the LIMES Institute, in partner institutions (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research or Bayer Pharma) or in any another university in Germany or abroad.

Oral Examination Immunology

This oral examination will cover all topics from the lectures in immunology, systems biology, genomics and epigenetics. Such an examination gives the students the opportunity to demonstrate a broad understanding of the different subjects and the ability to recognise interdisciplinary correlations between different topics.

Master's Thesis

The Master's programme is completed by a six-month Master's thesis, which is to be carried out in one of the research groups of the LIMES institute, in a partner institution (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research or Bayer Pharma) or at another university in Germany or abroad.

Students have the possibility to perform lab rotations or complete the Master's thesis abroad.

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (= semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes, among other things, a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 870 EUR to 1,100 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share.

Admission requirements

1. Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (German grading system) in

• Molecular biomedicine
• Immunology
• Biology / Molecular biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• or related fields

2. Applicants must have conducted an experimental Bachelor's thesis or a thesis in the field of bioinformatics.

3. In their previous Bachelor’s studies, applicants should have passed a minimum of three modules (equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credit points in total) in the following areas:

• Chemical Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Immunology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

4. All courses are held in English. Applicants who are not native speakers of English should demonstrate adequate competence of the English language by acceptable results on an internationally recognised test. See the "Language requirements" section for more information on accepted tests and certificates.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English should demonstrate adequate competence of the English language by acceptable results on an internationally recognised test. Minimum language requirements are met by achieving the following test scores:

• TOEFL paper-based test: 550
• TOEFL computer-based test: 213
• TOEFL Internet-based test: 87-109
• IELTS: 6.0

In addition, the certificates APIEL and CPE meet the requirements of English proficiency. Applicants who took English courses at a German "Gymnasium" until their final examinations ("Abitur") or who wrote a Bachelor's thesis in English do not need the above-mentioned tests.

30 April for non-EU applicants
30 June for EU applicants

No

Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (further information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/). 

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn. 

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service, which provides advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.