Masters Degrees in Medicine, Germany

Medical Life Sciences is an English-taught two-year Master’s programme in molecular disease research and bridges the gap between the sciences and medical studies. You will get to know clinical research from scratch; you will learn how to investigate diseases/disease mechanisms both in ancient and contemporary populations, how to translate research results into prevention, diagnosis and therapies of diseases.
From the basics of medical science to lab experiments for the Master’s thesis, individual scientific training takes first priority. Experimental work in state-of-the-art research labs is essential in Medical Life Sciences; clinical internships, data analysis, lectures, seminars and electives complement the Medical Life Sciences curriculum.
Evolutionary biology will train you in thinking from cause to consequence. Molecular paleopathology and ancient DNA research tell you a lot about disease through human history. These insights help to fight disease today, which is why evolutionary medicine is becoming a cutting-edge research field. Whether you want to focus on ancient populations and paleopathology or on specific disease indications nowadays, here you get the tools and skills to do both.
To lay the foundation for working in medical research, Medical Life Sciences includes courses on clinical manifestations of diseases, molecular pathology and immunology. Hands-on courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical cell biology, medical statistics, and human genetics broaden your knowledge and make the interfaces between medicine and the sciences visible. You will learn how to acquire knowledge, verify and use it.. That biomedicine has many facets to discover is the great thing that keeps students fascinated and well-equipped for finding a job in academia or the industry.

Focus Areas

From the second semester, you additionally specialise in one of the following focus areas:

INFLAMMATION takes you deep into the molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases, the causal network between inflammatory processes and disease, genetics and environment. New research results for prevention, diagnosis and therapy will be presented and discussed. An internship in specialised clinics helps to see how “bed to bench side”, i.e. translational medicine, works.

EVOLUTIONARY MEDICINE looks at how interrelations between humans and their environment have led to current disease susceptibility. Why do we suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity? Is our lifestyle making us sick? Why are certain genetic variants maintained in populations despite their disease risk? Evolutionary medicine focuses on bridging the gap between evolutionary biology and medicine by considering the evolutionary origins of common diseases to help find new biomedical approaches for preventing and treating them.

ONCOLOGY delves deep into molecular research on malignant diseases, the interplay of genetics and environment, cell biology of tumours, and many other aspects. You will achieve a better understanding of unresolved problems and opportunities of current research approaches.

LONGEVITY focuses on molecular mechanisms that seem to counteract the detrimental effect of ageing. The disease resilience and metabolic stability of extraordinarily fit people well over 90 years of age are of special interest. This research is complemented by experiments on model organisms. You will also look at the molecular pathways of ageing, and which role genes and the environment play. How the intricate web of counteracting effects triggering ageing and/or longevity works stands as the central focus of this area.

Scientists and clinicians will make you familiar with these topics in lectures and seminars. You will discuss different research approaches, perspectives and the latest developments in medical research. Lab practicals in state-of-the-art research labs, a lab project, and the experimental Master's thesis will provide ample opportunity to be involved in real-time research projects.

Electives

To widen your perspective, you choose one of three electives designed to complement the focus areas. The schedules are designed so that you can take part in more than one elective if places are available. Tracing Disease through Time looks at disease etiology by analysing biomolecules, diets and pathogens in archaeological specimens. You may opt for Epidemiology to immerse yourself in epidemiological approaches with special emphasis on cardiovascular diseases, one of the greatest health threats in modern societies. Another option is Molecular Imaging, which gives you insight into the world of high-tech imaging in medical research.

Additional electives such as Neurology, Tissue Engineering or Epithelial Barrier Functions and Soft Skills courses such as Project Management, Career Orientation and English Scientific Writing are integrated into the curriculum.

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Overview

This innovative master program enables you to meet the demands of employers in the scientific field worldwide. You will be trained in all aspects of cutting edge molecular stem cell biology including legal and ethical aspects, good medical practice and acquisition of third party funding. The course combines cutting edge approaches such as iPSC and bioprinting with traditional basic disciplines such as histology to secure an in-depth understanding towards innovative translational approaches in medicine. The course is entirely taught in English.

Learning outcome

Holding our degree means you have acquired a robust expertise in theory and practice in one of the most scientifically and ethically demanding biomedical fields of today.

During the first year of the program, students achieve a fundamental understanding of developmental processes that are linked to the current progress of stem cell research. This theoretical knowledge is further deepened and expanded on by hands-on experience in the relevant laboratories.

The inclusion of local national and international guest lecturers gives students the opportunity to get an idea what is going on in the field of stem cell research and which labs can be chosen for specialized practicals.

During the second year, the curriculum emphasizes application-oriented courses suited to understand the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases and to familiarize with the complex demands of modern medicine. The 4th semester is reserved for the master thesis; multiple international collaborations and a mobility window offer the chance to perform practicals and master thesis abroad.

Modules

The major modules in the program are listed below:

Stem Cell Physiology (I and II)
3x Lecture Series on recent developments in stem cell research (by national and international experts)
Bioinformatics
Stem Cell Practical Courses- 2 weeks-long practical courses (4 times)
Molecular Tracing Methods
Molecular Genetic Methods
Tissue Engineering
Lab Rotation
Pathology of Degenerative Diseases
Course in Animal Care and Handling
Scientific Responsibility in Biomedicine
Lab Bench Project & Grant Writing
Master Project
Language Courses

Possibility for International Double degree program `Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine´

In addition to the regular master program, we also offer a double degree master program in `Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine’ in collaboration with Jinan University in China. This program is supported by the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) with a stipend of 800, -- Euros/month plus travel expenses (flight) for every participating student. The selection for this program will be made from the regular master students. More information is available on our website.

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB)

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) has a very international outlook and it is closely interconnected with the thriving research and business initiatives of the surrounding Ruhr region. Aside from the RUB, the surrounding Ruhr region offers a lot of opportunities to young researchers, such as 15 universities, 4 Fraunhofer institutes, 4 Leibnitz institutes and 3 Max-Planck institutes, which makes it easy for the students to interact with the experts and get hands-on experience in the state-of-the-art laboratories.

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Course outline

The major aim of the Master of Science in Health Economics (MScHE) program is to provide first-class training in theoretical foundations and practical applications of health economic methods needed for decision-making, policy-making and development and research in health and health care, within the context of the ethical principles of society. More specifically, the foundation for specialization in health economics is provided through coursework in the core areas of health economics, specifically microeconomics, econometrics, and economic evaluation of health and health care programs.

In order to ensure the students have the experience and skills necessary to successfully participate in public health and health services decision-making there is an in-depth training in health systems and in economic principles that guide the organizations and functions in the health care system. Moreover, students are provided with current tools to participate in the frontier of health economic research and practice.

Course structure

The MscHE program is a modular programme, allowing for full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study. Before commencing the programme applicants should decide which mode of study they want to follow. Both modes of study have the same course components, credit requirements and lead to the same final degree.

The course is structured into four (4) compact teaching modules, followed by a period of individual research work.

The first module - Introduction in Economics, Methods & Theory - consists of two (2) introductory self-study courses with an expected learning time of two (2) weeks of full-time study. One of them discusses the ethical foundations necessary for normative economics and provides an introduction to health policy, while the second supplies a review of the basic mathematical methods applied in economics. The inclusion of self-study courses at the beginning of the program clearly communicates to students that in this programme they need to be highly motivated and self-directed if they are to be successful.

The second module comprises several taught courses lasting six (6) weeks. They are designed to help the students to achieve a sound overview of health economic theory and methods. There is one (1) additional week for the exams.

The third module - Health Care systems & statistics - builds on the foundations established in the second module and introduces students during six (6) weeks. It is again followed by one (1) week for the completion of exams.

The fourth and final module - Applied Economic Research - focuses during ten (10) weeks on the advanced strategies and skill-building necessary for health-economic research and practice. This module is also completed by one (1) week of exams following the courses.

Thesis (25 ECTS)

After successfully completing the taught part of the program, students move on to the research work for their final thesis. This project is designed to enhance students’ ability to independently discern a research issue that is both relevant and substantial, choose the methodology for dealing with it, and gauge the impact of the findings at a practical and policy-related level. To make this a fruitful learning experience, students are systematically guided throughout the work on their thesis by an academic tutor.

Cooperation Partners

The MscHE’s international connectivity links it with leading institutions in research, education and industry, a fact that contributes greatly to the development of a diverse, globally engaged health-economics research community and workforce. Practical experience outside their programme of study can be arranged for students with the help of our industrial partners, governmental and research agencies, and academic research collaborators in Germany, Europe and abroad.

Curriculum

The Curriculum can be found here.

Formal requirements

Admission to the Master’s course is restricted. Please consult the Admissions Regulations for detailed information.

Admission prerequisites

The programme is open to medical doctors and other professionals with an initial health-related academic degree (above average) equivalent to 240 ECTS (usually a Bachelor degree after at least 4 years of full-time study) plus work experience of minimum one year in a health-related sector.

The language of instruction is English. Students whose mother tongue is not English must furnish evidence of proficiency in English, usually by certification of an IELTS score of min. 7.0, or TOEFL iBT of 100 or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - CAE. Exemption from this requirement may be granted to students who have completed their prior education in English (written proof required with application).

High motivation, self-reliance and team skills are qualities that participants should both possess and display. In a two-page “personal statement” issued in English language, prospective participants are asked to document these qualities, indicate their academic and personal goals, and enlarge on the study and research interests prompting them to apply for the programme.

Letters of recommendation preferably issued by the latest employer or by a professor of the university awarding the academic degree complete the application.

Application and admission

The application for the MScHE program requires submission of a printed application form, complete with supporting documents.

Admission to the Master’s course is restricted. Please consult the Admission Regulations (english version) for detailed information

Academic year/ Time schedule

The academic year starts on September 1 and is split into two semesters (September-February/ March-August).

Full-time study means that students finish the taught parts of the programme in the first semester and write their thesis in the second semester.

Part-time study means that study duration extends over a period of 2 years with defined periods of full-time attendance. Part-time students begin in year 1 by participating in taught modules in the 9 weeks from September to the end of October. In year 2 they continue with taught modules from November to the end of March. The M.Sc. thesis is completed at an individually chosen point thereafter. During taught modules, full-time attendance is necessary, between the modules there is no programme on offer.

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Die Medizinische Chemie befasst sich mit der Entdeckung, Identifizierung, Synthese, Metabolisierung und den Wirkungsmechanismen biologisch aktiver Verbindungen. Um Absolventen optimal auf eine Promotion oder eine Berufstätigkeit in der Pharmaindustrie, in biotechnologischen Unternehmen oder in der universitären Wirkstoffforschung vorzubereiten, bietet die Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie der Universität Regensburg einen zweijährigen interdisziplinären Masterstudiengang "Medizinische Chemie" an. Studienfächer sind vor allem die Pharmazeutische Chemie, die Organische und Bioorganische Chemie, sowie die Bioanalytik. Die Ausbildungsinhalte des Studiengangs decken wesentliche Aspekte moderner Wirkstoffforschung und -entwicklung ab: Organische Synthese in Theorie und Praxis, Pharmazeutische Chemie und Pharmakologie wichtiger Arzneistoffklassen, Computermethoden, Analytik und Biosensorik, Biologische Assays.

Im Masterstudiengang "Medizinische Chemie" wird ein festgelegtes, interdisziplinäres Studienprogramm aus den Grundmodulen Organische Chemie, Bioanalytische Chemie und Medizinische Chemie absolviert, die jeweils mit einer mündlichen Prüfung abgeschlossen werden. Die Fächer Organische und Medizinische Chemie werden in Aufbaumodulen vertieft und es schließt sich die Masterarbeit an. Die Gesamtnote des Masterabschlusses setzt sich wiederum aus den drei bewerteten mündlichen Modulabschlussprüfungen und der Benotung der Masterarbeit zusammen. Unterrichtssprache ist Englisch und Deutsch.

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