Bioscience

The bachelor study programme molecular biology comprises of one stage with a minimum duration of six semesters. It starts with an introductory phase and emphasis on fundamentals in chemistry, biology, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. The programme conveys the following competencies:

• Profound knowledge of methods in microbiology, classical and molecular genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and further areas, as well as their application in science and technology
• Knowledge in areas of zoology, botany, chemistry and physics
• Working on scientific questions with the aid of computers
• Scientific thinking and its application
• The ability to apply knowledge universally and interdisciplinary
• Responsible handling of biological and chemical substances
• Awareness for possible ethical, social and economic effects
• Team spirit and oral as well as written communication skills

 
What you should bring . . .

Just as in any other natural sciences programme, students of molecular biology have to have a general interest in the natural sciences and be able to work precisely. English language skills are also very important as English is science's lingua franca. And those who have good craftsmanship, enjoy experimenting, know their way around computers and also have the psychological stamina needed for intensive laboratory work, have the necessary prerequisites to be successful in the study programme.

... what you get

The NAWI Graz bachelor study programme molecular biology offers many advantages:

• A focused programme
• Well-equipped laboratories
• A highly motivated team of academic teachers
• Individual support
• Early integration in research and
• Good job opportunities.

BSc - what to do next?

The completion of the programme leads to the awarding of the academic degree „BSc“ (Bachelor of Science). Following on this, NAWI Graz offers four consecutive 4 semester master study programmes. Moreover, students may enter a mater study programme in a related area.

The master study programme in biochemistry and molecular biomedical sciences is highly interdisciplinary and situated at the interface between biology, medicine and chemistry. It focuses on future key disciplines like medical biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology and enzymology. The master programme prepares students for occupations in fundamental and applied research, especially in areas like medicine or in pharmaceutical industry. Students will be prepared theoretically but also via extensive practical work to be able to independently carry out biochemical and molecular biological experiments. Graduates are awarded the academic degree "Master of Science", abbreviated "MSc.".

The master study programme in molecular microbiology offers in-depth knowledge in microbiology, focusing on molecular cell biology, bacteriology (in particular the medically relevant aspects of infection biology and environmental biology). Students will be prepared theoretically but also via extensive practical work to be able to independently carry out microbiological and molecular biological experiments and to plan and conduct analyses. Furthermore, the students acquire problem solving skills and the ability to critically reflect existing approaches as well as results. Graduates are awarded the academic degree "Master of Science", abbreviated "MSc.".

The master study programme in plant sciences reflects the diversities in biology based on basic and functional plant biology. This interdisciplinary programme offers a broad range of topics and methodologies which provide a fundamental education in the areas of "biotope and biodiversity", "physiology and cell biology”, and "biotic interactions”. The content of the programme includes molecular biology, ultrastructural analysis as well as ecosystem research.
During the first two semesters, knowledge that has been obtained from a bachelor's degree programme in either biology or molecular biology is extended. The 3rd and 4th semesters aim to include students in current research projects which should lead them towards the independent preparation of their masters´ theses. Students will have the freedom to choose from a wide range of electives which will allow them to adapt their individual and professional interests to their academic studies. Graduates are awarded the academic degree "Master of Science", abbreviated "MSc.".

Once a study programme in the area of molecular biology is completed, it opens the door to many interesting activities in different industries or areas. The spectrum ranges from research and technological development to operational management and from quality assurance to general management and high level education. Molecular biologists find - according to their qualification - good job opportunities, in research (in the areas biology, medicine, pharmacy, molecular biology or microbiology), or in environmental analytics, biotechnology, biomedicine or in fundamental research. In particular, the following branches are open to graduates:

• Universities or research institutions: academic career in research and teaching (fundamental research and applied research)
• Chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnical laboratories
• Areas of public administration, like environmental analytics or biomedicine
• Product development and product management, product engineering and quality assurance in pharmaceutical industry or biomedical enterprises
• Molecular biological analytics, medical and environmental diagnostics