Biology, Master 1 subject

• How can artificial intelligence help us to better understand genetic material and detect diseases earlier?
• How can biological processes be used to produce hydrogen more sustainably and convert waste materials into recyclable materials?
• How are new active ingredients for medication discovered and how are they tested in the laboratory using cell models?
• How can damaged ecosystems be regenerated and how do plants adapt to climate change?
• How do neurons work together and what can we learn from this about diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?

I enjoy the hands-on exercises most, because this is where I can apply my theoretical knowledge.

Annabel Kuppels,  – Bachelor

Ganzes Interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

Back in school, I was interested in biology, but I initially pursued other interests. While I studied to become a teacher specialising in, among other subjects, natural sciences and engineering, I always found biology particularly fascinating. Unfortunately, the teacher training course did not give me the option to study this field in depth. This is why I eventually decided to enrol in a biology degree course.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

I gained deeper insights into biology in my first two semesters than in my entire previous course. My expectations in that respect have been fulfilled. I would wish for more practical work; it’s all been very theoretical so far. But I am aware that this will be part of the curriculum in the next semesters.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I enjoy the hands-on exercises most, because this is where I can apply my theoretical knowledge and practise it using concrete examples.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The greatest challenge for me was practise for beginners in zoology. I struggled with cutting open an animal for the first time. But it didn’t take long and curiosity and interest took over. I started to look forward to each new lesson, where I would learn something new every day.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I would love to work in the field of marine biology or limnology. But I can also imagine working in a lab. Fortunately, there’s still time before I have to decide.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

They should find biology fascinating and be able to persevere even if they’re not interested in a certain field of biology. If you approach the degree course with a positive attitude and ready to enjoy it, you will be able to struggle through the most tedious subjects. Moreover, you will always meet many fellow students who will make the degree course much more fun. 

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Biology simply encompasses all of life, and every lecture reveals a different passion.

Anna Thomas,  – Bachelor

Ganzes Interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

There were lots of options after my A-levels, so I just went with the subjects I enjoyed the most. For me, that was biology and religion. Biology seemed to offer more job opportunities, so that's what I decided to go for.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations have been fulfilled by learning more about life every day and getting answers to more and more questions (which I may not have had before). What hasn't been fulfilled is my expectation that you would immediately be placed in the right laboratory and really start doing research. But that makes sense, because you first have to go through a certain process of finding out what interests you.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

Finding unexpected interests. When I started, I was determined to go into the pharmaceutical industry and do research on antibiotics, but now I'm fascinated by learning more about botany and fungi. Biology simply encompasses all of life, and every lecture reveals a different passion.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Self-discipline and motivating yourself again after setbacks. Studying also means failing an exam, not getting a module or an experiment that doesn't work. Not letting this discourage you and continuing to fight requires passion for your subject.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I don't know. On one hand, your own interests change. On the other hand, the job market for biologists is diverse. It always depends on which direction you specialise in.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Be passionate or open to finding passion. Also, have perseverance.

Biology is super versatile and application-orientated, so there is always something new to discover. It therefore also feels as if you are actively contributing to solving real problems through your work.

Carolin Schaefer,  – Master

Ganzes Interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

I studied biology as an advanced course at school and was fascinated by it. I was particularly interested in how life works - even in its smallest parts, such as on a molecular and cellular level. It therefore made sense for me to study biology in order to pursue this curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of it.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations were fulfilled in the sense that I was able to gain many exciting insights into the areas that interest me the most, such as microbiology and botany. I was able to get a taste of what it means to work in these sub-disciplines through excursions and practical exercises in the modules. In microbiology in particular, you learn to understand how microorganisms work and how you can use them. However, at the beginning of the course I underestimated the amount of information you have to absorb and retrieve in a short space of time - it was a bit stressful at first. After the first semester, however, you get used to prioritizing better and learning more effectively.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I enjoy working in the lab the most, as you can combine theory and practice there. I always find it particularly exciting to carry out experiments where you can visualize the molecular mechanisms behind the functions of cells and enzymes. Biology is super versatile and application-oriented, so there is always something new to discover. It also feels like you are actively contributing to solving real problems through your work.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The biggest challenge during my studies was learning to manage many different tasks at the same time. There are always several projects, internships, lectures and exams running in parallel, and you have to be well organized to keep track of everything. This constant change requires not only flexibility, but also the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new topics.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I would like to work somewhere in biotechnological research later on, whether it is the development of sustainable production processes or the use of microorganisms for environmentally friendly technologies. However, I am deliberately leaving everything open to me at the moment, as there are many interesting areas and it is of course possible that I will decide on a completely different direction and a different career path later on.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Be aware that studying can be demanding and involves a lot of learning. But don't let this put you off - you will get used to it over time. A genuine enthusiasm for biology and enjoyment of practical laboratory work are important prerequisites. Then it's also incredibly important to make friends during your studies. Studying can be demanding, and it helps enormously if you have people with whom you can learn, exchange ideas and laugh together about a messed-up exam. It also makes studying more enjoyable if you don't have to go through it alone. So my tip would be: use internships, tutorials or study groups to make contacts and stay open to new people.

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