Courses are all in English. In addition to the regular programme, students are supposed to enrol in German language courses.
The winter semester begins mid-October.
The summer semester begins mid-April.
For all applicants online application is possible
May to 15 July for the following winter semester
Nov to 15 January for the following summer semester
The multidisciplinary programme combines plant ecology, animal ecology, conservation biology and tropical biology. These topics include animal-plant interactions, plant ecophysiology, biodiversity research, climate-change ecology, and the evolutionary adaptations at the physiological and organismic level. Courses in socio-biology, neurogenetics and behaviour as well as ecological courses like forest ecology, chemical ecology, agroecology, soil ecology, remote sensing and ecological modelling can be chosen. Overall, the study programme reaches from molecular biology of single species to all disciplines of organismic biology. Further topics include constraints for plant growth and development (biogeography, biodiversity), the interactions of plants and animals with abiotic and biotic environmental factors (e.g. plant-insect and plant-fungus interactions) including the evolutionary adaptations at the physiological and organismic level, aspects of neurogenetics and behaviour as well as the interaction of individuals, social groups and large populations in complex and variable ecosystems. Using tropical biology with its specialities, unique and general principles in ecology are communicated. Both fundamentals and novel approaches based on molecular biology tools are discussed with respect to organismic biology. The two selected topics are composed of two theory modules as well as a practical course unit each. Further research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects, and they learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work as well as to summarise and discuss the results obtained in the thesis.
The study programme in Ecology deals with various aspects of plant and animal ecology including conservation and tropical biology. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical courses and one practical course in each of the two topics. In semesters three and four, further specialised research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work. Moreover, students gain essential competencies to summarise and discuss the results of their work in a scientific context. All modules are accompanied by a graded examination, and the thesis has to be presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis (25 ECTS) is preceded by an ungraded preparatory practical course of 12 weeks (15 ECTS). Further modules (15 ECTS, ungraded) are selected within the sub-area of "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest.
Further modules (15 ECTS) are selected within the sub-area of "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest. These modules have to be passed without grading.
Several research locations globally (Africa, Asia, Central America, Australia) with research co-operations and opportunities for excursions
Elective research project, involvement in research working groups within universities or companies in Germany or abroad
There are generally no tuition fees at the University of Würzburg. However, you must pay the semester contribution each semester for enrolment or registration. The student contribution includes a semester ticket that allows you to use public transportation all throughout the beautiful city of Würzburg.
Student contribution: approx. 162.90 EUR
The cost of living in Würzburg is low compared to other German cities. Of course, this strongly depends on your individual lifestyle, but you should expect monthly costs of about 940 EUR.
Bachelor of Science in biology or equivalent study degree that fulfils the criteria of the "Fachkanon Biologie" / subject specific criteria, in particular:
Bachelor of Science in Biology or similar programme
Biosciences: 75 ECTS credit equivalents
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 15 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 15 ECTS
OR
Biosciences: 60 ECTS
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 20 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 12 ECTS
OR
Biosciences: 70 ECTS
Chemistry (including biochemistry and physical chemistry): 10 ECTS
Physics, mathematics, biostatistics: 12 ECTS
Proof of experimental laboratory experience, preferably by an experimental thesis comprising a minimum of 10 ECTS
Please submit either your final degree or your transcript of records to certify the minimum requirement of 150 ECTS. You have to submit your completed transcript of records no later than 15 September or 15 March, respectively.
Language requirements in English
The proof of skills in the English language should be at a level not lower than:
In addition, German language skills (e.g., B1 CEFR) are highly recommended and may be achieved during the first phase of the programme.
For all applicants online application is possible
May to 15 July for the following winter semester
Nov to 15 January for the following summer semester
https://wuestudy.zv.uni-wuerzburg.de/qisserver/pages/cs/sys/portal/hisinoneStartPage.faces
The Student Housing Service ("Studentenwerk") is responsible for 10 dormitories in various locations in Würzburg.
Amenities:
Length of stay:
Application:
Support regarding career development, including internships, occupational prospects, individual coaching by coordinator of Bio Careers
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