Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

University of Potsdam

Overview

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MSc course at the University of Potsdam offers you both the opportunity to perform basic research and to pursue more application-related projects. In the field of biochemistry, you will focus on the dynamics and processes of protein synthesis and function, as well as their interactions at the intra- and extracellular levels. These processes are becoming relevant for such practical applications as diagnosis and therapy for neurodegenerative illnesses and tumorigenesis. Molecular biology, in contrast, studies molecular processes at the level of cells and organisms, opening up new prospects in genome research, cellular and systems biology, and plant and animal physiology. In addition to the discussion of the latest research questions in biochemistry and molecular biology, you will gain comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of the structure and use of biological databases, be able to use Internet-supported resources, and be in a position to apply methods from systems biology in the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput data. Furthermore, you will learn various techniques for data analysis, and become acquainted with new methods in nanobiotechnology.

Career opportunities

• The master’s program allows you to expand and deepen the skills, specialized knowledge, and methodological skills that you attained in your bachelor’s studies. You will gain an overview of the current status of research in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, systems biology, and biotechnology. You will also gain a thorough understanding of the essential concepts in these fields. You will be able to formulate scientific problems on your own, select appropriate methods and techniques, and thus successfully work on complex projects and publish the results. If you are pursuing a career in academia, there is the option of Doctoral studies.
• The skills you acquire in the master’s program qualify you for work in research, teaching, and development, for example at universities and other scientific institutions, as well as biotech or biomedical companies, and also in administration and management.