Biology B.Sc.
Key Info
Basic Information
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Start of Studies:
- Winter Semester
- Standard Period of Studies:
- 6 semesters
- ECTS Credits:
- 180Mehr Informationen
What does that mean?
ECTS are credit points that measure the workload of one's studies.
- Language:
- German
Admission Requirements
-
Abitur or equivalent HZB
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What does that mean?
General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject specific university entrance qualification, or an equally recognized university entrance qualification (HZB)
-
Proficiency in German
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What does that mean?
You must provide documentation of your language skills for the language of instruction at the time of enrollment. Exam regulations govern the details. You can find an overview of what skills you will typically need under Language Skills in the course of study description.
Admission to First Semester
- restricted
NC for WS 2013
Admission to Higher Semesters
- open
No NC for WS 2013
Enrollment Requirements
-
SelfAssessment
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SelfAssessment
RWTH Aachen self assessments are online advising processes for deciding what to study. Participation in one (rarely two) of these self assessments is mandatory. You can find which self assessment you need to take for this subject in the course of study description under "Prerequisites". You will need to show proof of participation in a subject specific self assessment in order to enroll (not to apply). You can print out the participation certificate yourself.
Dates and Deadlines
Biology as the science of the living nature has experienced an increasing importance as an applied science in recent years.This is especially true for all biological disciplines and levels of analysis. This new importance of biology has been recognized publically through the discussion of fields such as Bionics. Biology as a science, as it is represented at RWTH Aachen University, goes far beyond these publically known topics and includes applied aspects of bioresource management, biomedical science, bioinformatics and biotechnology. These fields are focus academic and research areas at our university. Through the strong technical background of the University, we engage in intensive interactions with engineering, medical and other natural sciences.
The stong focus on applied topics within the Biology department at RWTH Aachen is visible in the research areas that are covered by our faculty: optimization of CO2-fixation in plants, investigations towards nitrogen fixation and lipid biosynthesis in plants, biohybrid circuits at the crossroads of developmental biology, neurobiology and bionics, increased disease resistance in plants, yeasts and bacteria as model organisms for biotechnology and medicine, behaviour of environmental toxins, and safety aspects in research with genetically modified organisms.
Classical disciplines of biology come second to those up-to-date applied research questions.
Degree Content
The Bachelor course of study encompasses six semesters and a broadly based education in mathematics, physics, and particularly chemistry. In the first four semesters, students learn the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and general biology. Students then choose a specialization, from microbiology and genetics, biological information processing, botany, environmental sciences, molecular and cell biology, and biotechnology. The high number of laboratory experiences and the experimental Bachelor thesis teach students practical skills and scientific work methods.
The following overview shows the individual modules.
1. Mandatory Modules
- Mathematics for Biologists and Biotechnologists
- General and Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics for Biologists and Biotechnologists
- Physical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Structure of Organisms (Animals)
- Structure of Organisms (Plants)
- Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Biochemistry and Genetics
- Plant Physiology
- Animal Physiology
- Computer and Presentation Techniques
- Ecology
2. Specialization Modules (one must be chosen)
- Biological Information Processing
- Microbiology and Genetics
- Molecular Biology and Cell Biology
- Botany
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Decision Aids
The RWTH Aachen Bachelor course of study in Biology distinguishes itself through a large general natural science component. In addition to one mathematics and physics module each, students also complete modules in general and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. In each of these modules, students are expected to complete a meaningful practical experience in addition to the lecture with exercise. Students who do not possess good basic knowledge in chemistry, should take a chemistry bridge course.
Biology at RWTH Aachen is application oriented. "Classical biology" subjects provide the backdrop. This is particularly apparent in the concentration modules during the fifth semester, where students choose one of six modules. Biology at RWTH Aachen also means that one faces the technical and commercial application of scientific knowledge.
Prerequisites
Personal Prerequisites
In addition to interst in biological problems, we highly recommend having basic skills in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, or at least the readiness to quickly acquire these skills.
Enrollment Prerequisite
RWTH "Mathematics and Natural Sciences" Self Assessment
Master's Degree Prospects
Qualified students can continue on to a Master's after completing their Bachelor degree. Various specializations are offered aside from Biotechnology. It is possible to choose Biotechnology as an independent Master course of study.
Examination Regulations
Exam Regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.
Faculty
The Bachelor course of study in Biology is offered by the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.