Biological Sciences – Bachelor of Science

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Undergraduate study programme leading to a first degree and providing qualifications and skills for future employment.

Biology is the science of living systems. It investigates the development, functioning and behaviour, and the relationships between the individual organism and its environment. In Konstanz our focus is on cell biology with a molecular biology orientation, biomedical basic research and ecology. During the course of your studies you will acquire skills in all of the classical and modern fields of biology, and you will receive comprehensive practical training in the methods of cellular and molecular biology.

Overview

Degree Bachelor of Science
Programme start Winter semester
Period of study 6 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.7.
Admission restrictions yes
ECTS 180
Obligatory minor subject no
Number of places 172

Why study Biological Sciences in the University of Konstanz?

  • You can actively participate in current research projects
  • Excellently equipped laboratories
  • Individual supervision and support for our students
  • Especially for first-semester students: welcoming events, introductory courses and a preparatory course in mathematics before the semester starts
  • For all students: Helpful services such as mentoring groups and tutorials
  • Very friendly atmosphere between teaching staff and students

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

Young biologists can work in different areas of the biological and non-biological industry. Typical work areas include:

  • Biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies
  • Research institutions
  • Research and development
  • Economic businesses and companies
  • Journalism and political administration

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies

After graduating with a BSc in Biological Sciences we recommend moving on to a master’s programme. You can continue at the University of Konstanz with our Master’s Programme in Biological Sciences.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

You do not have to complete an internship outside the university. Since the examination frequency in the Bachelor 's Programme in Biological Sciences is rather high, we recommend completing your entire course of studies at the University of Konstanz without interruptions for study abroad.

Study abroad

A study abroad stay is not compulsory. If you continue with our Master's Programme in Biological Sciences, you can complete the included internship in Germany or abroad. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

  • Good general knowledge
  • Very good knowledge of mathematics and the natural sciences
  • A willingness to work hard
  • Self-initiative
  • The ability to work and learn in a structured way
  • Keen observation skills
  • Logical and analytical thinking
  • Good English skills

PocketGuide – Get to know our study programmes
Are the study programmes B.Sc. Biological Sciences or B.Sc. Life Science the right for you? Find out everything about studying Biology at the University of Konstanz in our PocketGuide. You can take your first lessons and quizzes on subject contents and test your expectations of your studies.

Language skills

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills. However, as large parts of the research literature are written in English, good English skills are highly recommended.

German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

Language(s) of instruction

German and English

Admission requirements

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Orientation procedures
If you intend to study at a university in Baden-Württemberg, you will need to submit proof of having completed an orientation procedure along with your university application. You must enclose proof of participation in the orientation procedure with your application documents. Here you will find a list of the orientation procedures recognised by the University of Konstanz.

For details, please see the admission regulations.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

PocketManual "Application" (in German)
Enrolling at the University of Konstanz – Our PocketManual "Application" (in German) will guide you as you take all the steps towards submitting a successful application to your first-choice study programme at the University of Konstanz.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.7. (winter semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

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