Study Programmes Master
Informatics in the Natural Sciences (M. Sc.)
This Master program extends theoretical and practical knowledge in informatics, combined with either one of the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, or biotechnology. Hereby, the focus is on current methods and scientific results. Special attention is given to convey skills required to communicate with specialists in both fields.
This program has an English-speaking branch which guarantees that courses will be offered to non German-speaking students. A list of english study modules can be found here.
Proficiency in English is usually verified by a language test (TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum of 87 points or telc English with a minimum grade of B2).
The Faculty of Technology will not incur any expenses for German courses for international students.
Master Studies
The Master program Informatics in the Natural Sciences (120 ECTS credit points) extends competences and knowledge gained during the Bachelor studies, and allows to focus on certain areas of interest. After successful completion, the degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) will be awarded. Standard duration of studies is four semesters.
International Exchange and Cooperation
We offer various possibilities for gaining international experiences and intercultural competences. The program ERASMUS+ connects us to universities in Europe; in addition, Bielefeld University has established international cooperations and partnerships with universities on all continents. The International Office assists in case of any questions about study locations abroad, scholarships for exchange semesters and applications.
- Central Pages about Study Programmes: Admission Requirements; Study and Examination Regulations; Subject-Specific Regulations; Application, Admission, and Enrollment
The Central Webpages about Study Programmes of Bielefeld University (Dezernat Studium und Lehre) contain information about the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV (lecture timetable), a link to an overview of the introductory and information events, about the course start, length and scope of studies, admission requirements, application, admission and enrollment, study and examination regulations, and subject-specific regulations.
More detailed informationen about Application, Admission, and Enrollment you will find on the webpages of the Student Office (Studierendensekretariat).
- Course Plan
Allgemeine Studienganginformation
WiSe Modul beginnt im Wintersemester
SoSe Modul beginnt im Sommersemester
Informationen zur Benutzung des Studienverlaufsplans
Im Studienverlaufsplan sind die Modultitel aufgeführt gefolgt von den Leistungspunkten, die man in diesem Modul errreichen kann. Durch Klicken auf den Modultitel werden die Veranstaltungen eines Moduls aufgelistet, sowie die kompletten Moduldetails im eKVV verlinkt.
Unter Lehrangebote im eKVV erreicht man die im aktuellen Semester angebotenen Lehrveranstaltungen aus diesem Modul.
Für die Wahlpflichtbereiche und die Strukturierte und Individuelle Ergänzung stehen die anrechenbaren Veranstaltungen
in den Fächerspezifischen Bestimmungen, die direkt unter den Bereichen verlinkt sind. Moduldetails wie Leistungspunkte
und Prüfungen und lassen sich im Modulhandbuch nachlesen.
Bei weiteren Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an die studentische oder akademische Studienberatung
der Technischen Fakultät.- Contents of Studies
Building upon a Bachelor degree in Computer Science combined with one of the natural sciences as a minor subject, or any similar first academic degree, this four-semester Master program adds a second qualifying degree in the intersection between informatics and the natural sciences. Primary goal is the extension of basic education and specialization in few areas of computer science and the natural sciences, extensive project work and the 6-months Master thesis during the fourth semester.
- Career Prospects
The subject Informatics in the Natural Sciences has been conceived in form of a Diploma program by Bielefeld University's Faculty of Technology since 1989. Meanwhile this profile has been established as a highly interdisciplinary area of applied computer science. It has been the starting point of many successful careers.
After finishing the degree program, students will be ready to work in science, but based on the competences acquired they will also be optimally prepared to engage in science-oriented projects and software development. Besides, qualifications acquired in informatics are comprehensive enough to have the best opportunities in the regular job market for computer scientists because, owing to the life-science component, you will look beyond the horizon of informatics as a purely technical discipline even while studies are still in progress.
- Doctoral Studies
A doctoral degree will be relevant in particular for those students who plan for a scientific careeer after their Master studies. The goal is to perform innovative research and gain new scientific insights, resulting in a text (doctoral thesis) describing the independent research work performed and an oral exam (doctoral defense). To guarantee optimal supervision, Bielefeld University hosts a network of international and national graduate schools and structured doctoral degree programs that are continuously developed further.
The Faculty of Technology offers program-free doctoral studies, as well as the following doctoral programs:
- Bioinformatics (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.)
- Industrial Biotechnology (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.)
- Intelligent Systems (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing.)
In addition to their work on the dissertation project yielding the Dr. rer. nat. or Dr.-Ing. degree, members of a doctoral program complete an individual study program. This includes special scientific mentoring and a course program with scientific and additional skill courses like presentation techniques, scientific writing or career planning.