Application & Admission
Your bachelor s degree could be in biology, biochemistry, molecular
biology or a related subject, but applicants with degrees in physics or
chemistry are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants who wish to participate in the MCB program have to
register at the Faculty of Biosciences. The faculty website provides
detailed information about the application procedure.
Please make sure that you read all of the instructions mentioned on that website before applying, including the the 'how to apply' and the 'frequently asked questions' pdfs.
A couple of extra remarks:
- with respect to the statement why you want to study MCB: it should not exceed 500 words and you should mention which areas of biology, and which parts of the MCB program, you find most interesting. Another important component is your previous research experience, if applicable: what was the biological question and what were your results? Also mention other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for the programme. Although it is mentioned in the general information on the Faculty of Biosciences website that you can write it either in German or in English, we definitively prefer those in English.
- All applications are considered individually, and if you have an
atypical background compared to the bachelor degrees above you should
have already had quite a lot of relevant (molecular biology) practical experience.
If you have a degree in biotechnology, it should have a strong molecular biology component.
Selection of Candidates
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of scientists participating in the MCB Major. Candidates will be selected in two steps:
First step is on the basis of the documents you have send:
- academic qualifications as stated in the application documents and statement of purpose
If this seems to fit the program, we will invite you to the second step of the selection:
- an interview (usually beginning of May)
Appropriate background knowledge is essential for you to be able to understand the lectures in the first semester. Topics which will be discussed during the interview are of course about your motivation to study here in Heidelberg, but you should also be able to tell about your research experiences so far and about your future interests.
Please start your motivation letter with Dear Prof. Xavier