• A strong interest in biochemistry, organic chemistry, and biomedical topics
• An interest in conducting practical and independent scientific work
• Communication skills, the ability to learn and work in a structured manner, and good time management skills
• English language proficiency, which will prove necessary for reading specialist literature

The degree program can be studied entirely in English, although some courses are only offered in German. Therefore, German language skills are recommended.

Good to know: The majority of graduates from the Biomedical Chemistry master’s program go on to complete a doctoral degree as a start to their career.

You must provide proof of a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Chemistry or an equivalent degree from a university. Should the university degree differ significantly, admission may be granted under the condition that 12 credit points from the Biomedical Chemistry bachelor’s program be made up within the first academic year. In the case of repeat examinations, the examination committee may extend this deadline by one semester.

A further requirement for admission to the master’s program is proof of English language proficiency at the B2 level or above. You may be able to document your English language proficiency at this level with your German university entrance qualification (Abiturzeugnis), see info.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the examination regulations.

1st and 2nd semester

• A lecture, a practice course, and a seminar as well as a lab course in organic chemistry
• A lecture and a lab course in biochemistry
• A lecture and a seminar in pharmaceutical/medical chemistry as well as in pharmacology
• Four modules from the wide range of compulsory electives which you are free to choose

3rd semester

• Two research modules (lab in a working group) which you are free to choose
• One module from the wide range of compulsory electives

4th semester

• Master’s thesis

You also have the opportunity to specialize in the following areas:

• Pharmacology and toxicology
• Immunology
• Inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry
• Radiopharmaceutical chemistry
• Polymer chemistry
• Pharmaceutical biology
• Nanochemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Physiology
• Microbiology and biotechnology

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Lab courses and internships

During your studies, you will complete various required lab courses:

• Biochemistry (3 weeks; all day)
• Organic chemistry (7 weeks; all day)
• Lab course in a compulsory elective module, if applicable (4 weeks; all day)
• Two research labs (12 weeks in total)

Even voluntary internships are a good way to learn about a career field.

Company-based, non-university internships in a variety of fields can help you determine which careers or industries are of interest to you. This will help you shape your career path, but also mold your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

As a graduate of the Biomedical Chemistry master’s program, you will possess in-depth specialist knowledge that will enable to transition to a profession compatible with your skillset in an intermediate-level position. Those who wish to pursue top level careers should consider completing a doctoral degree. Either way, you will be well prepared for the job market.

Typical professional fields for graduates of the master’s degree program include:

• Independent academic research as a doctoral student
• Laboratory work in chemical-pharmaceutical research
• Laboratory work in basic medical research
• Chemical or biological production, analytics, and documentation
• Responsibilities in process or product development and process validation
• Sales and documentation (chemicals, equipment, pharmaceuticals, consumables)
• Work with authorities and administration (e.g. chemical safety, monitoring of genetic engineering etc.)

If you should go on to complete a doctoral degree, typical professional fields include:

• Laboratory management in the pharmaceutical industry
• Head of process development
• Production management
• Patent law (following additional education)
• Lecturer at a university
• Management of a service department for analytics
• Consulting

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.