Survey course of the diversity of plants and animals on Earth

The M.Sc. OEP-Biology is a research-oriented, international 2-year study program at the university of Bonn, with more than 70 elective modules (modularized according to the ECTS). The program provides a broad understanding of all aspects of Organismic Biology in an evolutionary context.

The study program is taught in English, which aims at providing students with a broad understanding of all aspects of Organismic Biology. Evolutionary biology and biodiversity research connect various disciplines such as Systematics, Phylogeny, Palaeobiology, Physiology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Ethology and many more. Strong emphasis is given to practical research experience in the field and in the laboratories of the participating research groups and in the large collections of the Zoological Museum Alexander Koenig, the Goldfuß-Muse­um of Palaeontology and the Botanical gardens of the University of Bonn. Teaching in OEP-Biology is theory-oriented aiming at enabling students to think critically, analytically and strategically.

Working schedule

The M.Sc. OEP-Biology course program is consequently modularized according to the ECTS. A total of 120 credit points (CP), approx. 30 per semester, will be accumulated during 2 years of study.

During the first semester, three obligatory modules provide basic knowledge in Biodiversity and Evolution (10CP), Fundamentals of Evolutionary Biology (10CP) and general principles of Scientific Communication (5CP). The obligatory part of the program further includes attendance in the Biological Colloquium (2CP). In the 4th semester, students work on their Master Thesis (30CP) in one of the participating laboratories or collaborating institutions. Finally, students defend the results of their Master Thesis in a Defense Colloquium (3CP).  

During the last time block of the first semester and the whole second and third semester, students additionally have to choose elective modules (between 2.5 and 10CP) including practical courses (10:00 - 17:00h) as well as lectures and seminars in the morning (08:00 - 10:00h) and late afternoon (17:00 - 19:00h). Elective modules from three elective areas can be chosen: A-modules include method-oriented modules, B-modules include modules with less than 50% fieldwork and C-modules include modules with more than 50% fieldwork. Between 2 and 6 modules (minimum of 15 and maximum of 30CP) out of each elective area can be chosen in the elective part of the program (total of 60CP).

Competences to be acquired

OEP-Biology provides basic competences in Organismic Biology and the fundamental understanding that evolutionary research is the link between its various sub-disciplines. A broad spectrum of methodical skills in scientific research is imparted to the students, giving them the ability to solve scientific problems within international and interdisciplinary research groups and networks.  

Disciplines involved:

• Evolutionary Biology and Ecology
• Morphological and Molecular Systematics
• Phylogeny
• Palaeobiology
• Physiology and Ethology

Institutions involved:

• Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology
• Institute of Zoology
• Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig
• Steinmann Institute, Div. of Palaeontology
• Goldfuß-Museum of Palaeontology
• Botanical Institutes and Botanical Gardens

Your profile:

• Interested in the evolution of organisms and biodiversity
• Interested in broad and  interdisciplinary research
• Interested in field and laboratory work
• Good standard in the English language

Academic requirements

B.Sc. in Biology or Geosciences (with emphasis on Palaeontology).
Interested? Have a look at M.Sc. OEP-Biology >

How to apply

To apply you must hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology or in Geology with a strong focus on Palaeontology. If you have not finished your Bachelor before the end of the application deadline you have to proof that you can realistically expect to finish it before the start of the Masters's program. Furthermore you need a proof of profiency in English C1-level: TOEFL iBT 95, IELTS 7.0 or equivalent proof of proficiency.

To apply use the online application form which is linked on the OEP-Biology website.