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Bachelor's Degree Programme Molecular Biology

Do you find that looking through a microscope changes your view of the world? In the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Molecular Biology, you become familiar with the smallest building blocks of living organisms and examine them from a variety of perspectives. At the interface between biology and chemistry, the study of molecular biology underlies many applications in biomedicine, genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Quick Facts

  • Duration of study: 6 semesters
  • ECTS credit points: 180
  • Academic degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Language of instruction: German,
    certain courses offered in English

The Bachelor's Programme

The NAWI Graz Bachelor's Degree Programme in Molecular Biology is a fundamental degree programme. This means that you’ll acquire a solid education in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as in general biology, placing a special focus on microbiology and cell biology. Furthermore, you’ll deepen your knowledge in the subjects of genetics and molecular biology. In this programme, you have the opportunity of master vital technical skills, and special attention is paid to improving your social, media and international skills.

The direct connection between theory and practice also plays an important role; you will have the opportunity to work on practical topics in numerous practical laboratory courses.

An excellent infrastructure is made available to you during your studies: The Institute of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Graz, the central microscopy facility in Graz, offers access to:

  • first-class light microscopic facilities and
  • extensive equipment, especially for live-cell examinations, as well as the
  • most modern software for, e.g. the visualisation and quantification of images.

Studying Molecular Biology

Focus Areas

In this degree programme, you can focus on the following subjects:

Basics of the Sciences: You will acquire fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science and gain practical laboratory skills.

Basic Principles in Chemistry: You will learn the basic principles and the most important basic laws in chemistry. This includes gaining knowledge in the subject areas of organic, physical and analytical chemistry.

Basics of the Biological Sciences: You will acquire fundamental knowledge in the fields of zoology, botany and mycology. In addition, you will acquire basic practical knowledge in microscopy and learn immunological methods.

Microbiology and Cell Biology: You will receive sound theoretical and practical training in the subject areas of general microbiology and cell biology, including evolutionary, ecological and medical aspects.

Molecular Biology and Genetics: You will learn more about genetic engineering and analytical methods used to clarify molecular relationships, as well as bioinformatic methods that are used to analyse DNA and protein sequences. In addition, you will learn more about the social considerations regarding genetic engineering.

Biochemistry and Biotechnology: You will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in biochemistry as well as basic knowledge in structural technology and biotechnology.

Study counselling: Check what you expect!

What will I have to do in the first semesters? How much practice can I expect? And what can I actually do with my degree when I've finished? Check what you expect!

A student and a lecturer will take time for all your questions and you will get to know TU Graz during on-site appointments. Up to 10 persons can participate at each date.

Book an appointment

Contact: lsenoSpam@tugraz.at

Molecular biology is a science field, which tries to answer many everyday questions about life by working them down to the molecular level. Studying molecular biology at TU Graz allows me to explore the fascinating world of molecules, to develop my laboratory skills and to make a direct contribution to medicine and industry.

Molecular Biology in Research and Industry

Molecular biological knowledge is applied in several areas of biotechnology, including food technology, medicine, and material and waste technology.

Internationally renowned research teams from Graz are working, for example, on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of various diseases. In the future, these findings could support the development of drugs and improved disease diagnostics.

Other exciting research topics include

  • the development of new processes in biocatalysis,
  • the study of the microbiome - communities of microorganisms, or
  • the production of artificial proteins.

Admission

Admission

Requirements for admission to a bachelor's degree programme at TU Graz

1. Admission procedure

Before you register for your studies, you will need to go through an admission procedure. The admission procedure takes place at the University of Graz.

Registration deadline for the academic year 2024/25: 1 March 2024 to 15 July 2024

The admission procedure includes:

  • The registration using the application tool,
  • payment of a € 50 fee,
  • completion of an online self-assessment
  • and possibly an entrance examination.

All details regarding the admission procedure can be found in the regulations for admission procedures  

2. Additional examination in Biology

According to the University Entrance Qualification Regulations (UBVO), graduates of the TVE diploma examination (Berufsreifeprüfung), secondary schools, or advanced technical and vocational colleges (TGLA) that did not offer Biology as a compulsory subject must take the additional examination in the subject area of biology to be considered for admission to the Bachelor’s Programme in Molecular Biology.

The additional examination in biology is not required if an entrance examination is taken as part of the admission procedure.

3. Online pre-registration

4. Personal admission in the Registrar’s Office

Once you have successfully passed the entrance examination, please come in person to TU Graz Registrar’s Office in order to be admitted to the degree programme..

Admission Deadlines

Summer semester 2024

Admission period: 8 January to 31 March 2024

Winter semester 2024/25

Admission period: 10 July to 31 October 2024

Information and Advice

Contact studynoSpam@tugraz.at

Perspectives for Graduates

Professional Fields

In order to work professionally as a molecular biologist, you will complete an associated master's degree programme. The basic education and training provided by this bachelor's programme prepares you for admission to other scientifically oriented master's programmes at TU Graz, the University of Graz and other renowned universities.

Molecular biologists work in highly diverse professional areas:

  • They work in related fields of medicine, the food industry, biotechnology, or ecology.
  • They carry out molecular biological analyses, such as environmental analyses, medical diagnostics, or the detection of genetic modifications.
  • They conduct research at universities or scientific institutes and in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
  • They work in public administration, e.g. in agricultural and forestry research institutes or in the field of ecology (e.g. water protection) and in private environmental offices.

Advanced Master’s Degree Programmes

After completing the bachelor's degree programme, you can enrol in the following master’s degree programmes without further requirements:

Information on other master's degree programmes with requirements you can find on the respective pages for the master’s degree programmes.

In addition, the bachelor's degree offers you the opportunity to apply internationally for master's degree programmes.