Matter to Life (M.Sc.)

Features

This is a joint Master’s programme between University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University, with the courses taught by the faculty of the Max Planck School Matter to Life focusing on complex systems and biological physics. Approaching this topic from different perspectives of physics, molecular systems, bioengineering, and life sciences ensures a unique multidisciplinary education.

Name:: Matter to Life
Degree:: Joint Degree, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Teaching language:: English
Standard period of study:: 4 semesters
Begin of studies:: Winter semester
Special Feature:: The programme is part of the Max Planck School Matter to Life
Admission:: Restricted admission (application to the faculty)
Welcome Course:: The programme starts with a Welcome Course in September

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Max Planck School Matter to Life

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Details

The aim of the Matter to Life programme is to prepare students for a research-oriented career in interdisciplinary and innovative scientific areas with focus on biophysics and on molecular engineering. Students are given the tools to construct and theoretically describe life-like molecular systems and components, and to apply chemical-physical principles for describing the nature of complex materials.

Unique features of the programme

All students are integrated into the Max Planck School Matter to Life, through which they receive a stipend that covers their tuition and living costs.
A joint degree meaning students can avail themselves of the resources at both University of Göttingen and Heidelberg University, and are awarded the degree from both universities.
An interdisciplinary approach, that transcends multiple disciplines of study, ensures students are uniquely equipped to successfully address biological questions and tackle scientific conundrums from unconventional perspectives.
Faculty comprising of leading experts in this field working across the premier universities and institutes in Germany.
Opportunities to network with other students and researchers through organized retreats, summer schools and scientific conferences.
An ideal and low student to faculty ratio enables support tailored to the individual needs and interests of the students.
One-on-one mentoring to support personal and professional growth.
Hands-on experience in the form of lab visits, internships, lab rotations, and an extended Master thesis.
Those who are qualified according to the PhD admission regulations can pursue a PhD at the Max Planck School Matter to Life (direct track MSc + PhD).

Features

Structure

Programme structure

The curriculum was developed with the aim of overcoming traditional boundaries between the disciplines, and focuses on the following scientific areas:

Understanding the chemistry and physics of life and of the components of living systems
Quantitative analysis of life
Engineering of molecular and nanoscopic entities as the basis of life-like materials.

Features

Application

Important dates:

Apply from September 1^st
Deadline: December 1^st
Programme Start: September of the following year

Admission Prerequisites:

Relevant Bachelors university degree passed with a minimum grade of 2.3 (good) or proof that the applicants are among the best 20% of their year.
96 ECTS credits in the scientific and engineering subjects as well as mathematics relevant to the course of study.
Sufficient English language skills. This can be demonstrated by one of the following:

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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 570 out of 677 on the paper-based test or a minimum score of 90 out of 120 on the internet-based test
International English Language Test System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
UNIcert®: at least a UNIcert® II certificate with a minimum grade of 2.3
NULTE certificates: at least level B2+
Also considered proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language are a relevant study or professional stay of at least two years in an English-speaking country within the last three years prior to receipt of the application for admission or the successful completion of an English-language study program

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Certificates/Diplomas of all higher education degrees (e.g. BSc, B.E etc.) - if already obtained
Official transcripts of all completed and ongoing degrees
Proof of English language proficiency in the case of non-native English-speaking applicants

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Structure

Impressions

Testimonials

“What I like the most about this programme is not only that it introduced me to the fascinating world of biophysics and complex systems, but it also gave me the chance to interact and learn a lot from my fellow students in a friendly and cooperative interdisciplinary environment. In addition, the Matter to Life team - even during Corona times, when meeting in person was not an option - was very supportive and always caring about the well-being of their students. Finally, I am enjoying a lot of my life in Göttingen, certainly a beautiful and open-minded city for international students to academically develop.”
F. Perachia 1st year Matter to Life Student