Developments in computer science as well as in large scale methods for data collection have changed the practice of natural sciences. The interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program in Computational Sciences offers five different Majors, of which the Major in Computational Biology allows direct entry into the Master of Science program in Molecular Biology at the Biozentrum. 

The Bachelor of Science in Computational Sciences is dedicated to the application of computational approaches to natural sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. The first year of the three-year program is methods-focused and common for all students. Specialization begins in the second year with the choice of one of the five Majors offered: 

• Computational Biology
• Computational Chemistry
• Computational Mathematics
• Computational Methods
• Computational Physics

The Major in Computational Biology is provided by the Biozentrum, a worldwide leading institute for Molecular Biology and Biomedical basic research and teaching.

Study program

1st Year 
In the first year, students acquire fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and biology. The compulsory core subjects are the same for all students of computational sciences.

2nd Year
Courses linked to the Major in Computational Biology start in the second year, which includes lectures in mathematics, computer science and molecular biology. This program is therefore suited for quantitative studies of biological systems, e.g. in systems and structural biology, biophysics, genetics or bioinformatics. As of  autumn 2023, you will also attend the new practical course “Experimental Molecular Biology” and one in one in Bioinformatics. In addition, with the Biozentrum Research Summer program, we also offer the unique opportunity to actively immerse yourself into research by joining one of Biozentrum’s labs for seven to nine weeks.

3rd Year 
The third year is strongly practice oriented. You will participate in a six-week, all-day block courses in «Structural Biology and Biophysics» that covers both theoretical and experimental aspects. Furthermore, you will be actively involved in two research projects. These projects are tailored to this Bachelor program and can be conducted in the research groups that are involved in the program, e.g. Molecular Modelling and Drug Design, Application of deep sequencing to the study of evolution, genetics, gene expression and diseases are possible topics.

Should you have questions concerning the course of studies please contact the Student Office Computational Sciences (see below). 

Career perspectives

A Bachelor of Science in «Computational Sciences» enables you to either start working or to pursue a Master’s and subsequently a doctoral degree. Many paths open for graduates in both academic research as well as in many types of companies, from pharmaceutical to software development companies, all of which are strongly developing their data science activities. With the lecture series «Studium! Was dann?», which takes place several times each semester, you can inform yourself about possible career paths in the field of computational science.