Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science
Attention!
In this section you will find all the important information about the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. The registration period for this year has expired, but you can still register for chemistry.
- Standard period of study:
- 6 semesters
- Start of studies:
- Winter semester
- Type of studies:
- Undergraduate
- Language of instruction:
- German
- Admission
- Restricted admission
Scope 180 CP* (full-time)
90 CP
Lecture and exercise
78 CP
Practical training
12 CP
Final thesis
Structure of the biochemistry degree programme
In the basic biochemistry programme at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, you will learn all the important basics of biochemistry within 6 semesters and complete your studies with a Bachelor of Science.
1. - 4. Semesters
In the first part of the programme (1st - 4th semester, foundation course), you will learn the basics of general (AC) and analytical chemistry (AnaC), biochemistry (BC) and molecular biology as well as organic (OC) and physical chemistry (PC). There are also courses in biology, medicine, mathematics, physics and law.
5th - 6th semester
Part 2 (5th - 6th semester, main study programme) of the Bachelor's degree programme serves to deepen the subjects BC and Molecular Biology, OC and PC, Structural Analysis, Bioethics as well as a range of courses that are part of the specialisation. In addition, 15 CP may be used for individually selected courses in both the 5th and 6th semesters.
The Bachelor's thesis deals with a topic from the internship in the 5th or 6th semester or one of the additional subjects.
You can combine other subjects with biochemistry as part of the 30 elective CPs: Applied Computer Science, Business Administration and Law, various natural sciences, Philosophy of Science and foreign languages.
Moduleplan
Examination regulations 2024
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The diagram gives you an overview of the proportion of the various topics in the semesters. If you would like to know more about the content of the individual lectures, take a look at the Module handbook.
* and **: A complete list of all compulsory elective lectures and compulsory elective practical courses can be found in the current examination regulations.
Requirements
Your enjoyment of and interest in chemistry, biology and maths are most important. Certain previous knowledge, English language skills or internships are not a prerequisite, but will make it easier for you to start your studies. An open mind for complex interrelationships, precise observation and experimentation, logical and analytical thinking and critical scrutiny of results are also an advantage on the way to a successful degree. Compared to school, the learning curve is much steeper during your studies - not only in terms of complexity, but also in terms of scope. Your perseverance, motivation and enjoyment of learning will help you. In the end, you will not only gain important qualifications for your future career, but also a degree in a subject that gives you the skills to master the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Studying - and then?
After graduating, you will have a wide range of options in various specialised fields. Exciting fields of work open up for you wherever biological processes are analysed at a molecular level and chemical processes in cells.
With your degree, you can work in a research institution, a laboratory or at a university, for example. You can also work in the pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnological industries, as well as in the food sector.
In order to specialise further and have even more options for the future, most graduates of the Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry opt for a Master's degree.
Biochemistry vs. Chemistry
Chemistry is the science that deals with the properties, structures and changes of matter. It enables us to understand the world around us, from the simplest molecules to complex materials. Through chemical reactions, materials can interact with each other and create new substances. This knowledge has led to significant advances in areas such as energy production and materials research.
Biochemistry, on the other hand, deals with the chemical processes that take place in living organisms. It is a bridge between chemistry and biology and helps us to understand how life functions at a molecular level. Biochemical research has provided groundbreaking insights into how enzymes work in our cells, how DNA is structured and how proteins are synthesised. This knowledge is invaluable for developing new drugs, fighting disease and understanding human health.
At the beginning of the degree programme, the overlap between the two courses is still large. For both chemistry and biochemistry students, knowledge of general, analytical and organic chemistry, as well as maths and physics, is a foundation of their studies. The further the course progresses, the more specialised the content becomes. From the 3rd semester onwards, the proportion of specialisation exceeds the proportion of joint courses.
The biochemistry degree programme now increasingly includes courses from the fields of biology, medicine and life sciences. The content of the chemistry degree programme, on the other hand, focuses on inorganic, physical and technical chemistry, as well as mathematical methods in chemistry and chemical law.
Application
Application & Enrolment
Application for a 1-subject Bachelor's programme with restricted admission
For the 1-subject Bachelor's programme B.Sc. Biochemistry at RUB, you must apply via the RUB application portal and also register on the portal www.hochschulstart.de.
Application
Click here to go to the RUB application portal and to register at www.hochschulstart.de
Enrolment
Information on enrolment in admission-free and admission-restricted subjects