Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration
Program Profile
The “Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration” is an interdisciplinary Master’s program taught in English that focuses on basic and biomedical research-oriented training using state-of-the-art technologies. The program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in the life sciences who meet the criteria specified in the "Admission Regulations". It aims to advance students’ knowledge in molecular genetics and the biology of aging and regeneration and prepare students to pursue independent scientific activities in the field of molecular life sciences in the academic, governmental, or private sectors. Students who complete the Master's program will receive the title “Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration”.
Graduate profile
The Master’s program aims to train students in timely and exciting research areas that have been of significant public interest and relevance. The students will learn which molecular mechanisms and processes underlie the functions of cells and tissues of an organism and how these functions are maintained. They will also learn how dysfunctions contribute to aging and age-related diseases. Topics introducing options for prevention, clinical intervention, and potential treatment of age-related diseases are also part of the curriculum. Graduates will be able to identify open questions in the areas of the Master's program, develop innovative experimental strategies to address these scientific questions, and present their findings. Completing the interdisciplinary program in a highly interactive research environment will open a wide range of career opportunities for graduates. These range from pursuing further academic training in doctoral studies to direct entry into careers in the life science industry (clinical, diagnostic, forensic, and pharmaceutical laboratories), science management, transfer, and scientific outreach and communication.
Program Structure
The Master's program in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration combines theoretical and practical research-oriented training components. It spans over two years, starting with the Lecture and Seminar series in the first semester, followed by Subject and laboratory Project Modules during the second and third semesters. The program concludes with a practical Master's thesis in the fourth semester.
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The main Lecture series is devoted to fundamental concepts of modern genetics, aging, and regenerative biology. Lecture topics focus on basic molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms governing cell, tissue, and organismal function and homeostasis and how their dysfunctions drive aging and aging-associated diseases. The Seminar series complements the Lecture by introducing basic and cutting-edge techniques and approaches used in modern biology research and demonstrating their application on concrete examples in interactive training sessions. Moreover, students are guided and coached in scientific writing, working with scientific literature, exercising critical thinking, and presenting scientific results. In addition to the main lecture series, students attend two other lecture series offered by other biology Master's programs (Computational Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Environment; Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences; Neuroscience). Within the "Subject Modules", "Laboratory Modules" and "Project Modules" students are guided to transfer and deepen their acquired knowledge and skills into the practice of a scientific laboratory. The portfolio of "Subject Modules" offered in the second semester covers the most important research areas and competencies. This includes processes (gene expression, post-translational modifications, cell death, proteostasis), systems (microbiology, stem cells), and technologies (functional genomics, microscopy) of modern genetics, aging, and regenerative biology research studied using a variety of cell and animal model systems. "Subject Modules" are designed for groups of students to encourage individual and collaborative work and the development of a variety of skills, including project and experimental design, and problem solving. In the "Laboratory Modules" and "Project Modules," students further explore their scientific interests and improve their skills by working on a small project in a laboratory of their choice. Students expand their skills in independent planning and execution of scientific projects, data analysis and interpretation, and presentation. The program concludes with a Master's thesis based on an individual scientific project in a laboratory of choice. All modules have graded and/or pass/fail assignments that include various forms of examinations (written and oral examinations, poster and/or seminar presentations, project reports, master's thesis).
The students are taught by internationally recognized scientists who are experts in various topics of modern genetics, aging research, and regenerative biology. The training is primarily provided by full, junior, and associated Professors of the University of Cologne affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, as well as cooperating Institutions. However, students also have an opportunity to complete Laboratory Project Modules and Master’s Thesis outside of the campus or abroad. The students can freely choose supplementary modules.
Program Admission Criteria
The Master's Program Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration is open to students from all over the world holding Bachelor's degree in Life sciences who meet the criteria specified in the “Regulations for Admission”. These include an overall grade not worse than 2.7 and acquisition of 180 credit points, of which 40 credit points must be from at least three of the following fields: biochemistry, developmental/regenerative biology, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, or cell biology, and a minimum of 30 credit points acquired for experimental/practical courses in the fields of biochemistry, developmental/regenerative biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and/or cell biology. Given that the program is taught in English, candidates must prove English proficiency at the level of B2. The applicants are admitted once a year with the study program starting in the winter semester.
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