Fundamental knowledge, interdisciplinary approach, good employment prospects – German universities invite you to English-language programs
For an interdisciplinary approach – to Munich
In the summer semester of 2020, the Technical University of Munich (TU Munchen) launches an English-language program called Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics. The master's program lasts two years, during which students study at the intersection of natural sciences, medicine, and engineering, and learn about the latest global developments in their field.
According to Franz Pfeiffer, professor at the Technical University of Munich and director of the Munich School of Bioengineering, graduates of the new specialties will have many opportunities for further career development. Specialists in these fields are in high demand in large companies, for example – Siemens, Philips, which develop and manufacture equipment for medical imaging, therapy, and diagnostics. “Also, more and more small firms are emerging that deal with biotechnology. They develop special indicators, materials for sensors, and other devices,” says Professor Pfeiffer.
The first two semesters of the master's program are devoted to lectures, seminars, and laboratory practicals, and during the second year, the student engages in research work and writing a master's thesis. The curriculum depends on the focus the student chooses. The main areas are medical imaging and biosensors, but a significant part of the individual curriculum can be adjusted according to the student's interests.
Also at the University of Munich, there are bachelor's and master's programs in specialties such as biophysics, bioinformatics, medical technology, and engineering. When asked about the features of the new program, Professor Pfeiffer replies: “This is an interdisciplinary program. For example, the specialty 'Biophysics' does not address many engineering problems and does not involve delving into chemistry, physiology in medicine.
The situation is similar with engineering specialties. For example, the program 'Biomedical Engineering' is more engineering-technical: the focus is on instrumentation, rather than a deep understanding of chemical or physical processes.” In the new program, students will have the opportunity to gain interdisciplinary knowledge.
For fundamental knowledge – to Dresden
At the Technical University of Dresden, master's applicants who speak English are offered specialties such as Molecular Bioengineering and Nanobiophysics.
The Molecular Bioengineering program provides a fundamental education in the fields of biomedicine and bionanotechnology. One of two specializations is chosen after the first semester. Over three semesters, students attend lectures on genomics, stem cell engineering, bioinformatics, and other interdisciplinary subjects depending on the chosen profile, and in the fourth semester they write their thesis. According to Professor Stefan Diez, director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), graduates of the program will be able to find work in research institutes and in industry, in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.
The master's program in Nanobiophysics involves education at the intersection of biology, biophysics, and bionanotechnology. The curriculum consists of courses that will provide the student with knowledge in areas such as molecular and cellular biophysics, molecular nanostructures, and nanorobots. In the third semester, students must choose a specialization module consisting of two courses, and complete three laboratory projects: one in biophysics, one in nanophysics, and one elective. The fourth semester is reserved for writing the master's thesis.
“The dynamic development of natural sciences and biotechnology creates a huge demand for qualified scientists in these fields. Interestingly, the vast majority of our graduates subsequently earn a doctorate in philosophy,” says Stefan Diez.
Choose between Heidelberg or Aachen
Heidelberg University offers students with a bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, or engineering an English-language master's program in Biomedical Engineering. The student chooses a specialization in radiotherapy, medical imaging, or computational medical physics. In addition, students are offered a one-year exchange program with a partner university in China and receive a double degree.
The first three semesters, the student attends lectures, seminars, and laboratory practicals, and during the last semester writes a research paper – in Germany or in China.
RWTH Aachen University in the Times Higher Education university ranking for 2019 in engineering and technology takes 27th place, right after the University of Munich. It also offers an English-language master's program in Biomedical Engineering.
The curriculum of the first semester depends on the specialty the student obtained in their bachelor's degree. This helps prepare graduates of different profiles for further joint study.
In the second and third semesters, in addition to mandatory and elective courses, the student chooses between three specializations: “Tissue Engineering,” “Medical Imaging,” and “Artificial Organs and Devices.” The fourth semester is devoted to work on the thesis. Students who do not speak German are required to attend German language courses, while all other students take a mandatory English language course.