Constructor University Undergraduate Programs
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Bremen, Germany
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 20,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* global applicants | 15.07 applicants who do not need a visa
** additional fees apply
Introduction
Biochemistry is the study of molecules and chemical processes in living organisms, while Cell Biology is concerned with the structure and physiology of cells, their components, and interactions with the environment. The two fields are combined in one comprehensive degree program, which will give you a broad understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that form the basis of life, including the principles of inheritance and gene expression. This allows BCCB graduates to address in their careers important problems in today's society, be it by basic or by applied research, for example in the areas of biomedicine, biotechnology, or molecular biology. For this, the BCCB program at Constructor University provides not only a theoretical background, but also substantial practical training. Students are, furthermore, involved in hands-on research during their studies.
The program is regularly highly ranked in the CHE Rankings and U-Multirank.
Why study at Constructor University
International experience
Train your intercultural skills by studying with talents from more than 100 countries and excellent study abroad options.
Top rankings
Benefit from the highest standards in teaching, interdisciplinary learning, early research involvement, and hands-on education.
Global career
Connect with Alumni to broaden your professional network & start your career with our individual career service support.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology opens doors in international companies in the pharmaceutical, biochemical, and biomedical industries. You can work as a toxicologist, forensic scientist, or consultant in the public sector, and as a university lecturer or professor.
The majority of BCCB graduates pursue advanced education. Past alumni of the program have been accepted into highly esteemed universities across the globe, including Imperial College London, LMU Munich, University of Heidelberg, University of Göttingen, ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL), various International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS), University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Cornell University, Duke University, New York University, Yale, MIT, and Harvard University for their MSc and Ph.D. programs.
In addition to graduate education, the hands-on curriculum of the BCCB program, including numerous laboratory courses, prepares graduates for careers in the biotech, food, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as government agencies. Graduates can find employment as lab researchers in research-related positions, product development, technical support, marketing, or sales. Some alumni have also found success in non-traditional careers such as management, science policy, or science writing. Outside of academia, past BCCB graduates have secured positions at companies like Arthrex, Catenion, Roche, Leroy Merlin, Boston Consulting Group, and the non-profit Medicines for Malaria Venture.
Career services center
Today’s business world requires disciplinary knowledge from graduates as well as the ability to apply this knowledge. Career-related services at Constructor University provide information, counseling and training, networks, and events. Constructor University’s students participate in training on project management, business communication, job interview skills, and more. Digital job and internship portfolios help students to prepare for their careers.
Alumni association
Studying at Constructor University gives you connections – often for your whole life.
The Alumni Association E.V. was founded in 2004 by the first generation of graduates. Since then, around 4,500 students have obtained their degrees from this University.
Gallery
Curriculum
The undergraduate program at Constructor University is a three-year, 180-credit-point program designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths.
Throughout this 3-year full-time program taught in English, students will learn how to analyze and interpret large data sets, design, and develop software applications, and solve complex problems using data-driven approaches. Students will also gain a strong foundation in computer science, programming, and related disciplines such as mathematics and statistics.
The “4C Model” is the program's backbone, with disciplinary content grouped into three themes according to study years: CHOICE-CORE-CAREER. Additionally, the “CONSTRUCTOR Track”, an integral part of the program, runs parallel throughout the program. It provides students with multidisciplinary content and essential skills such as argumentation, data visualization, societal engagement, and communication.
The curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their goals and to explore different fields of study, with the flexibility to change their major within the first year. Moreover, the programs include a mandatory internship and a study-abroad opportunity in the fifth semester to provide students with hands-on experience and a global perspective.
Study program structure
Year 1
The first study year is characterized by a broad offer in disciplinary education that builds on and extends the students’ entrance qualification. BCCB Students select introductory modules with a total of 45 credit points from the CHOICE area of a variety of study programs, of which 30 credit points will be from their intended major.
Students can still change to another major at the beginning of the second year of studies if they have taken the corresponding modules of the study program in the first year of studies.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology students take the following discipline-specific CHOICE Modules in their first year of study:
- CHOICE Module: General Biochemistry (7.5 credit points)
- CHOICE Module: General and Inorganic Chemistry (7.5 credit points)
- CHOICE Module: General Cell Biology (7.5 credit points)
- CHOICE Module: General Organic Chemistry (7.5 credit points)
The modules of the BCCB major are planned out to consist of integrated lecture and laboratory course module components. The General Biochemistry Module will explain how to apply and analyze basic concepts of biochemistry, while the General Cell Biology Module introduces students to cells which are the minimal functional units of life. Both BCCB-specific modules find their essential foundations and complementation in the General and Inorganic Chemistry and General Organic Chemistry Modules, in which the underlying principles of chemical reactions and organic molecules are conveyed. Thus, the macromolecular composition of cells, general principles of cellular and biochemical processes,as well as molecular biological codes provided by the genome, the transcriptome, and the proteome will be in the focus of the complementary components of the BCCB modules at large. Physiology and pathological alterations bringing about diseases will be introduced alongside. In-lab experiences will encompass documentation, description, and discussion of experimental data, while awareness and following of safety rules and regulations are explained and trained.
Year 2
In their second year, students take modules with a total of 45 credit points from in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. These modules aim to extend the students’ critical understanding of the key theories, principles, and methods in their major at the current state of knowledge and best practice.
BCCB students take the following CORE modules:
- CORE Module: Advanced Biochemistry I (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Advanced Biochemistry II (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Advanced Biochemistry Lab (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Advanced Cell Biology I (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Advanced Cell Biology II (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Advanced Cell Biology Lab (5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Microbiology (5 credit points)
The mandatory CORE Modules of the BCCB program build on the BCCB CHOICE modules and are thought to deepen the knowledge in each of the two core fields of this major: biochemistry and cell biology. For either field, the CORE modules encompass two lectures and a laboratory course. To account for the wealth of information and the fast development in knowledge acquisition, as well as methodological advances in these rapidly enhancing scientific fields, the modules are staggered from the third to the fourth semester. The "Advanced Biochemistry I/II" modules cover energy production by living organisms, synthesis and degradation of biomolecules and principles of metabolism. Moreover, they address how genetic information is regulated, controlled and expressed in pro- and eukaryotic cells, and how DNA repair is realized at an advanced level. The "Advanced Cell Biology I/II" modules provide an in-depth view on the complexity of cellular systems, the regulation of key cellular processes and their integration in tissue formation and organismal organization, including regulatory mechanisms that allow for coordinated early development in selected model organisms. These modules will also address principles of genetics and evolution and discuss consequences of alterations upon loss of homeostasis or stress, thereby approaching biomedical implications leading to disease.
In the laboratory modules, students will perform experiments to elucidate the relationship between the structure, biochemical properties, and activity of biomolecules, both in vitro and in a cellular context. For example, proteins tagged by the green fluorescent protein (GFP) will be expressed and biochemically characterized in the Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory module while protein trafficking and functioning in different cellular compartments will be analyzed using GFP-tagged proteins in combination with different targeting signals in the Advanced Cell Biology Laboratory module. Methods range from standard techniques like chromatography, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry to genetic engineering of plasmid vectors, the genetic manipulation of cells and advanced laser scanning microscopy. Result documentation, analysis, and discussion will be accomplished through publication-style laboratory reports.
Students decide to complement their studies by taking the discipline-specific mandatory elective CORE modules (10 credit points):
- CORE Module: Microbiology Lab (2.5 credit points)
- CORE Module: Infection and Immunity (7.5)
Or substitute these modules with CORE modules from a second field of studies according to interest with the aim to pursue a minor.
In the "Microbiology Lab", students will identify environmental bacteria through biochemical and sequence analyses. The lecture module "Infection and Immunity" explores microbial biology and pathogenicity as well as host-pathogen interactions in light of the human immune system as an efficient defense mechanism.
Year 3
During their third year, students prepare and make decisions for their careers after graduation. To explore available choices fitting individual interests, and to gain professional experience, students take a mandatory summer internship.
The 5th semester opens also a mobility window for study abroad options. Finally, the 6th semester is dedicated to fostering the research experience of students by involving them in an extended Bachelor thesis and seminar module, which aims at data generation of publication quality.
BCCB students take major-specific or major-related, advanced Specialization modules to consolidate their knowledge at the current state of research in areas of their choice.
BCCB students can choose four of the following Specialization Modules:
- Specialization: Experimental Strategy Design (5 credit points)
- Specialization: Biomedicine (5 credit points)
- Specialization: Current Topics in the Molecular Life Sciences (5 credit points)
- Specialization: Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (5 credit points)
The specialization modules in the BCCB program aim at critical discussions and evaluations of current advances in different research fields of the molecular life sciences to unravel and apply the fascinating complexity of biological systems in basic and applied sciences. Although from different perspectives, the BCCB Specialization Modules will address scientific challenges in the 21st century and how scientists tackle them. The module contents will enable students to formulate hypotheses, to develop a strategy to approach any research question experimentally, to predict possible experimental outcomes, and how the experiments need to be controlled, in order to finally draw a conclusion from their own data or the results of others. In this context, the regulatory frameworks governing activities in the bioscience field will be discussed and the principles for creating and realizing research projects in the fast-progressing fields of life sciences will be outlined. The module contents will take into consideration the societal context in a world with increasing cultural and socio-economic diversity, e.g., by critically deducing today’s challenges in designing research projects in the basic sciences and also aiming at translation into the clinics.
In "Current Topics", students will analyze recent scientific articles in a seminar-style format where students present the authors' rationale and experimental design and debate the experimental outcomes through in-class discussions. Hypothesis-driven research is the central element in "Experimental Strategy Design", where students will expand their methodological knowledge through literature analysis, assessing the benefits and limitations of state-of-the-art techniques, which will enable them to eventually design their own research strategy to answer a given scientific question. The "Biomedicine" module will analyze how biological processes can go wrong in disease, which molecular regulators are targeted in designing therapeutic approaches and new treatment options and how diagnostic tools can be developed.
Industrial applications will be addressed in the CBT Specializations "Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology" and "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technology". For a detailed description of the CBT Specialization modules, please refer to the handbook of the Chemistry and Biotechnology Study program. Please note that these CBT Specialization modules might have specific prerequisites.
Internship / Start-up and career skills module
As a core element of Constructor University’s employability approach students are required to engage in a mandatory two-month internship of 15 credit points that will usually be completed during the summer between the second and third year of study. This gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand practical experience in a professional environment, apply their knowledge and understanding to a professional context, reflect on the relevance of their major in employment and society, reflect on their own role in employment and society, and find professional orientation. As an alternative to the full-time internship, students interested in setting up their own company can apply for a start-up option to focus on the development of their business plan.
Constructor University Track
The Constructor University Track, an important feature of Constructor University’s educational concept, runs parallel to the disciplinary modules across all study years and is an integral part of the study program. It reflects a university-wide commitment to in-depth training in scientific methods, fosters an interdisciplinary approach, raises awareness of global challenges and societal responsibility, enhances employability, and equips students with extra skills desirable in the general field of study. Additionally, it integrates (German) language and culture modules.
Methods and Skills modules
Methods and skills such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation skills, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills are offered to all students as part of modules within the Methods and Skills area. Students are required to take 20 credit points in the Methods/Skills area.
BCCB students take the following Methods modules:
- Methods Module: Mathematical Concepts for the Sciences (5 credit points, Semester 1)
- Methods Module: Physics for the Natural Sciences (5 credit points, Semester 2)
- Methods Module: Plant Metabolites and Natural Products (5 credit points, Semester 4)
And can choose among the following ones:
- Methods Module: Introduction to Bioinformatics (5 credit points, Semester 3)
- Methods Module: Analytical Methods (5 credit points, Semester 3)
Big Questions modules
The modules of the Big Questions area intend to broaden the students’ horizons with applied problem-solving between and beyond the disciplines. The offerings comprise problem-solving-oriented modules that tackle global challenges from the perspectives of different disciplinary backgrounds and that allow, in particular, a reflection of the acquired disciplinary knowledge in economic, societal, technological, and/or ecological contexts.
BCCB students select 2-4 modules (10 credit points) from a broad portfolio of Big Questions modules.
Community Impact Project
In their 5th semester, students are required to take a 5 credit points Community Impact Project (CIP) module. Students engage in on-campus or off-campus activities that challenge their social responsibility, i.e., they typically work on major-related projects that make a difference in the community life on campus, in its neighborhood, in Bremen, or on a cross-regional level.
Language modules
Constructor University supports its students in acquiring and improving these skills by offering a variety of language modules at all proficiency levels. Emphasis is put on fostering the German language skills of international students as they are an important prerequisite for non-native speaking students to learn about, explore, and eventually integrate into their host country and its professional environment.
All students take four language courses in the first and second year.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Education is a substantial investment in your future, at Constructor University we strive to make it an affordable reality for students from across the world. Therefore, we offer students personalized financing offers to help cover their tuition fees. They consist of one or more types of financial support in the form of scholarships and/or grants and tuition deferrals. You only start repaying the deferred tuition fees once you successfully entered the job market. That way you can focus completely on your studies. We are convinced that a Constructor University education will form the perfect foundation for your future career – that is why we are happy to invest in you.
Scholarships
- All students are considered for an academic achievement scholarship based on their school grade point average (GPA). EU and EFTA students are eligible for a minimum guaranteed scholarship of € 4.000.
Academic Achievement Scholarships (per academic year)
€ 4.000 (Minimum guaranteed amount for EU and EFTA students)
€ 6.000
€ 8.000 (Maximum scholarship amount irrespective of nationality) - The number of these scholarships is not limited and no separate application is required.
- Students are informed about their scholarship amount immediately following admission.
Tuition Deferral Program
In cooperation with our partner Brain Capital
- Deferral of tuition fees is calculated automatically and available to you shortly after admission.
- You decide whether you want to take advantage of this personalized financing option.
- Granted independently of your financial situation.
- Flexible repayment plan based on your future income and personal circumstances.
Apply for need-based aid
In addition to our academic achievement scholarships and our tuition deferral program, students can apply for our personalized, need-based financial aid program.
- The amount of the grant (need-based discount) is determined based on your and your family’s financial situation
- The amount of the grant does not need to be repaid.
Our Student Financial Services team is happy to assist you!
External financing options
These scholarships are not administered by Constructor University Bremen. For further information about the requirements and the application process, please contact the appropriate institution directly.
External Scholarships and Stipends
- We have compiled a list of German foundations that offer scholarships and stipends to national and international students: listing of External Scholarships and Stipends
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- MyStipendium.de: Search engine to help you find the stipend which matches your profile
- Elternkompass: Beratung und Hilfe bei der Suche nach einem geeigneten Stipendium (German students only!)
- MLP Stipendienprogramm – für MINT-Studenten ab dem 3. Fachsemester
Student Loans
- BAföG: Grants and student loans given to German students based on their family’s financial situation.
- KfW-Studienkredit: The student loan of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) is the most popular student loan among our German students.
- studienkredit.de: Here you will find more information regarding educational loans in Germany.