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Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Chemical Biology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Degree Master of Science
Duration 4 semesters
Deadline EU/German nationals: July 15 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
Delivery On-campus
Location Karlsruhe, Germany
Language German

Program Overview

The master's degree program in Chemical Biology at KIT is particularly interdisciplinary and combines chemistry, biology and biophysics. You will learn to understand biological processes at the molecular level and to influence them using chemical methods. This prepares you optimally for working across disciplinary boundaries. At the beginning, you will take the advanced module in chemical biology. Here you will deepen your knowledge of the central concepts, methods and applications of the subject. For example, you will study the bioconjugation and microanalysis of proteins and nucleic acids, learn how to use bioorthogonal reactions and apply high-throughput methods for automated screening in cells and model organisms. In addition, you will acquire skills in the structural elucidation of biomacromolecules such as proteins, DNA or RNA using simulations, protein crystallization and NMR spectroscopy. Building on this, there is the specialization module in chemical biology, which deepens and further specializes your knowledge in a practical way. Here you can choose between the following specialization subjects: In your chosen specialization subject, you will complete a six-week lab course in a working group, take part in a working group seminar and attend two lectures of your choice in your subject.

Key Program Features

  • • unique opportunity to combine university education with research at large-scale research facilities • broad range of courses
  • numerous specialization options • integration into the EUCOR university network and the European University EPICUR. Participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg
  • Basel
  • Strasbourg
  • Colmar and Mulhouse as well as Amsterdam
  • Poznan
  • Vienna and Thessaloniki

Career Opportunities

After completing a master's degree in chemical biology, students often pursue a doctorate. After completing a degree in chemical biology, you will have a wide range of career opportunities, for example at universities and research institutes, in companies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries and in the biotechnology sector. The fields of activity there range from research and development, diagnostics, analytics, production and sales to marketing or consulting.

Program Curriculum

• Advanced Chemical Biology Chemical Biology Lecture for Master Students (6 CP) Chemical Biology Laboratory for Master Students (18 CP) Literature Seminar Current Issues Chemical Biology (2 CP) • Chemical Biology Lecture for Master Students (6 CP) • Chemical Biology Laboratory for Master Students (18 CP) • Literature Seminar Current Issues Chemical Biology (2 CP) • Specialization Subject Chemical Biology Choice of Chemical Biology, Biophysics / Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biology Advanced Lab (16 CP) Research Group Seminar (2 CP) 2 Lectures for Specialization Subject (8 CP) • Choice of Chemical Biology, Biophysics / Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biology • Advanced Lab (16 CP) • Research Group Seminar (2 CP) • 2 Lectures for Specialization Subject (8 CP) • Compulsory Elective Choice of Biophysical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biology Biophysical or Organic Chemistry: Advanced Lab (17 CP) 2 compulsory elective lectures (4,5 CP each) Biology: 2 advanced research modules (8 CP each) Project module (7 CP) compulsory elective seminar Biology (3 CP) • Interdisciplinary Qualifications (12 CP) • Choice of Biophysical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biology • Biophysical or Organic Chemistry: Advanced Lab (17 CP) 2 compulsory elective lectures (4,5 CP each) • Biology: 2 advanced research modules (8 CP each) Project module (7 CP) compulsory elective seminar Biology (3 CP) • Advanced Lab (17 CP) • 2 compulsory elective lectures (4,5 CP each) • 2 advanced research modules (8 CP each) • Project module (7 CP) • compulsory elective seminar Biology (3 CP) • Master's thesis (30 CP)

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Chemical Biology are based on the current admission regulations: • bachelor's degreea bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or a degree program with essentially the same content) from a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or a foreign university. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits. • minimum achievementsachievements in laboratory courses totaling 50 ECTS credits (CP) in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics Note on the application documents Enclose proof of all (laboratory) courses completed during your studies with details of the CP awarded for each. Proof of internships must include a description of the content.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)

Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.

About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe, Germany

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....

University Profile
  • Application Deadline EU/German nationals: July 15 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
  • Language German
  • Duration 4 semesters
  • Credits 120 ECTS