Biochemistry

Biochemistry makes indispensable contributions to advances in modern medicine and in the transformation towards sustainable, industrial synthesis processes, so-called green chemistry. As a foundation, biochemistry provides a sound understanding of cellular processes by studying the function and structure of biological molecules and their interactions with each other. In the first year of study, the Master's degree programme in Biochemistry deepens biochemical concepts as well as advanced experimental techniques with the support of which students apply and expand their knowledge through independently conducted research practicals in the second year of study. In planning and documenting the research projects, students train key skills such as literature research, scientific writing, presentation techniques and a critical examination of experimental results. The course content is based on topics of current research of the working groups involved in the degree programme at Bielefeld University, the Heart and Diabetes Centre in Bad Oeynhausen and other university and non-university research institutions. Students decide for themselves which of the three profiles offered they would like to specialise in, according to their interests.

The profile Chemical Biology focuses on learning and applying innovative and preparative synthesis chemistry with the aim of understanding the molecular aspects of life processes, influencing them in a targeted manner and using them for chemical syntheses.

In the profile Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules, students use modern physical-chemical measurement techniques to gain a fundamental understanding of molecular mechanisms in biological processes.

In the profile Cellular Biochemistry, cellular processes are investigated biochemically and cell-biologically in order to understand their influence on the entire organism. Through the investigation of pathobiochemical issues, there is a close connection to basic medical research.