Molecular and Cellular Biology

The research-oriented Master of Science program in Molecular and Cellular Biology is conducted entirely in English and is designed for highly motivated students with a strong interest in understanding molecular mechanisms at the sub-cellular level. The program offers a cutting-edge education in a modern research environment, covering a broad range of core subjects such as Cell Biology and Microbiology.

Building upon a bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field, the program allows students to deepen their expertise through a diverse selection of specialized modules. Its flexible structure enables students to tailor their studies according to their individual interests and to organize their coursework with a high degree of autonomy.

The primary goal of the program is to provide a solid foundation in classical research training. In addition, it emphasizes the development of essential transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, organizational and mediation abilities, as well as intercultural competence.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared to pursue an individual doctoral research project or enroll in one of the Faculty of Biology’s graduate schools to continue their academic career.

• Graduate School of Life Sciences Munich (LSM)
• Graduate School of Systemic Neursosciences (GSN)

The standard duration of the Master’s program is four semesters, including the completion of a master’s thesis. The program comprises a total of 120 ECTS, with students typically earning approximately 30 credits per semester. The curriculum is organized into a modular system that encompasses thematically related areas of research, integrating lectures, seminars, and practical courses. A key focus is placed on learning within the context of current research projects. Modules can be individually selected and combined based on the student’s academic goals and interests.

First Semester – Foundational Training
The first semester is designed to expand and deepen the foundational knowledge acquired during the student’s undergraduate studies. During the initial two months, students participate in the mandatory courses Lab Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Computational Biology. In addition, students may choose up to two supplementary fields of study to begin their academic specialization.

Second and Third Semesters – Specialization
In the second semester, students have the opportunity to either continue developing their focus areas from the first semester or explore new subjects. Required components include lectures, seminars, hands-on practical courses, and research-based practicals. During the third semester, students enroll in two thematically coordinated modules: Special Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Special Research Module, both of which prepare them for their final research phase.

Fourth Semester – Master’s Thesis Module
The program concludes with a 24-week research project culminating in the writing and defense of a master’s thesis. This final phase allows students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent, responsible research. The master’s module also includes supplementary elements such as a research seminar and colloquia, supporting the development of presentation and discussion skills in a scholarly context.

Overview Curriculum (PDF, 77 KB)

Module Catalogue (PDF, 1,680 KB)

• Study program coordination
  Dr. Philomena Bodensteiner
  Katharina Grenzebach

• Examination Office

The application round for the Master of Science program in Molecular and Cellular Biology starting in October 2025 is closed.

The next application period for the Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology starting in October 2026 will run from mid-January until February 28, 2026.
As soon as the application period opens, you will find the link to the application portal here.

Prospective schedule for the admission process 2025:

• Entrance exam: calendar week 18
• Interviews: calendar weeks 23 and 24

The admission process consists of up to four steps. The decision regarding eligibility is made by the Master’s Admission Committee.

Step 1: Requirements
You are eligible to apply for the Master of Science program in Molecular and Cellular Biology if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (completed or in progress)
  You have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 ECTS points in biology or a related field - such as bioinformatics, (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics, or biotechnology - or you are expected to complete it in the near future.

• English Language Proficiency
  You must provide proof of English proficiency at the B2 level or higher, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or demonstrate an equivalent level of proficiency.

Step 2: Online Application
You must meet the admission requirements and successfully submit the online application along with all required documents. You must submit your application exclusively through our online portal (see "Current application period").

• With a bachelor's degree from an EU member state, your evaluation will be based 60% on your Letter of Motivation and 40% on your bachelor's GPA..

• If the combined score is 1.5* or lower, you will be accepted directly to the Master's program.
• If the combined score is higher than 1.5*, you must take the Entrance Exam

• With a bachelor's degree from a non-EU country, you must take the Entrance Exam, regardless of your GPA.

Step 3: Entrance Exam
If you fulfill the eligibility requirements and you have successfully submitted your online application with the required documents and you do not qualify for direct acceptance, you will be invited to take the Entrance Exam.

Following the Entrance Exam, a combined score is calculated, based on your exam result (70%) and your Bachelor’s GPA (30%). Based on this score, there are two possible outcomes:

• If your combined score is 1.9* or lower, you are accepted to the Master’s program.
• If your combined score is higher than 1.9* and up to 2.3*, you will be invited to an interview.

Step 4: Interview
If you took the Entrance Exam and your combined score is higher than 1.9* and up to 2.3* you will be invited to an interview. In this final step of the admission process, a decision is made regarding your admission to the program.

* According to the German grading scale, where 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.

Overview admission process (PDF, 85 KB)

Regulations for the Aptitude Assessment Process (PDF, 95 KB)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
  You must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 ECTS points in biology or a related field, such as bioinformatics, (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics, or biotechnology. Alternatively, you are expected to complete such a degree in the near future.
• English Language Proficiency
  To be eligible for the master’s program, you must provide proof of English language proficiency at a level equivalent to at least B2, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an equivalent standard.
  Acceptable proof must either explicitly state that your English proficiency is at least at the B2 CEFR level or be verifiable through recognized language assessments. All types of language tests are accepted (e.g., in-person, computer-based, paper-based, or online), and there is no restriction regarding the date the test was taken.

Proof of your proficiency in German is not required for your application to the master’s program.

List of (non-)valid proof of language (PDF, 68 KB)

Documents:

The following documents, in English and in PDF format, are required for your application to the master's program:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent, if already available)

• Transcript of records, which must include the following information:
  • Total grade point average (GPA)
  • Official explanation of your university’s grading system (including the highest possible grade and the minimum passing grade)
  • Official explanation of your university’s credit system (e.g., how many working hours correspond to one credit)
  • If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply by submitting a current transcript of records showing all completed coursework to date.
  • Please note: If your university uses a grading or credit system that differs from the German system, we will convert your GPA and credit points accordingly — you do not need to do this yourself.

• Proof of English language proficiency
  Documentation that your English proficiency is equivalent to at least level B2, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or equivalent
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
  Your CV must be limited to a maximum of two pages. It should include:
  • Full name
  • Academic background
  • Work experience
  • Other relevant information

• Motivation essay
  A motivation letter with a maximum length of 600 words, addressing the following:
  • Your reasons for applying to this program, including relevant qualifications such as research and practical (lab) experience
  • Your motivation for studying at LMU (Faculty of Biology)
  • Your interest in specific research areas or research groups

Important:
All required documents must be submitted by the application deadline. According to the admission regulations, late applications or documents submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

If you meet the admission requirements, have successfully submitted your online application along with all required documents, and do not qualify for direct admission, you will be invited to take the Entrance Exam.

The exam is offered both online (subject to a fee) and in person (free of charge) at the Biocenter of LMU Munich. The online version involves external service fees of approximately €70 (plus any applicable country-specific taxes), payable via credit card or PayPal. Detailed information about the exam format, exact date, and applicable fees will be included in the official invitation.
Please note: The examination fee for the online exam is non-refundable and not subject to any discounts or vouchers.

Exam Details:

The Entrance Exam is a 90-minute, English-language, multiple-choice test. It covers topics from the following subject areas:

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Human Biology and Genomics

The questions are designed at the bachelor’s level, and any standard textbook used in a bachelor’s biology program can be used for preparation.
Please note: Sample questions are not available.

Expected Knowledge:

Cell Biology

• Atoms and molecules
• Biochemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
• Cell theory and the origin of life
• Structure and components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Membrane structure and transport
• Intracellular compartments, protein sorting, and membrane trafficking
• Protein quality control
• Energy conversion (e.g., mitochondria and chloroplasts)
• Cell signaling, junctions, and extracellular matrix
• Cytoskeleton
• Cell cycle and cell death
• Methodological knowledge (microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry)

Genetics

• DNA, genes, and chromosomes
• DNA replication, recombination, and repair
• Gene expression (transcription and translation)
• Regulation of gene expression
• Mutations and disease
• Methodological knowledge (sequencing, cloning, genetic engineering)

Microbiology

• Prokaryotic cell physiology (nucleoid, membrane processes, cell envelope, antibiotics)
• Motility, taxis, and cell division
• Cultivation, growth, and differentiation
• Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism
• Phototrophy and chemolithotrophy
• Phylogeny of prokaryotes
• Basic chemical calculations

Human Biology and Genomics

• Human genomics
• Human genetics and diseases
• Stem cells and cloning
• Epigenetics
• Basic human physiology and anatomy
• Fundamentals of oncology
• Human evolution

Recommended Textbooks

• Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th edition)
• Lodish, Molecular Cell Biology (8th or 9th edition)
• Stryer, Biochemistry (9th edition)
• Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry (7th or 8th edition)
• Watson, Molecular Biology of the Gene (7th edition)
• Slonczewski/Foster, Microbiology (5th edition)
• Madigan/Martinko, Brock Biology of Microorganisms (14th or 15th edition)
• Hillis, Life: The Science of Biology (12th edition)

After taking the Entrance Exam:

Once you have completed the Entrance Exam, a combined score will be calculated based on your exam grade (70%) and your bachelor’s degree grade point average (30%).

• If you have a combined score of 1.9* or lower, you will be admitted directly to the master’s program.
• If you have a combined score higher than 1.9* and up to 2.3*, you will be invited to the final step of the admission process – the interview.

* According to the German grading scale, where 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.

You will be invited to the final step of the admission process—the interview—if your combined score, calculated from your final exam grade (70%) and the grade point average of your bachelor’s degree (30%), is higher than 1.9* or less than 2.4*.

This step consists of two interviews conducted via online video call. The interviews are held in English and last approximately 15–20 minutes each. You will be interviewed by two faculty members from the Faculty of Biology. A formal invitation, including the exact dates and times, will be sent to you at least one week in advance.

The interviews will assess various aspects, including your academic background—both theoretical knowledge and practical experience—your ability to engage with biology-related topics and solve scientific problems, as well as your motivation to pursue the Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology at LMU Munich.

* According to the German grading scale, where 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade.

Important Information for International Applicants

If you are not a German citizen and have neither completed your bachelor’s degree in Germany nor obtained your general university entrance qualification (“Abitur”) in Germany or from a German school abroad, you are required to apply for general admission to LMU Munich through the International Office.

This means that you must submit two separate applications:

• One to the Faculty of Biology for acceptance to the Master’s program, and
• One to the International Office for general admission to LMU.

These are independent processes with different purposes and deadlines:

• The Faculty of Biology evaluates your academic background and motivation as part of the admission process for the Master’s program.
• The International Office verifies foreign academic qualifications to determine your general eligibility to study at LMU.

Application Deadlines:

• Faculty of Biology – Application for acceptance to the Master’s Program:
  February 28
• International Office – Application for general admission to LMU:
  July 15

As an international applicant, you may wait to apply for general admission until you have passed the Entrance Exam. However, we strongly recommend reviewing the required documents early to avoid delays later in the process.

Further details on how to apply for general admission can be found on the International Office’s admission website.

Please note the following:

• The International Office requires certified copies of all transcripts and certificates.
• You must complete the official application form of the International Office.
• In the form, indicate that you are applying for the Master’s program in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
  (You are not required to submit your Letter of Acceptance from the Faculty of Biology at this stage.)

Introduction to the Program (PDF, 2,077 KB)

Information on Mandatory Courses in the 1st semester (PDF, 823 KB)

Exam- and Study Regulations (German version) (PDF, 225 KB)

Module Catalogue (PDF, 1,680 KB)

Individual Course Selection (XLSX, 30 KB)

Guidelines (PDF, 134 KB)

Internal Eaminers and Supervisors (PDF, 146 KB)

Guidelines (PDF, 161 KB)

Internal Examiners and Supervisors (PDF, 146 KB)

Deadlines (PDF, 411 KB)

Registration (Internal Master's Thesis (PDF, 183 KB)

Application and Registration (External Master's Thesis) (PDF, 111 KB)

Application for Extension (PDF, 85 KB)

Last Page and Statement of Originality (PDF, 67 KB)

Colloquia List (PDF, 89 KB)

Rules for Use of AI Tools (PDF, 58 KB)