Biophysics (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.)
The Bachelor's programme in Biophysics imparts specialist knowledge and methods for scientific work and critical reflection. It combines biology and physics to understand complex relationships at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The interdisciplinary programme includes foundational courses in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and computer science.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The Biophysics bachelor’s course provides students with the subject-related knowledge, skills and methods they will require to be capable of scientific work, scientifically-based judgement, critical reflection on scientific results and responsible action in the working world. This applies to qualification for a master’s course o the one hand, and to professional qualification in relevant occupations.
Mono-bachelor's course Biophysics (180 CP)
Mandatory modules (130 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB 1 | Fundamentals of Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 4 | General and Inorganic Chemistry | 5 CP |
| BioB 7 | Organic Chemistry | 5 CP |
| BioB 11 | Biochemistry | 5 CP |
| MBPH 1 | Mathematics 1 | 5 CP |
| MBPH 2 | Physics 1 | 10 CP |
| MBPH 3 | Mathematics 2 | 10 CP |
| MBPH 4 | Physics 2 | 10 CP |
| MBPH 5 | Physics Internship | 5 CP |
| MBPH 6 | Physical Chemistry | 10 CP |
| MBPH 7 | Physics 3 | 5 CP |
| MBPH 8 | Basics of Biophysics | 10 CP |
| MBPH 9 | Theoretical Biophysics 1 | 10 CP |
| MBPH 10 | Study Project Mono | 20 CP |
| MBPH 11 | Final module / Bachelor's Thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (30 CP)
Choose 3 of the following modules:
| Module | Title | Size |
| MBPH 12 | Programming and Bioinformatics | 10 CP |
| MBPH 13 | Theoretical Biophysics 2 | 10 CP |
| MBPH 14 | Experimental Biophysics | 10 CP |
| MBPH 15 | Special Topics in Biophysics | 10 CP |
| BioB 22 | Molecular Microbiology and Infection Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 23 | Fundamentals of Plant Molecular Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 24 | Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 31 | Special Topics in Biology 1 | 10 CP |
| BioB 32 | Special Topics in Biology 2 | 10 CP |
General elective modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions.
General elective course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| MBPH ?WP 1 | Biophysics in Theory and Experiment | 5 CP |
Special features
Successful modern biology requires the ability to recognise and present complex relationships and networks, and the ability to use the laws of physics to explain processes on a molecular, cellular and organismic level as well. This requires interdisciplinary training that includes working with highly sensitive experimental methods to gather quantitative data and using them to construct meaningful theoretical models. The Biophysics course is therefore designed for people with a broad interest in the natural sciences. During the course, students will first acquire broad basic training in a wide range of natural sciences disciplines (mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, computer science), and attend the relevant lectures at the corresponding departments. Building on this solid basic knowledge, the advanced phase of the course offers specialised biophysical programmes oriented towards current international biophysical research and offered in conjunction with research institutes from Berlin and Brandenburg.
A particular focus is the close relationship between experimental and theoretical biophysics, e.g. the development of experimentally viable molecular and systems biology models.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
At Humboldt University, you can apply for the following Master's programmes:
- M.Sc. Quantitative Molecular Biology
- M.Sc. Organismal Biology, Biodiversity and Evolution
- M.Sc. Biophysics
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
Information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service
Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Korte
Recognition of credits
Ms. Tina Rohde, phone: 030/2093 46789; bachelor.biologie@hu-berlin.de
Contact information for the institute
Department of Biology
Institutsgeb?ude/Hauptgeb?ude, Invalidenstra?e 42 (Hauptgeb?ude), 10115 Berlin