Medical Life Sciences

To lay the foundation for working in molecular disease research, Medical Life Sciences (MedLife) provides knowledge in human biology, pathology and systems biology. Courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical cell biology, medical statistics and human genetics make the interfaces between medicine and the sciences visible. You learn how to acquire knowledge, validate and use it in research. Starting in the second semester, you specialise in one of three focus areas: Evolutionary Medicine investigates how interrelations between humans and their environment have led to current disease susceptibility. Why do we suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity? Why are certain genetic variants maintained in populations despite their disease risk? Those are only two of the many questions that arise when looking at diseases ailing us. Inflammation takes you deep into the molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammatory diseases, the causal network between inflammatory processes and disease, genetics and environment. Oncology leads you into molecular research of malignant diseases, the interplay of genetics and environment, cell biology of tumours and many other aspects. Experts in their fields guide you through lectures and seminars. Lab practicals and project work in state-of-the-art research labs as well as your Master's thesis provide ample opportunity to improve your skills and be involved in research projects. Genomic diagnostics demonstrates the headway science is making towards more precise, individualised diagnostics of diseases using bioinformatics. You will also choose electives that complement your focus area. Tracing Disease through Time looks at disease etiology by analysing biomolecules, diets and pathogens in archaeological specimens. Imaging in medical research is also on the menu. MolOcular provides insights into disease mechanisms at a molecular level, focusing on the eye. Molecular Diagnostics, Metabolomics, Tissue Engineering, Neurosciences, Epithelial Barrier Functions, Cardiovascular Epidemiology explore the interface between medicine and the sciences. How to process and analyse your data is part of what you learn in Bioinformatics and System Biology. Soft skills classes such as project management, career orientation and English scientific writing are integrated into the curriculum as well to prepare you for work life.