Master's Programme Microbiology
Faculty | Faculty of Biology |
Duration / ECTS-Credits | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits |
Academic Degree |
Master of Science (MSc) |
Qualification Level |
Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7 |
ISCED-F | 0511 Biology |
Mode of Study |
Full-Time |
Study Code |
UC 066 830 |
Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2008W) * |
Language of Instruction | German |
Admission Requirements |
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates |
Application |
* Information on the Curriculum (2008W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 2019)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 17 2019, Issue 4, No. 53 (equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 28 2019, Issue 65, No. 574 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 2015)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 1 2015, Issue 1, No. 2 (Equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 6 2015, Issue 26, No. 386 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 2008)
- Curriculum/Consolidated version (from October 1 2008)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin October 1 2008, Issue 1, No. 4 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 29 2008, Issue 37, No. 266
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme. The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.
In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:
- 5 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Chemistry and Physics
- 8 ECTS-Credits Core Area: General Microbiology, Physiology and Systematics
- 8 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Techniques in Microbiology
- 5 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Applied Microbiology
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
5.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Systematics of Microorganisms
5.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Physiology of Microorganisms
5.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology
15.0 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules
5.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Genetics and Genomics of Microorganisms
2.5 ECTS-Credits: CM Quantitative Techniques in Ecology
22.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Modules
7.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
15.0 ECTS-Credits: CM Instructions for Scientific Working
7.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis » continue fourth semester
7.5 ECTS-Credits: Elective Module
20.0 ECTS-Credits: Master’s Thesis
2.5 ECTS-Credits: CM Master's Thesis Defense
Qualification Profile and Skills
The Master’s Programme Microbiology provides an in-depth scientific training based on pertinent bachelor programmes. Aim is a well-founded subject-specific education, also with focus on the application of the knowledge. Besides of theoretical and methodological expert knowledge students also learn how to think and work in a scientific way to be able to understand complex (micro-) biological contexts and to apply this knowledge.
Research and teaching at the Institute of Microbiology focuses on archaea, bacteria and fungi. Besides of the theoretical basics in systematics, physiology, molecular biology and ecology, also application-orientated aspects are conveyed (medicine, plant protection, environmental technology, biotechnology, soil biology). The programme places great emphasis on practical experience in laboratories, in the outdoors and in the scientific practice. The Master’s programme is also a preparation for a pertinent doctoral programme.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Microbiology have the necessary knowledge as well as the required skills and competences to find methodologically sound answers to subject-specific questions related to research in microbiology and to apply them in practice. They are able to scientifically evaluate and further develop areas of microbiology and to apply their acquired knowledge in an interdisciplinary way.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
Scientific and managerial positions and work as consultants, experts or authorized experts in private businesses and public institutions (e.g. in the fields of industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, food production and control, pharmaceutical industry, medicine, hygiene, agriculture, forestry and water economy, environmental protection and in public administration, museums, libraries and nature reserves.
Work in research and teaching at universities, universities of applied sciences and other national or international research institutions.
Other professions in the overlapping areas to other disciplines (geoecology, geography, agricultural science, archaeology, medicine, employee protection, allergology, veterinary medicine, building protection, patent law, journalism and many other fields) in combination with respective additional qualifications.
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Microbiology have the subject-specific skills required for commencing a pertinent doctoral programme.
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
Supplementary Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-informatik/
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
||
1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
45.1 | ![]() |
= 100% |
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
29.2 | ||
3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
17 | ||
4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
8.7 | ||
5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
December 2021
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Equivalence Lists (in German only)
- Equivalence List (Modification of the Curriculum - Universities Bulletin October 7 2015)
- Equivalence List for the Master's Programme in Microbiology (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
- Equivalence List for the Master's Programme in Molecular Biology (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
- Equivalence List for the Bachelor's Programme (according to the course catalogue 2008/2009)
Forms (in German only)
- Examination Records
- Application for the Master's Thesis
- Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- Submission of the Master's Thesis
- To block the Master's Thesis
- Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Contact and Information
Examination office
Standort Technikerstraße 17
Dean of Studies
Ao. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Leopold Füreder
Further persons to contact:
Institute of Mikrobiology and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heribert Insam
biopage.info: Information portal for Biology Students of the University of Innsbruck