Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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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	Apply ONLINE

* 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)

Requirements

Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Bachelor's Programme Biology

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). 

First Semester »

Second Semester »

Third Semester »

Fourth Semester »

Graphic chart »

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

• Doctor of Philosophy Programme Biology

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) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Deadlines
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction 

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 

Information for students with disabilities