Biochemistry

As the “chemistry of life”, biochemistry provides the link between biology and chemistry. Further, bioinformatics plays an ever greater role in modern biochemistry. Biochemists analyze the organization of cells and organisms at a molecular level. They analyze biochemical reaction mechanisms such as the intracellular transport of substances, cellular differentiation, signaling cascades, or cellular stress responses, as well as the molecular causes of illnesses. In addition, biochemists make use of the methods of chemistry, molecular biology, and physics.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Biochemistry (PDF, German) 

As a graduate, you possess a solid fundamental knowledge of the central areas of biochemistry and of further relevant fields in organic and physical chemistry. In addition, you will have been able to advance and expand upon your knowledge of physics, mathematics, and informatics.

The interdisciplinary character of the program means that, in addition, you gain an insight into related fields in medicine and the life sciences. A research internship also provides you with an initial substantive insight into the anticipated practice of research and professional life. The program's discipline-specific content is accompanied by further modules that cultivate soft skills and develop your knowledge of scientific methods.

For graduates of the bachelor's program in biochemistry, professional opportunities arise in pharmaceutical firms and biotechnology companies. Furthermore, fields in which biochemists are active extend to many areas that overlap with the natural sciences, from nutrition to administrative and organizational roles, as well as those in health care and media. 

The first five semesters focus on conveying fundamental knowledge of the natural sciences as well as discipline-specific content in biochemistry and related areas. 

Students complete an accompanying internship in which they can apply the knowledge they acquire. The program concludes with the bachelor’s thesis in the sixth semester. 

In detail:

• Overview degree program structure (German) (PDF 110 KB)
• Program structure: Overview of modules (German) (PDF)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German. Some courses may, however, be taught in English.

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 3,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from the TUM School of Natural Sciences (German)

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

For information on applying for a higher semester, please contact the Departmental Student Advising.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure evaluating your ability to successfully manage the particular qualitative requirements of the bachelor’s program.

In the first stage, your overall secondary school grades, your grades in subject-specific courses, and any relevant practical experience or additional qualifications will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview.

Students who earned their higher education entrance qualification in a non-German language school in another country and whose native language is not German must take part in an admissions interview to assess their subject-specific language skills. 

In detail: The aptitude assessment procedure for the degree program

• Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor
• Aptitude Assessment Regulations (PDF 155 KB)