Life Sciences Nutrition

Building on scientific fundamentals, supplemented by practical experience in the methodology of nutritional research, a comprehensive knowledge of human nutritional needs, the physiological effects of nutrients, and the underlying molecular and biochemical processes in the human body is imparted. The focus of research is currently on so-called personalized nutrition, which strives to take into account the individual needs of the metabolism in nutritional interventions. At the same time, however, our eating habits also shape agricultural production, which has a major influence on the release of climate-damaging emissions. Therefore, the topic of sustainability is an increasingly important aspect of our teaching, for example in the field of food technology or in nutritional physiology when assessing the suitability of vegetable protein sources for human nutrition.

Our goal is to educate scientists who work in an interdisciplinary manner at the interface of biochemistry, (intestinal) microbiology, physiology, and medicine in order to investigate the effects of changes in the food environment on the human organism and to show ways to improve nutrition worldwide.

Graduates of this degree program have a sound basic knowledge of natural sciences and mathematics as well as interdisciplinary skills in the fields of human medicine, nutritional science, food science, and life sciences. With this knowledge, they can assess the pathophysiological causes of food intolerances and identify the reasons for malnutrition, and use laboratory experience to explore which treatment options are effective. Throughout their studies, our graduates are motivated to develop their own understanding of the multi-layered (biochemical, physiological, medical, ecological, socio-political) implications of the environmental factor of nutrition, and at the same time are enabled to use their knowledge and skills to carry out responsible activities in the professional field of nutritional science.

The combination of theory and practice from nutrition research, human medicine, food science, life sciences and public health, which is unique in Germany, offers optimal conditions for a professional future in research, nutritional medicine, industrial food production, or pharmacy. Its operations range from clinical research to product development, food safety, and public health education. With the special focus on “personalized nutrition” or “sustainable nutrition”, there will be a wide range of career opportunities in the future. In the food industry or the pharmaceutical industry, further qualifications with a focus on research are often required, which can only be acquired in the Master’s program. For this reason, many of our graduates are planning to pursue a Master’s, for exampla in Nutrition and Biomedicine at TUM.

• Degree program documentation for the Bachelor’s program in Life Sciences Nutrition (PDF)

• From the beginning of your studies, you will be involved in areas such as human nutrition and physiology, in addition to deepening your knowledge in the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
• From the third semester onwards, the nutritional science expertise is expanded and deepened, including methodological and technical aspects in practical exercises. This in-depth professional training in nutritional science or nutritional physiology and nutritional medicine is accompanied by modules in microbiology, biochemistry, and food chemistry.
• On the one hand, the fifth and sixth semesters serve to develop an individual competence profile, according to inclinations and interests through elective modules, and on the other hand, to bring together all the professional and methodological competence learned as well as to prepare for the scientific thesis.

• Overview degree program structure (PDF 75 KB)
• Module catalog: Description of course content (PDF 8 MB)

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.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 2,000 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

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• 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. The 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 take an online test.

In detail:

• Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor
• Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 160 KB)