• 1st-4th semester: Basic section
  In the first two years, the fundamentals of biology are taught in an interdisciplinary manner. The major modules Biology I-IV teach the basics of biology in groups of topics: From the structure of cells (I), to whole organisms (II), their biochemical functioning (III), and how they use their genetic information (IV). At the beginning of your studies you will also get an overview of the diversity and ecology of plants and animals during the identification exercises. Thus, in the winter semester you will learn about the diversity of animal life, as well as the basics of plant structure, which you need to know in order to identify plants. In the following summer semester, you will further deepen your knowledge of plant and animal identification in the field, i.e. in ecological habitats. For biologists it is very important to have good methodological skills in scientific work. You will learn these methods in a series of lectures, which will give you a comprehensive overview of the experimental and theoretical approaches in biology. During the first four semesters you will also learn the basics of chemistry, physics and mathematics/statistics. In addition, you will take a language course in English, since the English language in biology is an important prerequisite for professional qualification.
• 5th-6th semester: Subject modules
  In the third year of study, you can “get a deeper insight” into four subject areas of your choice. In the so-called specialized modules you deepen your knowledge. In addition to learning theoretical and practical skills, you will also practice presenting scientific results in seminars. The subject modules can be chosen from all research areas of biology. One of the modules can even come from medicine or another natural science.
• 6th semester: Bachelor thesis
  The bachelor thesis is normally written in the 6th semester. In a period of 12 weeks you will work on your own small scientific project and write a paper of about 30-40 pages. In addition, you will present your research results to the members of your research group in the form of a small seminar presentation.

In our biology program, you will study the laws of life. You study the molecular basis of life processes as well as the function, development, coexistence and evolution of living organisms. In addition, you deal with the practical application of biological findings, e.g. for the development of innovative drugs or for food production.

Although our bachelor’s degree program is a complete biology program, you should note that the focus in Erlangen is on cell and molecular biology. Almost all advanced courses are located in this department. Specialization in organismic botany/zoology, ecology, marine biology or human biology is not possible in Erlangen.

• Interest and enjoyment in questions of modern biology
• Not afraid of chemistry, physics and mathematics
• Basic knowledge of the natural sciences facilitates entry into the degree program
• The ability to work and think independently
• Perseverance and willingness to learn, which is needed for all courses of study

The numerous fields of biology, as well as the adjacency to other subjects such as chemistry, medicine or pharmacy, enable biology graduates to pursue a very broad range of careers. Many biologists work in research and development at universities and other research institutions, as well as in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. However, they are also in demand in production, quality control, marketing or sales in such companies. Other possible fields of work are:

• Laboratories, e.g. in the field of medical diagnostics and environmental analysis
• Art and cultural institutions
• Public administration, environmental protection and nature conservation
• Journalism and public relations, botanical and zoological gardens, museums
• associations
• extracurricular education

• Anyone who studies biology also needs chemistry. The minor subject of chemistry therefore makes up a large part of the first year of study. The lectures start at zero, but progress quite quickly. If you don’t have a solid high school knowledge of chemistry, you might want to take a bridge course in chemistry for minor students or fill in possible knowledge gaps elsewhere.
• “I enjoyed biology in school” is not a sufficient justification for studying biology. Some of the content of the biology program differs significantly from high school biology. Due to the current research projects, FAU has the (future-proof) focus on cell and molecular biology, which, however, leads to the fact that “classical” subjects such as zoology, botany or ecology remain limited to the basic education and a specialization in e.g. behavioral biology or marine biology is not possible in Erlangen – we don’t have an ocean in Erlangen 😉
• Without independent learning it will be difficult. In order to pass the exams successfully, independent revision with books is necessary in addition to attending lectures and practicals.
• In the 2nd semester, field exercises are on the schedule, in which you explore the flora and fauna around Erlangen. Since Erlangen is located in a TBE risk area, you should think about a TBE vaccination if you do not already have one.
• For the biology courses in the 1st/2nd semester you will need a preparation kit (collective order at the beginning of the 1st semester), for the laboratory practicals in molecular biology and chemistry a lab coat.
• The examinations in the Bachelor’s degree program are taken during the course of the respective modules. The examination periods are normally always at the beginning and end of the lecture-free period.