Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration University of Cologne

Overview

The Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration at University of Cologne is an interdisciplinary, English-language master's program that focuses on basic and biomedical research-oriented education using state-of-the-art technologies. 

The Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration is an interdisciplinary, English-language master’s degree that focuses on fundamental and biomedical research-oriented training using the latest technologies. The degree programme is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in life sciences who fulfil the criteria stated in the admission regulations. The aim is to expand the students’ knowledge of molecular genetics and the biology of ageing and regeneration and prepare the students to perform independent scientific activities in the field of molecular life sciences in the academic, state or private sector.

Contents

The main Lecture series is devoted to fundamental concepts of modern genetics, aging, and regenerative biology. Lecture topics focus on basic molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms governing cell, tissue, and organismal function and homeostasis and how their dysfunctions drive aging and aging-associated diseases. The Seminar series complements the Lecture by introducing basic and cutting-edge techniques and approaches used in modern biology research and demonstrating their application on concrete examples in interactive training sessions.

Moreover, students are guided and coached in scientific writing, working with scientific literature, exercising critical thinking, and presenting scientific results. In addition to the main lecture series, students attend two other lecture series offered by other biology Master's programs (Computational Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Environment; Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences; Neuroscience). Within the "Subject Modules", "Laboratory Modules" and "Project Modules" students are guided to transfer and deepen their acquired knowledge and skills into the practice of a scientific laboratory. The portfolio of "Subject Modules" offered in the second semester covers the most important research areas and competencies. This includes processes (gene expression, post-translational modifications, cell death, proteostasis), systems (microbiology, stem cells), and technologies (functional genomics, microscopy) of modern genetics, aging, and regenerative biology research studied using a variety of cell and animal model systems. "Subject Modules" are designed for groups of students to encourage individual and collaborative work and the development of a variety of skills, including project and experimental design, and problem solving. In the "Laboratory Modules" and "Project Modules," students further explore their scientific interests and improve their skills by working on a small project in a laboratory of their choice.

Students expand their skills in independent planning and execution of scientific projects, data analysis and interpretation, and presentation. The program concludes with a Master's thesis based on an individual scientific project in a laboratory of choice. All modules have graded and/or pass/fail assignments that include various forms of examinations