Biological Sciences – Bachelor of Science

Undergraduate study programme leading to a first degree and providing qualifications and skills for future employment.

Biology is the science of living systems. It investigates the development, functioning and behaviour, and the relationships between the individual organism and its environment. In Konstanz our focus is on cell biology with a molecular biology orientation, biomedical basic research and ecology. During the course of your studies you will acquire skills in all of the classical and modern fields of biology, and you will receive comprehensive practical training in the methods of cellular and molecular biology.

→ Go.MINt Orientation programme – Discover STEM subjects
If you are interested in maths and science, you can take your own individual path to earning a degree in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, maths) before at the University of Konstanz by kicking off your studies with the two-semester Go.MINt orientation programme. Our Go.MINt programme lets you get to know our STEM subjects before choosing a specific discipline. The programme then counts towards a bachelor's degree in your chosen field and extends the standard period of study by two semesters.

Degree
  • Bachelor of Science
Start of study
  • Winter semester
Standard period of study
  • 6 Semester
Application period
  • 07.05. - 15.07.
Admission restriction
  • Yes
Mandatory minor
  • No
ECTS Credits
  • 180
Ø Number of new students
  • 172

Why study Biological Sciences in Konstanz?

  • You can actively participate in current research projects
  • Excellently equipped laboratories
  • Individual supervision and support for our students
  • Especially for first-semester students: welcoming events, introductory courses and a preparatory course in mathematics before the semester starts
  • For all students: Helpful services such as mentoring groups and tutorials
  • Very friendly atmosphere between teaching staff and students

Study content

Prospects

Career prospects

Young biologists can work in different areas of the biological and non-biological industry. Typical work areas include:

  • Biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies
  • Research institutions
  • Research and development
  • Economic businesses and companies
  • Journalism and political administration

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies
After graduating with a BSc in Biological Sciences we recommend moving on to a master’s programme. You can continue at the University of Konstanz with our Master’s Programme in Biological Sciences.

Study structure

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

Opportunities for additional training

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

Skills for successful studies Career-oriented skills and social commitment Get ready for your career start

Internships and stays abroad

Internship

You do not have to complete an internship outside the university. Since the examination frequency in the Bachelor 's Programme in Biological Sciences is rather high, we recommend completing your entire course of studies at the University of Konstanz without interruptions for study abroad.

Stay abroad

A study abroad stay is not compulsory. If you continue with our Master's Programme in Biological Sciences, you can complete the included internship in Germany or abroad. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Study requirements

Admission requirements for studying

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Orientation test
If you intend to study at a university in Baden-Württemberg, you will need to submit proof of having completed an orientation test along with your university application. You must enclose proof of participation in the orientation procedure with your application documents. Here you will find a list of the orientation procedures recognised by the University of Konstanz.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Fees

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Required language skills

Foreign language skills
You do not have to document having foreign language skills. However, as large parts of the research literature are written in English, good English skills are highly recommended.

German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

Teaching and examination language

The languages of instruction are German and English.

Interests and skills

  • Good general knowledge
  • Very good knowledge of mathematics and the natural sciences
  • A willingness to work hard
  • Self-initiative
  • The ability to work and learn in a structured way
  • Keen observation skills
  • Logical and analytical thinking
  • Good English skills

PocketGuide – Get to know our study programmes
Are the study programmes B.Sc. Biological Sciences or B.Sc. Life Science the right for you? Find out everything about studying Biology at the University of Konstanz in our PocketGuide. You can take your first lessons and quizzes on subject contents and test your expectations of your studies.

Application

Application and application documents

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.07.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

Contact

Contact person

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Stefanie Bucifal
Contact person room: M 602
Phone: +49 7531 88-2304
Email: stefanie.bucifal@uni-konstanz.de

Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz

With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.

Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.

  • Blick auf das Audimax der Universität
    Blick auf das Audimax der Universität
  • Blick in die moderne Universitätsbibliothek
    Blick in die moderne Universitätsbibliothek
  • Internationale Studierende auf dem grünen Campus
    Internationale Studierende auf dem grünen Campus
  • Blick auf den Universitätsstrand am Bodensee
    Blick auf den Universitätsstrand am Bodensee
back to all study programmes

Download study information

Online guide to study programme

Get to know us!

Discover the subject

Campus life

Loader