Master Evolutionary Biology

Modules for semester 1 (compulsory)

Module No	Name	Working Group
M1	Evolutionary Theory	Kokko, NN
M2	Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Behaviour	Foitzik, XU, Huber
M3	Population Genetics and Genomics	Burger, Huylmans, Andrade

Modules for semester 2 (compulsory elective; three can be selected from the following)

Module No	Name	Working Group
M4A	Evolution of Species Interactions	Xu, Huber
M4B	Social Evolution: from genes to behaviour	Foitzik, Menzel
M4C	Evolution in Natural Populations	NN
M4D	Evolutionary Modelling	Kokko
M4E	Anthropology	Herlyn, Burger
M4F	Computational Biology	Andrade
M4G	Genomics and DNA Sequence Analysis	Hankeln

Modules for semester 3 (compulsory)

Module No	Name	Working Group
M5	Additional Qualifications	Huber, Huylmans, Foitzik, Burger, Dreesmann, Xu, Menzel, Herlyn Griebeler
M6	Project Work	All working groups of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE) of FB10 offer project works

Modules for semester 4 (compulsory)

Module No	Name	Working Group
M7	Master Thesis (6 months)	All working groups of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE) of FB10 offer master theses

For more detail see also the module handbook.

(The following information is provided for guidance only. The sole legally binding document is the examination regulations of the Master's Programme in Evolutionary Biology at JGU.)

For All Applicants

In general, biologists, all other natural scientists, medical doctors, mathematicians, forensic scientists, and computer scientists are eligible to apply for this programme once they have obtained a Bachelor's degree or are about to complete one. Applicants must demonstrate a total of at least 27 credit points (LP) in courses related to evolutionary biology, biostatistics, or bioinformatics.

The application process is conducted through the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz's study portal called JGU-StINe. In addition to the usual documents, you will be required to fill out and submit an "Admission Form." This helps us gain an overview of your study focuses and determine if you meet the aforementioned admission requirements. Subsequently, applicants who meet the formal admission requirements will be invited for an interview via email. The interview is not an examination but rather serves to assess applicants' qualifications and provide them with guidance on whether this programme is suitable for them.

The interview will be evaluated. Final admission is based on the evaluation of the interview and the grade in the Bachelor's degree, with a ratio of 4:6.

For Biologists

We emphasize the importance of attending a certain number of evolutionary biology courses during your Bachelor's degree programme. A typical biology degree in Germany or elsewhere in Europe usually suffices for admission.

For Non-Biologists

We are keen on enabling access to this programme for non-biologists as well. Since you typically do not have any evolutionary biology courses in your Bachelor's degree programme, we also accept courses in computer science, mathematics, and biostatistics as substitutes. Additionally, you are required to have basic knowledge in genetics, which will be assessed during the interview. You can prepare using the following this online textbook. If you master the contents from page 8 to 72 and meet the formal requirements mentioned above, you have a good chance!

FAQ

Do I need to be fluent in English?

Knowledge equivalent to that acquired through the German Abitur is sufficient. Applicants from abroad must provide a language certificate at level B2.

Is German a requirement?

No. The language of instruction in this programme is English. English is predominantly used in all biological research groups.

The above-mentioned textbook focuses on humans. Can I use other genetics textbooks instead?

Yes! We have selected this textbook because it is freely available online and brief. Any other genetics textbook serves the same purpose.

I have/will have a Bachelor's degree in a different field than the ones mentioned above. Can I still apply?

Yes. In case of doubt, please contact the Programme Coordinator via email for a non-binding preliminary assessment. A formally binding decision will be provided after we have reviewed your documents.

 

I can't find the programme on the university's website. Where exactly can I apply?

The application portal will open in April. Check the exact dates and deadlines via this link

Programme Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Joachim Burger

Recognition of certificates: Prof. Dr. Miguel Andrade

Organization of studies, once you are enrolled: Dr. Günther Ochs

Examination Office: Dr. Peter Schubert