DRESDEN TEKNIK UNI. MOLEKULER BIOMUHENDISLIK MASTER PROGRAMI

DRESDEN TEKNIK UNI. MOLEKULER BIOMUHENDISLIK MASTER PROGRAMI

http://www.biotec.tu-dresden.de/

The Biotechnological Centre (BIOTEC) of the Technische Universität Dresden is a unique interdisciplinary centre focussing on research and teaching in molecular bio-engineering. The BIOTEC hosts top international research groups dedicated to genomics, proteomics, biophysics, cellular machine, tissue engineering, and bioinformatics.

The BIOTEC has some 200 members of staff from over ten different countries from East and West Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Researchers have diverse backgrounds covering biology, medicine, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering. The BIOTEC provides excellent lab facilities and infrastructure with close links to companies residing in the same building, to the nearby Max-Planck-Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics , and to the university's faculties.



The centre has attracted over 9 million EUR research income over the past two years from the BMBF, DFG, EFRE, EU, HFSP, and Volkswagen Stiftung. It runs an international masters programme in molecular bio-engineering.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) will establish the new research center for Regenerative Therapies in Dresden, the center will be promoted with a grant of 20 million EUR for the first 4 years. See the Press Releases: DFG Press Release TUD Press Release

International Masters in Molecular Bioengineering


Molecular Bioengineering


20th century physics and biology took science to the atomic and molecular level. To meet today’s technological challenges we have to follow this trend and move from micro- to nano-technology. At this level of spatial resolution, technology meets biology. The machines in our cells and in all life on earth are nano-machines encoded in a genetic language. These nano-machines provide functionality at a much smaller scale, greater efficiency, consuming less energy and creating less pollution as is currently possible with micro-technologies. We have to understand how to engineer such cellular machines.


Curriculum

To realise this vision of molecular bioengineering, the Masters course brings a novel combination of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, materials science, medical science, bioinformatics and nanotechnology together.

The Masters course aims to teach students the fundamentals in biomedicine and bio-nanotechnology combining biology and technology, which are linked in two ways: On the one hand, biological knowledge on cells is applied to develop the notion of molecular factories; on the other hand, nano-technology and bioinformatics are enabling technologies applicable to engineer biomaterials for medical applications.

The modules taught in the first three semesters fall into two categories: biomedical and technological modules: The biomedical modules comprise genomics, proteomics, chemistry with bio-molecules, molecular tissue-engineering and biomaterials and the technological modules include bioinformatics, bio-nanotechnology, biophysics and cellular machines. Besides the lectures, there is a seminar series in which students leading researchers present the state-of-the-art and their current research results relevant to the course. Furthermore, there is a module on public and economic aspects of bioengineering, which discusses ethical and jurisdictional issues, patenting, and how to found and lead biotechnoloigal companies. After covering these modules the students devote the last of the four semesters to a thesis.


The modules

Term 1

Genomes and evolution. Prof. Stewart
The module introduces comparative genomics analysing prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes of model organisms, It covers the architecture of genomes and the evolutionary mechanisms that modify the genome. In particular, it focuses on epigenetic regulation, which modifies the information content of the genome.

Introduction to Proteomics. Prof. Hoflack
The module introduces molecular cell biology. It focuses on the description of protein networks and their influence on cellular functions at the cellular, tissue, and organism level.

Chemistry with Biomolecules. Prof. van Pee, Prof. Kölker, Dr. Bertau, Dr. Werner
The module introduces combinatorial chemistry and biochemistry.

Introduction to Bionanotechnology. Prof. Pompe
The module introduces basic concepts of nano-structures and shows how complex biological structures can be related to comparatively simple mathematical and physical models.

Applied Bioinformatics. Prof. Schroeder
The module gives an overview over online accessible data source and tools for sequence and structure analysis

Introduction to Biomaterials. Prof. Worch
The module show how to develop biomaterials (metals, polymers, ceramics) for medical applications.

Term 2

Genome Engineering. Prof. Stewart
The module covers methods for DNA engineering such as DNA-cloning, mutagenesis, and in-vitro methods.

Dynamics of Protein Networks. Prof. Hoflack
The module investigates how proteins form macro-molecular structures (extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton), which are regulated by protein networks.

Principles of Biophysics, Prof. Schwille
The module teaches when and how physical concepts can be applied to biological phenomena.

Cellular Machines: Fundamentals. Prof. Müller
The module introduces cellular machines and covers among others structure and function of membrane proteins, molecular channels and switches, mechanisms for energy transfer and signal transduction.

Programming for Bioinformatics. Prof. Schroeder
The module teaches the basic principles of programming and databases necessary to implement the biological data repositories and tools covered in applied bioinformatics.

Applied Bionanotechnology. Prof. Pompe
The modules discusses technical applications of bionanotechnology. It compares the bionanotechnological approaches to alternative physical and chemical ones.

Materials in Biomedicine. PD Schwarnweber
The module systematically classifies metallic and ceramic materials according to their interaction with biomaterials.

Term 3

Molecular Tissue Engineering. Prof. Stewart
The module shows how stem cells can be used for the construction of tissue.

Protein and Metabolic Engineering. Prof. Hoflack
The module covers protein purification and analysis techniques including clasiical and novel methods to study protein interaction networks.

Biophysical Methods. Prof. Schwille
The module discusses molecular mechanics and dynamics and introduces imaging, mechanical, and electro-physiological analysis methods.

Applied Cellular Machines. Prof. Müller
The module discusses motor proteins and enzymes for the design of cellular machines.

Algorithmic Bioinformatics. Prof. Schroeder
The module discusses the data structures and algorithms underlying common bioinformatics tools.

Microsystems Technology. Prof. Pompe, Dr. Braun, Dr. Mertig
The module discusses biochips and their applications.

Biomedical Tissue Engineering. Dr. Corbeil
The module introduces biomedical basics needed for tissue engineering.

Seminar Series. Prof. Müller, Prof. Simons
Invited researchers present the state-of-the-art and their latest research findings relevant to the course.

Public and Economic Aspects of Bioengineering.
The module discusses ethics and law for bioengineering as well as patenting and how to start and lead a biotechnology company.


Teachers and Facilities

The degree is hosted by the Biotechnological Centre and all professors of the centre teach on the course. Additionally, there are teachers from several institutes of the university and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. The course takes mostly place in the BioZ, which contains state-of-the-art lab facilities, computer rooms, and lecture theatres.


TU Dresden

The Technical University of Dresden (TUD) is one of the top 10 universities in Germany and is justifiably proud of its fine tradition in education and the state of the art facilities that resulted from the modernization after the German reunification in 1990. New faculties have been added to the traditional faculties of sciences and engineering including economics, humanities, social sciences and medicine. As a result the range of research possibilities and courses now offered by the TUD is broad and perfectly suited for interdisciplinary graduate studies like the Masters course in Molecular Bioengineering.

Over 9,000 members of staff, including 800 professors and senior lecturers ensure the high standards of teaching and research that have established the TUD´s reputation and attracted 30,000 students. 3,000 of them are international students from about 100 different countries. The ratio between staff and students is very competitive and this makes for a more personal atmosphere and excellent studying conditions.


Studying in Dresden



Although Dresden was largely destroyed during the second world war, it is still nicknamed "Florence on the Elbe": The sumptuous art collections and impressive monumental buildings have given the city world-wide fame. Dresden is also a research and science city, as well as an important industrial stronghold. Yet first and foremost, it is a first-rate city of culture, with world-famous ensembles such as the Saxon State Opera, the State Chapel and the Kreuzchor singers.

The river Elbe divides Dresden into the old city and the new city. In the old city on the left banks of the Elbe, famous buildings and interesting sights are lined up: the Zwinger, the Green Vault, the Painting Gallery, the castle, the Semper Opera, the Court Chapel, Taschenberg Palace, the Dresden Church of our Lady (Frauenkirche), which is still undergoing restoration, the Brühlsche Terrasse. All of these can are easy to reach on foot. The new city, on the other hand, exudes an aura of middle-class baroque and shows what Dresden was like during the industrial revolution. The large district, dating back to the industrial revolution, between Bautznerstrasse and Priessnitzstrasse, Bischofsweg and Königsbrücker Strasse features many lovingly restored buildings that contrast with the old, dilapidated houses. Äusseren Neustadt, Dresden's 'in' district, has particularly appealing contrasts: colourful and exclusive shops, fine and simple restaurants, narrow streets with pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs.

There are three remarkable castles on the Elb slope between Albert Bridge and Blauem Wunder: Albrechtsberg Castle, Lingner Castle and Eckberg Castle. Pillnitz Castle and Moritzburg Castle in the surrounding region, are also well worth a visit. The Elb Valley extends around Saxony's capital city and is one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe.


10 Reasons why to apply for the International Masters in Molecular Bioengineering



You are taught by internationally leading researchers


You are part of an international environment and the course is taught in English


You have access to state-of-the-art lab and computing facilities


You are part of a centre that brings university research and industry together under one roof


You have good future prospects with post-graduate programmes such as the Max-Planck-Institute’s PhD programme and the emerging biotechnology industry in Dresden


You study at a top university


You have access to sports and leisure facilities provided by the university


You will enjoy a high standard of living and low living costs


You will study in a beautiful City, which offers great leisure activities and a buzzing cultural and night life


You can apply for funding of your stay in Dresden




How to apply

The application procedure for the winter term 2006 is now open. The deadline is June 1st, 2006! You will find information on the application requirements as well as the application forms on the page Application
For further details on how to apply, please send an email to the course administrator Anne Chesneau
anne.chesneau (at) biotec.tu-dresden.de, tel: +49 351 463 40033.

Admission Requirements

The educational requirements for all applicants are a Diploma degree or a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:

Biology / Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Chemistry / Biochemistry
Computer science
Materials science
Medicine
Nanotechnology
Physics
Please note that from some countries (including India, China...) a minimum of a 4-year BSc degree or 3-year BSc degree and 1-year MSc degree is required as a minimum

Since the language in the Masters programme is English, non-native speakers must demonstrate competence in English by a
TOEFL: required level 550 points paper-based (213 points computer-based)
IELTS: required level 6.0
certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered (for students having completed their courses of study in English, such a certificate is not compulsory)
A proof of basic knowledge in biochemistry, cell biology, materials science, physics and mathematics


Application Procedure

Application form and requested documents


You are invited to apply for the Masters Course in Molecular Bioengineering using the application form available from this page. The application form is provided as Word- and as Pdf-file ; please send this application form and the required documents via snail mail (application form, officially authenticated copies of the requested documents, letters of recommendation) to the regis- tration office. Please send us also the application form and you CV per email at the following address: anne.chesneau@biotec.tu-dresden.de.


letter to applicant (pdf,rtf)
application form (pdf,rtf)
letter for referee (pdf,rtf)
form for referee (pdf,rtf)
In addition to what is mentioned in the application form we request the following documents:

Officially authenticated photocopy (*) of your higher education entrance qualification (Abitur, Baccalaureate, School-Leaving Certificate, O- and A-Levels etc.), including list of grades
Officially authenticated photocopy of your university degree certificate(s) (if applicable)
Officially authenticated photocopy (*) of the English translation of your higher education entrance qualification certificate (only applies if the original was not issued in German, English or French), complete with a list of grades
Officially authenticated photocopy (*) of the English translation of your university degree certificate(s) (only applies if the original was not issued in German, English or French), complete with a list of grades. If you study at a university that does supply transcripts or mark sheets, please include an original or an authenticated copy. The transcript or mark sheet is a list of subjects studied and the grades obtained.
Fully completed application form
CV
Certificate demonstrating proficiency in English. The most widely recognized tests are: IELTS (required level 6.0) and TOEFL (required level 550 points). Certificates of other tests of equivalent standard will also be considered.
Five International Reply Coupons (for international students only; and only in the case you would like to receive your application documents back, should you not be admitted to our Masters Course)
Please note: for Chinese students, the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle from the German Embassy in Beijing) is required.

To be sent to

Registration office/ Masters course in Molecular Bioengineering
Prof. Dr. Michael Brand /Anne Chesneau
BIOTEC - TU Dresden
Tatzberg 47-51
01307 Dresden
GERMANY