The joint Master's degree program in Biological Chemistry is organized and supported by the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the JKU Linz and the Faculty of Sciences at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.

The primary goal of the study program is to provide state-of-the-art education that encompasses molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. The program represents an alternative extension of modern molecular, cellular and structural biology towards biochemistry, bio-organic chemistry, and biophysics.

The length of the study is 2.5 years (5 semesters). The first year of master's study takes place in Linz and involves the study of chemistry, structural biochemistry, and biophysical chemistry. The second year of instruction focuses on structural, molecular, and systems biology. Instruction takes place in Ceske Budejovice. During the fifth and final semester, students may choose at which university they wish to complete their studies.

A fee for studying in the joint Master's degree program in Biological Chemistry at FSc USB in a foreign language is 0 CZK, as based on the USB - JKU agreement. Za studium v magisterském joint studijním pogramu Biological Chemistry se na PřF JU platí poplatek 0 Kč za rok, dle smlouvy USB - JKU.

The program is conducted entirely in English. Applicants from study programs other than Bachelor Biological Chemistry and other universities must provide a sufficient TOEFL score or pass an exam (see below).

The emphasis during the study is laid on modern forms of study focused on practical instruction with the use of modern information technology. A significant portion of the study program consists of practical training, praxis in research laboratories, and involvement in research projects.

Successful completion of the master's degree program will open the door to continuing on to doctoral studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or bioorganic chemistry. Graduates of the cross-border Biological Chemistry study program will receive a professional qualification at the frontier of modern chemistry and biology. This will clear the path for a wide range of employment positions at institutions undertaking basic and applied research and development, in chemical and biological laboratories, at biotechnology firms, universities, institutes of the Academy of Sciences, and private companies. Excellent knowledge of the English language will prepare graduates of this attractive discipline for involvement in international research teams or work abroad.

ENTER BOOK
a helpful booklet on how to survive the first year in Linz, written by the first students of the study program.

Admission

Admission to the study program is based primarily on the applicant's academic credentials and his/her knowledge of biology/chemistry/biophysics and the English language. Admission is granted without regard to sex, age, religion, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or marital status. The master’s “Biological Chemistry” study program welcomes qualified candidates for transfer admission from accredited universities with a completed bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or related fields showing substantial knowledge of biology and chemistry comparable to graduates of our bachelor Biological Chemistry program.

An official TOEFL level of at least B2 (SERR) will be required. The candidates without this TOEFL level will have to pass the internal English test at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia (FS USB).

A) Students who successfully graduated in the bachelor program Biological Chemistry from USB and JKU are admitted to the master's program automatically.

B) Applicants for masters program Biological Chemistry from other programs or universities

Applicants with sufficient background in chemistry and biology will have to pass a written exam composed of three parts:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• General, Organic, and Analytical Chemistry.

Tuition fee
According to the JKU - USB agreement, students do not pay a tuition fee.

However, a tuition fee can be introduced in the near future. The tuition fee reflects extra administration and operational costs related with running the study program in a foreign language. The precise amount will be declared by the dean of the Faculty of Science at the beginning of each calendar year, in accordance with the Study and Exam Guidelines of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice.

Students are supported by various stipends from USB and JKU during their studies - the Dept. of Study Affairs will provide more information. Further possibilities fo stipends for students outside Austria.

Requirements for successful completion of studies
The requirements follow the Internal guidelines of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. Further requirements are specified in the Internal guidelines of the Faculty of Science of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. To complete the master’s study program in Biological Chemistry, four basic requirements have to be fulfilled. The student has to pass all required exams and acquire a sufficient amount of credits (≥ 150). The student is also required to defend a master's thesis and subsequently pass a final oral exam.

Bachelor and Master theses

The requirements for theses is very different at JKU and USB, especially for the bachelor thesis. please, read the information on theses writing!

Contacts

Facebook group of Biological Chemistry students