Why Biochemistry in FFM?
Why should I study biochemistry in Frankfurt?
Goethe University is one of the largest, most international and strongest research universities in Germany.
The Master Biochemistry is characterized by a very research-oriented education and interdisciplinary networking with internal university institutes of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Pharmacy as well as with external institutes such as the Max-Planck-Institut for Biophysic, the Max-Planck-Institut for Brain Research and the Paul-Ehrlich Institut (Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedical Drugs). Thanks to this close networking and the high density of research institutes in Frankfurt, we are able to offer the entire range of biochemical training and research from bioinformatics and biophysics to cell biology and immunology, virology and cancer research. The close link between research and teaching also enables students to be involved in current, successful research. The methods and equipment are also correspondingly modern. In addition, there are close contacts and numerous collaborations between the university and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry located in the Rhine-Main region. Accordingly, the region around Frankfurt offers excellent future prospects for the academic job market.
Due to the manageable size of the cohort, students can receive intensive support in a personal atmosphere and with close contact to the professors.
Another outstanding feature of the Master's in Biochemistry in Frankfurt, besides that the new curriculum offers divers options to choose from, is the integration of innovative approaches into the course of study, such as the independent development of own research projects based on the preparation of research proposals, e.g. to the DFG (German Research Foundation), which are an essential part of everyday laboratory work for researchers. Also popular are the mobility windows, which enable external internships during the course of study - also abroad.
The Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy is located on the university's rapidly developing Riedberg campus in the north of Frankfurt and benefits from the modern scientific environment with its new buildings and synergistic infrastructure. All of Goethe University's natural sciences departments will gradually be co-located here. The immediate vicinity of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics, the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and the Frankfurt Biotechnology Innovation Center (FIZ) , which are being built on the university campus, will create a high-performance hub for the Rhine-Main biosciences knowledge region.
What does the city of Frankfurt have to offer me?
A metropolis in miniature: Frankfurt is more than just the stock exchange, skyline and airport. Global thinking and local traditions stand side by side. An international audience meets village structures and lively club life. Whether opera and theater, zoo and Palmengarten, sports and museums, international trade fairs or quaint Äbbelwoik pubs - the center of the Rhine-Main region offers the right thing for almost every taste. In short: Frankfurt is definitely worth a second look!
Non-university life in Frankfurt has a lot to offer and leaves little to be desired: As a European city, the Rhine-Main metropolis offers cultural diversity, a sophisticated infrastructure, a wealth of sports facilities and plenty of tips for going out. Frankfurt's students are regularly faced with "difficult" event planning: What's on at the weekend?
You can find a wealth of information about life in the city of Frankfurt on the city's website. You will also find information about Frankfurt as a student city and "Science City". Further information about the city of Frankfurt can also be found on the university website.
As far as transport connections are concerned, Frankfurt has some advantages as a major city. Even without a car, Frankfurt students are flexible thanks to the semester ticket. The subway lines U8/U9, bus line 251 and the night bus line n3 travel to the campus. At any time of day or night, globetrotters and night owls can get from Riedberg to all parts of Frankfurt city center in just a few minutes (detailed connections at www.rmv.de) and to all parts of the world via nearby Frankfurt Airport. Shopping, partying, traveling - no problem at all.
When it comes to finding accommodation, Frankfurt has a reputation for being a difficult place to live, but there are plenty of opportunities for students here too. The new student residence on the Riedberg offers 95 apartments and a fantastic panoramic view over Frankfurt. Built as a passive residential building under private ownership, it saves energy and protects the environment. The bright rooms invite you to chill out or enjoy an evening cooking event with friends.
A bicycle cellar, fitness room, music practice room, games room, laundry room, rooms suitable for the disabled and even a party room leave little to be desired. But that's not all. The range of student accommodation on campus is constantly being expanded and the other student residences run by the Studentenwerk and independent providers also offer attractive accommodation(Schneider-Bau / Youniq). An overview of the offers can be found at the SLI. If you are looking for a private shared flat or would prefer to live directly in the city, you will also find what you are looking for in Frankfurt. Simply click on www.wg-gesucht.de and look for cool people to live with! Further tips for finding accommodation can be found on the university website.
Social events & projects of the department
The department offers a variety of opportunities and events where you can relax and socialize in addition to all the studying.
Night of Science
Every year in June, night turns into day on the Riedberg campus - the famous Night of Science. Science for everyone - until the early hours of the morning. The latest findings are presented, everyday phenomena are explained in an understandable way and spectacular experiments are shown (lecture are in German). At the same time, science degree courses are presented and provide orientation and insight into the requirements, application procedures, course of study and career prospects. Those who show perseverance and keep going until the end of the night are rewarded with fresh coffee, breakfast and a small surprise.
Job fair: A date with your future boss
Flexibility is a must, which is why many people only start thinking about their career relatively late. But even those who are still undecided about the end of their studies will find prospects for starting a careerat the annual Frankfurt Job Fair for Natural Scientists. At any point during their studies, students and graduates can find out about opportunities to earn money and make contacts with companies. Renowned companies from the chemical, pharmaceutical and life science industries are looking for potential new employees and the supporting program offers workshops, individual career advice and lectures on specialist and application-related topics.
Graduation ceremony
Even studying comes to an end at some point. Students, friends and families come together twice a year at the end of the lecture period for an academic ceremony to bid farewell to the successful graduates. Ceremonial speeches are held, certificates are presented and the best anecdotes from the course are recalled with a twinkle in the eye.
Alumni network
Social networks are "in" and the best way to stay in touch with friends. At the Goethe Alumni Network, you can also talk to former fellow students after graduation about their current workplace and job opportunities in the company or just pop in for a coffee.
The 'Fachschaft Biochemie' (Student Council)
Small but mighty - that's the best way to describe the Biochemistry student council. As only around 65 students start studying biochemistry each year, the course is one of the smaller ones at the University of Frankfurt. But especially at such a large university, it is important that there is an active and motivated student representative body that stands up for the interests of its students. The fact that students from all semesters are represented in the student council means that it can react quickly and comprehensively to problems faced by students and prospective students. Last but not least, the close contact with the professors means that the student council can provide advice on the everyday hurdles of studying as well as help and advice for newcomers.
Thanks to its close contact with the degree course, the student council is not only able to actively help out at major events such as the "Night of Science", but also at information events, such as the Science Day, to playfully arouse pupils' interest in the natural sciences. On the website of the student council you will find a lot of information about studying biochemistry, such as lecture notes, information on preparing for exams and other useful things. You are also welcome to write an e-mail (fs-biochemie@em.uni-frankfurt.de) or come by in person (Biozentrum, N100, 2nd floor).
