Cross Border Life Science

The cross-border joint Master’s degree program “Biological Chemistry“ offered together by the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science at the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) and the Faculty of Natural Sciences (PRF) at the University of South Bohemia in Budweis (joint study programme) is an interdisciplinary combination of studies in chemistry, biochemistry, biology and biophysics. The Master’s degree program will be held in English and expands on the material covered in the joint Bachelor’s degree program in “Biological Chemistry“ which is offered at both universities. Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree program in “Technical Chemistry“ at the JKU, and/or programs with an equivalent curriculum, may be admitted directly to the program after completion of a bridging course in biology. These students will also have to complete a specified number of mandatory and elective subjects in chemistry.

The Master’s degree program in “Biological Chemistry” focuses on the following fields of science and skills:

• Expanding base knowledge and focusing academically in the areas of Bio-analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Specialized expertise and state-of-the-art knowledge of modern scienc e by cooperating in research projects in the context of a Master’s thesis
• Experience with current bio-analytical and preparatory methods such as corresponding safety standards
• Problem solving skills to address issues in fields of chemistry and biology, expertise to undertake a interd isciplinary approach and communicating effectively in an international research environment
• Soft skills, meaning learning social graces of a g eneral nature to communicate effectively
• Foreign language skills, presentation skills, teamwork, legal and gender issues

Career Opportunities

• Life Sciences
• Molecular Biology and Structural Biology
• White Biotechnology (organic procedures in chemical production)
• Red Biotechnology (biomedical sciences)
• Green Biotechnology (phytochemistry and biotechnologies)
• Bioanalysis and Environmental Analysis
• Medical Diagnosis and Technologies

Various occupation opportunities at companies include:

• Biotech industries
• Chemical industrie s
• Pharmaceutical industries
• Food processing industry
• Private and public researc h facilities
• Regional, national and international environmental and regulatory authorities and agencies

Graduates of the Master’s degree program are expected to contribute significantly to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial procedures. The program is versatile, creating ideal conditions to qualify students to learn how to quickly and efficiently adapt to everchanging demands and address new academic and technological developments in the field of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies. Students acquire a and/or biology. The combination of courses in chemistry and biology has been designed to complement each other and teach students cutting-edge approaches to face challenges that arise due to the demands of sustainable production and “green technologies”. The program is bilateral and held in English, allowing students to acquire skills and expertise in multidisciplinary fields as well as learn more about international academic communication and conducting academic research internationally.

Degree Program: Joint Master’s Degree Program in Biological Chemistry
Degree Awarded: Joint Degree: Master of Science (MSc or MSc (JKU)) from the JKU Linz and Magistr (Mgr.) from the University of South Bohemia
Duration of regular programme: 5 semesters