Biochemistry - Bachelor's study program

Previous knowledge of chemistry is beneficial but not essential. However, it is essential that you have an interest in chemistry and are willing to learn chemistry basics. Knowledge gaps can be addressed through preparatory courses and supplementary lectures during the first semesters, such as those offered by the MINT-Kolleg.

In nearly all diseases, the body's biochemical processes are disrupted, and most of today’s medications work by targeting these biochemical pathways.

If you choose to study biochemistry, you will explore the biochemical mechanisms that drive processes in living organisms and understand how these mechanisms can be altered or disrupted. This knowledge can be used to develop new biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies, mRNA and medically effective proteins. However, the administration and use of drugs fall within the fields of pharmacy and medicine.

The “backbone” of DNA is formed from sugar molecules that are linked via phosphate groups. The four nitrogenous nucleobases adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine, whose sequence contains the genetic information, are located on the sugar molecules. However, sugar, phosphate and nitrogenous bases are also components of many other biomolecules.

This is an essential process of energy production in the body. However, glucose can also be metabolized in lactic acid fermentation, for example.

Researchers often develop ideas and hypotheses together, which they then test with experiments. Researchers also often work together as part of a global network to generate knowledge and solve global problems. As part of the research internships and final theses, you have the opportunity to gain experience in international research teams during your studies.

The foundations of biochemistry - such as the structure and function of proteins - were laid back in the 20th century. But in the last 20 years, biochemistry has undergone several revolutions through groundbreaking technological advances: e.g. genome sequencing, CRISPR-Cas and cryo-electron microscopy. These new technologies still hold vast untapped potential.

Over the last decade, the rapid development of AI models has contributed significantly to a better understanding of biochemical processes. AI plays an increasingly important role in biochemical research. In response to this, modules in computational biology have become an integral part of the Biochemistry bachelor’s degree.