Biology
Degree
Combined bachelor, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - The course can only be studied with a teacher-training component. If relevant, please also refer to the ‘Biology’ mono-bachelor’s course, the ‘Bachelor’s and master’s courses at HU’ FAQ and ‘Teacher training at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’.
Standard time for completing course
6 semesters
Start of study
Cf. course catalogue
Combinations
Core subject with teaching training option: 113 CP, only with Physics or Chemistry as second subject
Second subject with teaching training option: 67 CP, with any bachelor’s core subject
*One credit point (CP) equals a workload of 25 - 30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.
Course objectives
Acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of biology. Gaining an overview of the field of biology as a whole, and thus preparing for a profession that requires wide-ranging knowledge in this area. Where relevant, preparation for a teaching-related master’s course through the completion of teacher training modules.
Why study Biology at HU?
Completing your studies at the HU Department of Biology means:
- Cooperating with specific local, regional and international schools
- Using the extensive didactic biological collection of a venerable university in classes
- Being taught by various scientists from the Berlin Museum of Natural History in addition to the HU faculty
- Learning about didactic research issues representing different school types, school levels, and problem and biological subject areas first-hand, from the researchers
- Enjoying the atmosphere and calm of one of the most beautiful courtyards in Berlin Mitte
What particular interests and skills do you need to start the course?
- Challenge your assumptions of biology teaching
- Increase your understanding of the relevant theory
- Discover the different contexts in which biology teaching is used
- Learn to put your ideas to competence-oriented use in teaching practice
- Scientifically evaluate the teaching and learning processes you initiate in biology
- Participate critically in research and development in the field of didactics of biology
Course content
The best place to find information about course content is the annotated lecture catalogue. It is online at u.hu-berlin.de/vorlesungsverzeichnis. The Study Counselling Service is also available to help you (see important addresses). You’ll find the module descriptions, the course curriculum and other details in the course and examination regulations, available online at www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 7/2021, 1st revision, no. 27/2022.
Biology with teacher training option
Biology as a Core Subject with 113 CP
Mandatory Modules (97 CP)
| Module | Description | Size |
|---|---|---|
| MB 1 | Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 5 | Organismic Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 10 | Evolution and Biosystematics | 5 CP |
| MB 11 | Biochemistry and Microbiology | 5 CP |
| MB 13 | Animal Physiology and Neurobiology | 5 CP |
| MB 15 | Microbiology and Parasitology | 5 CP |
| MB 16 | Plant Physiology and Developmental Biology | 5 CP |
| MB 17 | Molecular Genetics | 5 CP |
| MB 18 | Ecology and Biodiversity | 5 CP |
| MB 19 | Theory, Tools and Methods in Biology | 5 CP |
| Bachelor's Thesis | 10 CP | |
| KF/ZF 1 | Animal Behaviour and Human Biology | 10 CP |
| KF/ZF 2 | Didactics of Biology - Basic Module | 7 CP |
| KF 3 | Study project Combi | 10 CP |
Teacher training Modules (16 CP)
Teacher training for students who wish to enter the teaching profession consists of the Educational Sciences Modules with in total 11 CP and a Language Training Module with 5 CP (www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 80/2015).
Second Subject Biology with 67 CP
For students studying chemistry or physics as a core subject:
Mandatory modules (62 CP)
| Module | Description |
Size |
|---|---|---|
| MB 1 | Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 5 | Organismic Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 10 | Evolution and Biosystematics | 5 CP |
| MB 16 | Plant Physiology and Developmental Biology | 5 CP |
| MB 18 | Ecology and Biodiversity | 5 CP |
| MB 19 | Theory, Tools and Methods in Biology | 5 CP |
| KF/ZF 1 | Animal Behaviour and Human Biology | 10 CP |
| KF/ZF 2 | Didactics of Biology - Basic Module | 7 CP |
| ZF 2 | Introduction to Animal Physiology and Neurobiology | 5 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (5 CP)
Choose one module out of two:
| Module | Description |
Size |
|---|---|---|
| MB 2 | From cell to organism | 5 CP |
| MB 11 | Biochemistry and Microbiology | 5 CP |
For students who study other core-subjects than chemistry or physics
Mandatory modules (67 CP)
| Module | Description |
Size |
|---|---|---|
| MB 1 | Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 5 | Organismic Biology | 10 CP |
| MB 10 | Evolution and Biosystematics | 5 CP |
| MB 16 | Plant Physiology and Developmental Biology | 5 CP |
| MB 18 | Ecology and Biodiversity | 5 CP |
| MB 19 | Theory, Tools and Methods in Biology | 5 CP |
| KF/ZF 1 | Animal Behaviour and Human Biology | 10 CP |
| KF/ZF 2 | Didactics of Biology - Basic Module | 7 CP |
| ZF 1 | Basics of Natural Science | 5 CP |
| ZF 2 | Introduction to Animal Physiology and Neurobiology | 5 CP |
General elective course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module | Description |
Size |
|---|---|---|
| MB ÜWP 1 | Cells and organisms | 10 CP |
| MB ÜWP 2 | Organisms in their environment | 10 CP |
Master’s courses
You can apply for the Master of Education course at Humboldt-Universität. You’ll find other programmes in the current ‘Post-graduate degree courses’ course catalogue, available at http://studium.hu-berlin.de/beratung/sa.
Important addresses
Department of Biology: Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin, www.biologie.hu-berlin.de
Study Counselling Service: Prof. Upmeier zu Belzen, Tel. +49 30/2093 98301, annette.upmeier@biologie.hu-berlin.de
Approval/classification (Examinations Office): Ms. Kober, Ms. Beier, Tel. +49 30/2093 8648/8636, bachelor.biologie@hu-berlin.de
Teacher Training Service Centre: hu.berlin/lehramtsberatung, Tel. 030/2093-70813, lehrerbildung@rz.hu-berlin.de
Applications: hu.berlin/apply
Links to job market: careers information centre, employment market reports, Federal Employment Office Berufenet, Hochschulteam calenddar of events
Version: July 2022
Back to course catalogue
Contact for questions or feedback regarding this page: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de