Biology (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
The combined bachelor's degree in biology combines basic scientific research with practical teaching experience. Whether cells, genes, ecosystems, or teaching concepts: you will explore the diversity of life and learn how to communicate biological topics in an exciting and scientifically sound manner.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
In the Bachelor's programme in Biology at Humboldt-Universit?t, you will acquire a broad knowledge of the structures, processes, and interrelationships of life – from the molecular to the ecosystem level. The programme is consistently teacher-oriented and prepares you for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Biology.
At the long-established Institute of Biology in Berlin-Mitte, you will benefit from the close integration of specialist science, subject didactics, and educational sciences – and from cooperation with partners such as the Museum of Natural History.
For students majoring in Chemistry or Physics:
Mandatory Modules (57 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB 1 | Fundamentals of Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 2 | Evolution and Biosystematics | 5 CP |
| BioB 5 | Organismic Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 16 | Plant Physiology and Developmental Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 18 | Ecology and Biodiversity | 10 CP |
| BioB KF/ZF 1 | Behavioral and Human Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB KF/ZF 2 | Basic Module: Didactics of Biology | 7 CP |
| BioB ZF 2 | Fundamentals of Animal and Neurophysiology | 5 CP |
Mandatory Elective Modules (10 CP)
Choose one of the following modules:
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB 11 | Biochemistry | 5 CP |
| BioB 12 | Biophysics | 5 CP |
And one of the following modules:
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB ZF 23 | Fundamentals of plant molecular biology | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 25 | Neurobiology | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 26 | Communities and Taxa in Space and Time | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 27 | Behavior and its Neural Basis | 5 CP |
For students who are not majoring in Chemistry or Physics:
Mandatory Modules (57 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB 1 | Fundamentals of Molecular Cell Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 5 | Organismic Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 16 | Plant Physiology and Developmental Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB 18 | Ecology and Biodiversity | 10 CP |
| BioB KF/ZF 1 | Behavioral and Human Biology | 10 CP |
| BioB KF/ZF 2 | Basic Module: Didactics of Biology | 7 CP |
| BioB ZF 1 | Scientific Principles | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 2 | Fundamentals of Animal and Neurophysiology | 5 CP |
Mandatory Elective Modules (10 CP)
Choose one of the following modules:
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB 2 | Evolution and Biosystematics | 5 CP |
| BioB 12 | Biophysics | 5 CP |
And one of the following modules:
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| BioB ZF 23 | Fundamentals of Plant Molecular Biology | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 25 | Neurobiology | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 26 | Communities and Taxa in Space and Time | 5 CP |
| BioB ZF 27 | Behavior and its Neural Basis | 5 CP |
Special features
The Institute of Biology offers a unique combination of scientific research and teacher training. The programme is practical, research-oriented, and closely networked with educational institutions in Berlin.
The Biology teacher training programme requires both an interest in science and a commitment to education.
It is helpful to enjoy experimenting, observing, and analyzing, to be interested in ecological and molecular biology contexts, and to be willing to critically reflect on your own teaching ideas.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
If you wish to enter the teaching profession, you must apply for the Master of Education in your two subjects.
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
The degree programme leads directly to a teaching career in biology via the M.Ed.
It also qualifies graduates for positions in:
- Scientific and didactic research
- Environmental education and science communication
- Museums, zoos, botanical gardens
- Educational and environmental organizations
- Publishing houses and media
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service
Prof. Dr. Annette Upmeier zu Belzen
Recognition of credits
Questions regarding credit transfer can be answered by the examination office: Tina Rohde, phone: +49 30 2093-46789, bachelor.biologie@hu-berlin.de
Contact information for the institute
Department of Biology
Institutsgeb?ude/Hauptgeb?ude, Invalidenstra?e 42 (Hauptgeb?ude), 10115 Berlin