A degree program comes with many subject-related questions. This page contains all the information on how to structure your degree program, including details about the course structure, modules offered, and detailed module descriptions. Additionally, all necessary forms for registering your project work and your master’s thesis have been compiled here. Do you have further questions and are looking for individual advising? Do you already know our Academic Advisory Office? You can find the responsible advisor’s contact information in the service section of this page.
Please note: The following information is provided for orientation purposes only. The JGU examination regulations for the master’s degree program in evolutionary biology are the sole legally binding document.
Information on admission requirements and the application process can be found in the degree description.
In general, anyone who has completed or is about to complete a bachelor’s degree in biology, another natural science, medicine, mathematics, forensic science, or computer science is eligible for this master’s degree program. Applicants must have earned a total of at least 27 credits in courses related to evolutionary biology, biostatistics, or bioinformatics.
The application process is conducted through the study portal of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, JOGU-StINe. In addition to the usual documents, you will be required to fill out and submit an admission form (“Aufnahmebogen”). This helps us gain an overview of your previous core study areas and determine if you meet the aforementioned admission requirements. Applicants who meet the formal admission requirements will be invited to an interview via email. The interview is not an examination but rather serves to assess applicants’ qualifications and provide you with guidance on whether this program is suitable for you.
We will then evaluate the interview. The final decision regarding admission is based on the evaluation of the interview and the grade in the bachelor’s degree using a weighted ratio of 4:6.
It is very important that you have attended a certain number of evolutionary biology courses during your bachelor’s degree program. A typical biology degree earned in Germany or abroad usually suffices for admission.
We are keen on allowing non-biologists access to this program as well. Since applicants who have not studied biology typically have not attended any evolutionary biology courses in their bachelor’s degree program, we also accept credits earned through courses in computer science, mathematics, and biostatistics as substitutes. However, you must also possess basic knowledge in the field of genetics, which will be assessed during the interview. You can prepare using the following this online textbook. If you master the contents from pages 8 to 72 and meet the formal requirements mentioned above, you have a good chance!
FAQ
Knowledge equivalent to that acquired through the German Abitur is sufficient. Applicants from abroad must submit a language certificate proving English language skills at the B2 level.
No. The language of instruction in this program is English. English is predominantly used in all biological research groups.
Yes! We have selected this textbook because it is freely available online and brief. Any other genetics textbook serves the same purpose.
Yes. In case of doubt, please contact the Program Coordinator via email for a non-binding preliminary assessment. A formally binding decision will be provided after we have reviewed your documents.
The application portal will open in April. Check the exact dates and deadlines via this link.
The module catalog provides an overview of the content and organization of the entire degree program.
| Module No. | Subject | Work group |
|---|---|---|
| Module M1 | Evolutionary Theory | Kokko, NN |
| Module M2 | Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Behaviour | Foitzik, XU, Huber |
| Module M3 | Population Genetics and Genomics | Burger, Huylmans, Andrade |
Three modules must selected from the following
| Module No. | Subject | Work group |
|---|---|---|
| Module M4A | Evolution of Species Interactions | Xu, Huber |
| Module M4B | Social Evolution: from genes to behaviour | Foitzik, Menzel |
| Module M4C | Evolution in Natural Populations | NN |
| Module M4D | Evolutionary Modelling | Kokko |
| Module M4E | Anthropology | Herlyn, Burger |
| Module M4F | Computational Biology and Data Mining | Andrade |
| Module M4G | Genomics and DNA Sequence Analysis | Hankeln |
| Module No. | Subject | Work group |
|---|---|---|
| Module M5 | Additional Qualifications | Huber, Huylmans, Foitzik, Burger, Dreesmann, Xu, Menzel, Herlyn Griebeler |
| Module M6 | Project work | All research groups of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE) of the Faculty of Biology offer project work options |
| Module No. | Subject | Work group |
|---|---|---|
| Module M7 | Master’s thesis (6 months) | All research groups of the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE) of the Faculty of Biology offer project work options |
Within module M5 “Additional Qualifications” of the master’s program in evolutionary biology, students have the opportunity to earn 10 credits by attending courses that strengthen key transferable skills and go beyond the traditional boundaries of the subject of biology. These courses are deliberately non-biological in nature, meaning they are not typically offered by biological institutes and are designed to broaden your academic and professional skill set beyond the field of biology.
A wide range of suitable courses is offered by various departments at JGU Mainz, including the:
In addition to these, the faculty members in the subject of Evolutionary Biology offer soft skill courses that are specially coordinated with the course program. These events are specifically organized for students of the degree program and should be given priority when making your selection. You can find an up-to-date list of these courses via seafile (download)
These internal M5 courses are also available upon request to students from other biology-related master’s programs and PhD candidates in biology at JGU Mainz. Please contact the responsible course instructor to find out more about the availability.
Students are also encouraged to pursue external courses or internships, which can be credited toward Module M5 upon prior approval by the program coordinator. Examples include:
– Language courses
– Archaeological excavations
– Museum internships
– Conservation or environmental projects
If you would like to have an external course recognized for Module M5, please contact the program coordinator in advance at: evolbiol@uni-mainz.de
Our master’s degree program in Mainz offers a comprehensive educational experience that equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a range of fields, including the industry, in conservation, government, and international academia. Enrolling in this program guarantees exposure to the expertise of globally renowned researchers. What sets this program apart is the blend of practical laboratory work, theoretical exploration, and advanced computer applications.
Modern infrastructure for a research-focused life sciences campus: BioCenters I and II are located close to other important pillars of the natural and life sciences in Mainz, such as the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, the JGU Department of Chemistry, and the Physics Institutes at Mainz University. The two Max Planck Institutes and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz complete the life sciences campus quarter. Short walking distances between all these institutions support close cooperation between the disciplines.
Press and Public Relations staff unit | JGU
Our Student Advising Office is your contact for all questions concerning your studies at the Faculty of Biology. Do you have questions about how to plan your studies and structure your modules? Do you want to register for modules and in JOGUStINe? Are you considering changing your course? We are here to support you!
Appointments at the Dean’s Office, Student Advising Office, and Examination Office can be made during office hours by telephone or email. Appointments can only be made for matters that cannot be solved by telephone, mail, or email. Appointments by prior arrangement only.
Subject-Specific Academic Advice and Studies Manager
Studies Manager
Would you like to have certificates and courses recognized? Do you have subject-specific questions about your bachelor’s program at FB10? Our academic advisors can advise you in the following matters:
Academic Advisors
Responsible Person | Recognitions
Bachelor of Education in Biology (B.Ed.)
Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.Sc.)
Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology (B.Sc.)
Examination Office | Course Manager
Do you have subject-specific questions about your master’s degree program at the Faculty of Biology? Our academic advisors can advise you in the following matters:
Subject-specific Academic Advice
Examination Office | Course Manager
Course Representative | Recognitions
Master of Education in Biology (M.Ed.)
Master of Science in Biology (M.Sc.)
Master of Science in Evolutionary Biology (M.Sc.)
Course Representative | Recognitions
Master of Science in Microbiology (M.Sc.)
Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.)
Master of Science in Neuroscience (M.Sc.)
The course representative for your bachelor’s or master’s program at the Faculty of Biology is responsible for the recognition of coursework. He or she makes a recommendation which the Examination Office usually follows and then formally recognizes and records in your JOGU-StINe account.
If you would like to have coursework recognized, please note the instructions on the following page. You can also download the ‘Äquivalenzbescheinigung’ (certificate of equivalence) form here.
Do you have subject-specific questions about your distance learning program or pre-university program at the Faculty of Biology? Our academic advisors provide advice on the following topics:
“Distance Learning” Biology
“Pre-university Program” Biology
Appointments at the Dean’s Office, Student Advising Office, and Examination Office can be made during office hours by telephone or email. Appointments can only be made for matters that cannot solved by telephone, mail, or email. Appointments upon prior arrangement only.
Head
Course manager
You will find all important contacts regarding our international activities in the following overview:
JGU International | Erasmus+
You can find all relevant information on the Erasmus+ program on the JGU International webpage.
Erasmus+ coordinator
There is an annual online information event via MS Teams. The dial-in code for the event and the date (usually early/mid-January) will be sent via a system message in JOGUStine. If you would like to attend, please register for the event in JOGUStine. A checklist and deadlines, e.g. application deadline for the respective academic year, will be announced in mid-February via the relevant Moodle ‘Erasmus+ Infoveranstaltung Fachbereich Biologie*’.
Ombudsperson for foreign students
JGU International | FORTHEM
Look here for information on FORTHEM JGU International webpage.
Partner Cities Representatives
Dijon
Palermo
Valencia
Zagreb
Haifa
Are you enrolled in a degree program at the Faculty of Biologiy that is expiring? Below, you will find all relevant information. Please note that new applications for these degree programs are no longer possible!
“Diplom Biologie”
Anthropology (M.Sc.)
The Student Council Biology represents your interests during your studies, provides you with information and advice, and invites you to events. Curious about getting involved or would you like more information?
Student Council Biology at
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
The library of the faculty is part of the Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Technology Library (MIN).
Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Technology Library
Student Services is your first contact point for advising you on general questions relating to applications and the program of study at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Please visit the program of study portal for further information during service hours.
There are many questions related to a program of study. The Student Advisory Center (ZSB) is the first point of contact at JGU for all questions relating to the program of study. You can find all information on office hours and advisory services on the ZSB website on the “Studying at JGU” website.
On the Studying at JGU portal, you can find information on funding options for your studies and the various scholarship options, including a Deutschlandstipendium, a scholarship for gifted students, target group-oriented or earmarked scholarships.
