# Microbiome Science (Master)

**Source**: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/microbiome-science-master/
**Parent**: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/

© Universität Wien / derknopfdruecker.com

Microbial communities play a vital role in the functioning of complex ecological systems, the global environment, and human health. The goal of the Master's program in Microbiome Science at the University of Vienna is to train a new generation of experts in the interconnected fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics of microorganisms, microbial ecology, microbial symbiosis and pathogenesis, as well as environmental biosciences.

Students will deepen their knowledge in the research areas represented at the University of Vienna, such as molecular microbiology, microbiome, evolution of microorganisms and viruses, environmental microbiology, and microbial ecology. They will be equipped to independently tackle complex molecular, biomedical, and environmental scientific questions and present their findings at an international scientific level. Furthermore, students will develop advanced skills in conceptual understanding of microbiology and microbiome research, practical work in molecular microbiological laboratories, experimental design, quantitative data analysis, as well as written and oral scientific communication.

Graduates of the Master's program in Microbiome Science at the University of Vienna, building on their bachelor's degree, will be capable of independently addressing complex questions in these subfields using cutting-edge techniques. They will acquire all the necessary qualifications to conduct successful research in an international environment. This also includes the ability to competently present research results to a specialized audience and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications.

### Master of Science

4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits

Language: [English](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/)

[Selection procedure](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/master-programmes/microbiome-science/)

[Official Curriculum](https://mtbl.univie.ac.at/storage/media/mtbl02/2024_2025/2024_2025_54.pdf) (in German)

[Curriculum in English](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/p_studieren/Studienwahl-Angebot/Studienangebot/Downloads/Translation_Curriculum_Microbiome_Science.pdf)

### Facts & Figures

- Students: **n.a.**
- Graduates in the last academic year: **n.a.**
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): **n.a.**

[Information about presentation & calculation](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/why-study-at-the-university-of-vienna/statistische-daten-zum-studienbetrieb/explanations-for-the-data-basis-of-the-facts-figures/)

*\*[Click here for further information on statistical data in the field of teaching and learning. (in German)](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/studienangebot/warum-hier-studieren/statistische-daten-zum-studienbetrieb/)*

### Admission Procedure

[Information about the selection procedure](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/admission/master-programmes/microbiome-science/)

[English language requirements](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/)

### Information on Previous Studies:

In any case eligible degree programmes:

- [Biology (Bachelor programme at the University of Vienna)](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/bachelordiploma-programmes/biology-bachelor-with-entrance-exam-procedure/) with the specialisation in
  - Microbiology & Genetics OR
  - Molecular Biology OR
  - Ecology

### Getting started

[Orientation course](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/microbiome-science-master/)

[Orientation in the first semester](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/study-organisation/)

[Semester planning](https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/semester-planning/)

### Getting Informed

[StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) Life Sciences at the Institute of Molecular Biology](https://ufind.univie.ac.at/en/pvz_sub.html?id=501)

[Students' Representatives Biology](http://www.univie.ac.at/stv-biologie/en/)

Links to the groups and faculties that will mainly be contributing to teaching:

- [CeMESS](https://cemess.univie.ac.at/)
- [Archaea](https://archaea.univie.ac.at/)
- [Research Group Isabella Moll](https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/moll)
- [Research Group Boris Görke](https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/goerke)

## Study Programme

The program consists of six compulsory modules: Fundamentals of Microbiome Science, Advanced Primary Literature and Project Planning in Microbiome Science, Advanced Laboratory Skills in Microbiome Science, Advanced Topics in Microbiome Science, Interdisciplinary and Complementary Skills for Microbiome Scientists, and Scientific Practice. Students complete the degree programme with the master’s thesis and its public defence.

In the courses, students engage with content and methods aligned with the current state of research in the respective field. The focus is on scientifically grounded reflection, guided by the latest scientific developments.

### Five Concepts

which you will deal with during your studies:

- Molecular Microbiology
- Microbial Ecology
- Microbiome
- Environmental Microbiology
- Evolution of Microorganisms and Viruses

... and many more.

## Overview of the programme structure & topics

Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.

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## After Graduation

Graduates can pursue a career in the following occupational fields:

- academic careers in private and public universities and research institutions (in biological and medical fields)
- as employees in biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial research projects
- In science management, laboratory organization, and quality control
- public administration in the environmental and medical sectors (e.g., in risk assessment, genetic engineering, and infection biology)
- product development, production, and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry (microbiome-targeted therapeutics, pre- and probiotics)
- product management for biomedical and pharmaceutical companies
- microbiological biotechnology
- molecular biological analytics, medical and environmental diagnostics (industry, clinics, private companies)
- science communication
- consulting
- subject-specific teaching at post-secondary educational institutions
- technical professions requiring a high level of analytical skills
- patent law (national/international organizations and companies)

### Continuing after Graduation

- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna\](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- [Alumni of the University of Vienna](https://www.alumni.ac.at/)
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna\](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- [Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna](https://www.uniport.at/uniport-fuer-studierende)