Primarily, the competence of graduates of the master studies in biomedicine and biotechnology
consists of correct application of basic and advanced scientific methods and laboratory technologies.
Additionally, graduates will have gained advanced skills in applying molecular and cell biological
methods to investigate complex biomedical problems. At the same time graduates will be qualified to
use animal models and alternative methods in preclinical and biomedical research. Graduates will
have learned to critically evaluate new scientific findings and results and to apply them independently
when investigating questions in the respective fields. A focal point of the curriculum is the integration
of students in ongoing projects, starting in the first term. Thus, students are educated early in working
in a team-oriented collaboration with others within complex research projects.
Specific qualifications
Through the Master Studies in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, scientific specialisation and
consolidation in research oriented teaching in this area is imparted. Independent scientific thought
processes and autonomous application of knowledge and skills are of great importance throughout the
studies; this is reflected in the Master Thesis. The students are enabled to develop an adequate
question through continuous collaboration with leading scientists. This question is then independently
reviewed in the existing scientific literature, methods for investigating the problem further are selcted
and the necessary laboratory work and measurements are carried out. Graduates have to evaluate
their results critically and to phrase them adequately in their thesis, they have to draw suitable
conclusions and present their findings to the scientific community. Evaluation does not mainly depend
on the results found, but on the reliability and precision of the laboratory work as well as on the
knowledge about the subject that is presented.
Specific and key qualifications
The aim of the master studies in biomedicine and biotechnology is to teach the students the basics of
scientific and veterinary subjects as well as molecular methods. This education favours interdisciplinary
and problem-oriented work and it allows graduates to integrate easily in scientific project
groups. Students are enabled to use their knowledge and their skills in the specific professional
environment as well as to adapt to, and establish themselves in, other professional areas.
Practical Experiences
To enforce practical application and professional use of the knowledge and skills gained during the
course of the studies, practical collaborative work in projects as well as work placements are
obligatory starting in the first term. Through this practical experience, students gain an insight into
areas of their later professional career. Additionally, this practical education enhances problem solving
skills as well as social skills. Projects at the University Veterinary Medicine Vienna, other Austrian and
international universities as well as projects in external companies or institutions are eligible for this
part of the studies.
I858 Biomedicine and Biotechnology, master programme - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
