Natural Products & Drug Chemistry, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
The production of tailor-made chemical compounds is of great importance for the development of pharmaceutical products and the evaluation of high-quality foods. The Bayreuth Master's programme "Natural and Active Compound Chemistry" provides students with interdisciplinary skills that enable them to advance innovative developments in these areas. The synthesis and analysis of natural and active substances as well as the molecular basis of their interaction with biological systems are therefore at the center of the program.
- Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
- Final degree
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Start of studies
- Winter semester and summer semester
- Standard period of study
- 4 semesters
- Admission requirements
Profile
The Master's programme "Natural Products & Drug Chemistry" focuses on basic research and its application. Of particular interest are the structures and properties of low-molecular natural and active substances (ligands) and of macromolecular target structures (targets).
Structure and content
The students work with computer-assisted methods for the development of optimal ligands and active substances. They also learn about current methods used in the analysis, evaluation and formulation of drug candidates. The campus of the University of Bayreuth offers excellent opportunities for this with modern laboratory facilities and outstanding library equipment.
Successful Master's graduates have the opportunity to do a doctorate in the PhD programme Molecular Biosciences at the Bayreuth Graduate School for Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BayNAT). There is also the option of fast-track access to the doctoral programme.
The University of Bayreuth has around 12,500 students. It impresses with its familiar campus. The distances are short and you will quickly get to know students from other disciplines. Student life also offers variety outside the lecture halls. You can get involved in a variety of student organisations or take advantage of the extensive range of university sports.
Graduates are ideally qualified both for the classical areas of chemistry and for interdisciplinary career fields in the life sciences, agro sciences and health sciences. Large and medium-sized companies as well as universities and research institutes offer attractive career prospects in these future fields. After completing a doctorate, graduates have access to interesting management positions.
Doing a doctorate at the University of Bayreuth
The University of Bayreuth Graduate School supervises doctoral students of all subjects who are pursuing a doctorate in a structured programme or at one of the University's seven faculties. We facilitate scientific exchange even in the earliest phase of independent research, and complement the interdisciplinary education of doctoral students with additional teaching and training opportunities. Our aim is to create the perfect research and learning conditions for them.
On the website of WiN, you will find all the information you need about doctoral research in Bayreuth.
Further information
Elite Study & Doctoral Programme
Semester fee
The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. However, every student must pay the semester fee. This includes the fees for the Studentenwerk Oberfranken and the semester ticket for the use of public transport in the cities of Bayreuth and Kulmbach and in many parts of the regional transport system.
Notes on application and enrollment
- Application for German citizens
15 March – 1 October (for winter semester)
15 November – 1 April (for summer semester)
Application- Application for EU citizens
15 March – 1 October (for winter semester)
15 November – 1 April (for summer semester)
Application- Application for non EU citizens
15 March – 1 October (for winter semester)
15 November – 1 April (for summer semester)
Application
Admission requirements
Qualification
A completed degree in the bachelor's programmes in chemistry or polymer and colloid chemistry or biochemistry at the University of Bayreuth or an equivalent degree.
Equivalency
The determination of the equivalency of the completed bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and will only be bindingly examined within the framework of the application, therefore no advance information is possible, equivalent degrees are specified in § 2 Para. 1 Point 1 of the Examination Regulations.
Aptitude Assessment Process
The prerequisite for admission to the degree programme is passing the aptitude assessment process (see Examination Regulations, Annex 3), which includes an assessment of qualifications and, if applicable, an aptitude interview.
Applying without a degree certificate
An application is already possible before completion of the previous Bachelor's degree, but a total of at least 135 credits must have been completed.
Special conditions
Admission subject to conditions is possible; conditions may comprise a maximum of 20 credits (see Examination Regulations § 2, Para. 2).
Module handbook
The module handbook provides an overview of the various modules that must be taken in a degree programme. It contains all the important explanations on the requirements and types of module examinations as well as on the intermediate or final examinations and serves as a kind of study guide for orientation.
Examination regulations
Examination regulations lay down the content and structure of a specific degree programme in a legally binding manner. They must be approved by the Ministry of Science or accredited by an accreditation agency.
Programme Flyer & Programme Concept
- Flyer Master Natural Products & Drug Chemistry (M.Sc.)PDF (in English), on the website of the chemistry programmes of the University of Bayreuth
- Flyer Master Natural Products & Drug Chemistry (M.Sc.)PDF (in German), on the website of the chemistry programmes of the University of Bayreuth
- Programme concept Master Natural Products & Drug Chemistry (M.Sc.)PDF (in German), on the website of the faculty
Contact points in the department
- Programme coordination: Prof. Dr. Carlo Unverzagt
- Student Council: Student Council BCG (in German language)
Central contact points
- Prospective students:
Student Advising (in German language) - For international students:
International Office - Examination Office: Examination office Faculty II – Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
Subject-specific supplementary programmes
General supplementary studies
- Africa-Competence (AfriZert)
- China-Competence (SinoZert)in German language
- Data Literacyin German language
- Entrepreneurshipin German language
- Interculturality Research and Intercultural Practicein German language
- Intersectionality Studies & Diversity Competenciesin English language
- Sustainabilityin German language
- Teaching German as a foreign languagein German language
- Theatre Educationin German language
Any more questions? Please contact the coordinator of the degree programme.

Prof. Dr. Carlo UnverzagtChair of Bioorganic Chemistry
Phone: +49 (0)921 / 55-2670
E-mail: carlo.unverzagt@uni-bayreuth.de
Office: Room 2.0 01 06, Building Naturwissenschaften I (NW I)
Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth
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