Bielefeld University

In this article, we will explore the academic uniqueness of Bielefeld University.

Bielefeld University, officially known as Universität Bielefeld, is a publicly funded university of higher education located in the city of Bielefeld, Germany. The organization was established in the year 1969.

The university is dedicated to conducting rigorous research and delivering education emphasizing research-based instruction.

The University currently comprises 14 faculties and has an approximate student population 24,500.

The university provides diverse academic fields encompassing the humanities, natural sciences, technology and medicine.

The university is one of the early adopters among German universities in transitioning certain faculties, such as biology, to the Bachelor/Master degree structure, in alignment with the Bologna process.

THE FACULTIES AND THE PROGRAMS OFFERED

Let us explore the faculties and the programs offered by the university now.

FACULTY OF BIOLOGY

Bachelors

• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Molecular Biology

Masters

• Behaviour: From Neural Mechanisms to Evolution
• Ecology and Environmental Change
• Genome Based Systems Biology
• Interdisciplinary Biomedicine
• Molecular Cell Biology

Doctorate

• Ph.D. Biology
• Ph.D. Industrial Biotechnology

FACULTY OF CHEMISTRY

Bachelors

• Chemistry as a major, core subject, minor, or teaching qualification
• Biochemistry

Masters

• Chemie
• Biochemie (2013)
• Biochemie (2018)
• Master of Education
• Individuelle Ergänzung
• International Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Deutsch-Französische Studienprogramme
• Promotion: Rahmenpromotionsordnung, Promotionsordnung, Promotionsstudienordnung
• Habilitationsordnung

Preliminary courses

• Preparatory courses in Chemistry
• Preparatory courses in Mathematics

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE

Bachelors

• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Educational Sciences
• Educational Sciences – Integrated Teacher Training for Special Education
• Education as a School Subject
• Elementary Mathematics
• English Studies: British and American Studies
• French
• German Languages and Literatures
• German Literacy
• History
• Integrated Studies for Primary Education (Sachunterricht)
• Latin: Roman Literature, Culture and Society in European Context
• Mathematics
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Protestant Theology
• Social Sciences
• Spanish
• Sports Science
• Economics-Politics/Social Sciences

Masters

• Master’s Program for the Teaching Profession at Advanced Secondary and Comprehensive Schools (‘Gymnasium’ and ‘Gesamtschule’, GymGe)
• Master’s Program for the Teaching Profession at Secondary and Comprehensive Schools (‘Haupt-‘, ‘Real-‘, ‘Sekundar-‘ and ‘Gesamtschule’, HRSGe)
• Master’s Program for the Teaching Profession at Secondary and Comprehensive Schools (‘Haupt-‘, ‘Real-‘, ‘Sekundar-‘ and ‘Gesamtschule’) with a Focus on Special and Inclusive Education (HRSGe/ISP)
• Master’s Program for the Teaching Profession at Primary Schools (‘Grundschule’, G)
• Master’s Program for the Teaching Profession at Primary Schools (‘Grundschule’) with a focus on Special and Inclusive Education (G/ISP)
• Master’s Program in Educational Science for Special Needs with the Career Perspective Teacher in Special and Inclusive Education

Doctorate

• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Diaconic Science
• Economics and Management
• Educational Science
• History
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Intelligent Systems
• Linguistics and Literary Studies
• Mathematics
• Public Health
• Sociology

FACULTY OF HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY

Bachelors

• Bachelor of History (various course variants)
• Bachelor of Visual and Art History (various course variants)
• Bachelor Small minor subject “History and Culture of Latin America”
• Bachelor (academic)
• B.A. Protestant Theology

Masters

• German-French history study program – cursus franco-allemand histoire
• German-Italian history study program – Laurea magistrale binazionale (LM 84)
• Master’s program “InterAmerican Studies” (IAS)
• Masterstudiengang “History, Economics and Philosophy of Science” (HEPS)
• Master World Studies
• M.Ed. Protestant theology

Doctorate

• History

FACULTY OF LINGUISTICS AND LITERARY STUDIES

Bachelors

• Aesthetic Education
• Art
• Clinical Linguistics / Speech and language therapy
• Computational Linguistics
• English Studies: British and American Studies
• French
• German as a Foreign and Second Language
• German Languages and Literatures
• German Literacy
• Latin: Roman Literature, Culture and Society in European Context
• Linguistics
• Linguistics of Romance Languages
• Literary Studies
• Music
• Spanish
• English Studies: British and American Studies – Courses offered for the Individual Subsidiary Subjects
• German as a Foreign and Second Language – Courses offered for the Individual Subsidiary Subjects
• Art and Music – Courses offered for the Individual Subsidiary Subjects
• Literary Studies – Courses offered for the Individual Subsidiary Subjects
• Dot

Masters

• Art
• British and American Studies
• Clinical Linguistics
• French
• German as a Foreign Language and German Studies
• German as a Second Language
• German Languages and Literatures
• German Literacy
• InterAmerican Studies / Estudios InterAmericanos
• Interdisciplinary Media Studies
• Latin: Roman Literature, Culture and Society in European Context
• Linguistics
• Literary Studies
• Mediating Culture
• Music
• Spanish

Doctorate

• Intelligent Systems
• Linguistics and Literary Studies

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS

Bachelors

• Bachelor Mathematics (major subject)
• Bachelor of Mathematics (minor)
• Bachelor of Mathematics (small side stream)
• Bachelor of Business Mathematics
• Teaching qualification for primary school
• Teaching degree for primary, junior high, secondary and comprehensive school (Sek I)
• Teaching Bachelor for Gymnasium and Comprehensive School (Sek I + II)

Masters

• Masters Mathematics
• Master of Economic Mathematics
• Master Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
• Master’s degree in teaching for high school and comprehensive school (Sek I + II)

Doctorate

• Doctoral Program In Mathematics
• Preliminary course in mathematics (subject-specific, teaching qualification for Gym/Ge)
• Preliminary mathematics course for primary, secondary and secondary school teachers

FACULTY OF PHYSICS

Bachelors

• B.Sc. Physics Profiles
• Minor in Physics
• Small Minor in Physics
• Bachelor’s degree in teaching GymGe with physics as a core subject
• Bachelor’s degree in teaching at GymGe with physics as a minor subject
• Bachelor Physics – Teaching HRSGe
• Teaching degrees at grammar schools and comprehensive schools with physics as a core subject
• Teaching qualification at high schools and comprehensive schools with physics as a minor subject
• Teaching post at Haupt, Real, Secondary and Comprehensive schools with physics as a subject

Masters

• M.Sc. Physics
• M.Sc. Nanosciences
• M.Sc. Biophysics
• M.Sc. Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
• Master’s degree in teaching at GymGe with physics as a core subject
• Master’s degree in teaching at GymGe with physics as a minor subject
• Master of­ Education­ Physik­ – Lehramt­ HRSGe

Doctorate

• Ph.D. Physics

Advanced courses

Theoretical Physics

• Elementary particle physics
• Kernphysik
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Symmetries in Physics
• Nonequilibrium Physics
• Thermal Field Theory
• Lattice Field Theory

Experimental Physics

• Solid State and Surface Physics II
• Two dimensional materials
• Biophysik II
• Physics of materials
• Nanostructure physics I
• Aspects of Solid State Physics: Magnetism I
• Aspects of Solid State Physics: Semiconductors
• Magnetooptik
• Nanoscopy
• Modern light microscopy
• Atomic and Molecular Physics I

Theoretical Physics

Preliminary list:

• Computerphysik
• Theoretical solid state physics
• Hydrodynamics
• Cosmology
• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Field Theory
• Statistical Mechanics II

FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY AND SPORTS SCIENCE

Bachelors

• B.Sc. Psychology
• B.A. sports science teaching degree
• B.A. Sports Science “Economy and Society” | Psychology and movement
• Form Experimental Lessons BA Psychology and Movement

Masters

• M.Sc. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
• M.Sc. Applied Psychology: Diagnostics, Counseling & Training
• M.Sc. Psychology with a focus on Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience
• M.Ed. Sports science teacher
• M.A. Sport Science “Organizational Development and Management”
• M.A. Sports Science “Intelligence and Movement”
• Form Experimental Lessons M.A. Intelligence and Movement

FACULTY OF LAW

Bachelors

• B.A. Law and Management
• B.A. Law as a Minor

Additional Degree

• LL.M. (Legum Magister)

FACULTY OF SOCIOLOGY

Bachelors

• B.A. Political Science
• B.A. Integrated Studies for Primary Education
• B.A. Social Sciences
• B.A. Sociology

Masters

• M.A. Gender Studies
• M.A. / M.Sc. Interdisciplinary
• Media Studies
• M.A. Political Science
• M.A. Political Communication
• M.Edu. Integrated Studies for Primary Education
• M.Edu. Social Sciences
• M.A. Sociology
• M.Sc. Statistical Science

Doctorate

• Ph.D. in Social Sciences
• Ph.D. in Humanities

FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY

Bachelors

• Interdisciplinary Studies – Combi-Bachelor
• Bioinformatics and Genome Research (B. Sc.)

Masters

• Bioinformatics and Genome Research (M. Sc.)

Doctorate

• Bioinformatics (Dr. rer. nat.)

FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMICS

Bachelors

• 1-Subject Bachelor Economics (B.Sc.)
• Core subject: Bachelor of Economics (B.Sc.)
• Minor in economics
• Bachelor of Business Mathematics (B.Sc.)
• Bachelor Law and Management (B.A.)

Masters

• Master of Economics (M.Sc.)
• Master Data Science (M.Sc.)
• Master Statistical Sciences (M.Sc.)
• Master Quantitative Economics (M.Sc.)
• Master of Business Mathematics (M.Sc.)
• Master History, Economics and Philosophy of Science (M.A.)

Doctorate

• Promotionsstudiengang Economics and Management
• Bielefeld Graduate School of Economics and Management (BiGSEM)

MEDICAL SCHOOL OWL

Bachelors

• Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Bachelors

• Bachelor’s degree program in Health Communication (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.)

Masters

• Master’s degree program in Public Health (Master of Science, M.Sc.)

Doctorate

• Doctoral program in Public Health (Dr.PH.)

Postgraduate Degree Programs

• Master of Health Administration MHA
• Workplace Health Management MWPHM
• Distance learning program in Applied Health Sciences FAG

MISSION STATEMENT

Every University has its own Mission statement to prove its achievements. This university also has a mission statement. Let us explore its mission statement.

• The University stands as a hub of academic excellence and societal responsibility.
• Bielefeld University opens and broadens horizons between disciplines, people, science and society.
• It inspires students.
• The university promotes talented researchers.
• It creates space for bold ideas.
• As a ‘reform’ university, it develops new ideas.
• The university successfully implemented gender mainstreaming.
• It sees itself as a university without prejudice.
• Lastly, Bielefeld University contributes to a sustainable and livable future.

INTERNATIONALIZATION

Let us explore the internationalization of this university in detail.

Bielefeld University welcomes several hundred visiting scholars and students from around the world every year, including some vulnerable and refugee researchers whom the university supports through its “Scholars at Risk Network,” as well as refugee prospective and current students.

The university paves good opportunities for international students.

Let us explore some of the programs offered to boost internationalization, which are

Study Abroad

Both students from Germany and students from other countries are able to participate in the university’s study abroad program. Under the study abroad program, Bielefeld University offers funding

• Erasmus +
  The University allows Erasmus programs, which allow students to study abroad in Germany, Study abroad in Partnership Universities and internship abroad.
  The university recommends that students stay for nine months or one academic year at one of the partner universities or have an internship in one of the European countries participating in the Erasmus+ program.
• International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
  Bielefeld University has participated in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) since 2003. The program provides an opportunity for students pursuing English studies to pursue academic pursuits at a university in the United States.

Internship Abroad

The university provides a valuable opportunity for students to engage in an international internship, which confers numerous benefits.

There are several benefits associated with engaging in language learning, including the potential to enhance future employment prospects, facilitate the development of language proficiency and cultivate intercultural competency.

Incoming Exchange Students

Bielefeld University offers a great course in humanities, natural, social and technical sciences for international students interested in studying at this university.

The university offers,

• Double Degree Programs
• German as a Foreign and Second Language
• German as a second language and German studies
• Master courses in English
• German-language degree program

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Bielefeld University has many international partnerships with other great universities around the world. Some of these universities work together in very close and important ways, which the Rectorate of Bielefeld University strives to promote.

Some of the partner universities are,

• France’s Université Paris Cité
• Italy’s University of Bologna
• Japan’s Osaka University
• Canada’s Alberta-OWL consortium

RESEARCH FACILITY

The university also gives importance to the research facility. Let us explore the Research facilities.

The research performance of Bielefeld University is essentially shaped by its young researchers at all career levels. The university regards the promotion of young researchers as a strategically important and long-term task.

The research strength of Bielefeld University is also largely reflected in the success of its researchers in obtaining funding for research projects

The university’s Research facility has

• 6 Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) & Transregios
• 4 Research Training Groups
• 6 DFG Research Units
• 6 NFDI Projects
• 2 DFG Emmy Noether Junior Research Groups

Some of the research institutes are,

• Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec)
• Centre for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC)
• Research Institute for Cognition and Robotics (CoR-Lab)
• Research Centre for Mathematical Modelling (FSPM²)
• Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence (IKG)
• Center for Mathematical Economics (IMW)
• Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Research (IZG)

RESEARCH PROJECTS

The university also conducted many research projects.

Some of the research projects are mentioned below,

Niche Choice (A) – A05 Temporal niche choice in Drosophila melanogaster

This project focuses on understanding how fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) choose and adapt to specific periods for their behavioural activities, known as their “temporal niche.”

This project seeks to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this choice, focusing on the role of the HSP90 protein.

Project Area D’s (Generation and Stabilization of Knowledge) D06 (C04) Comparing at the Interface of the Physical and Life Sciences, 1960 to 2000

This research project examines the significance of comparative practices in establishing and advancing multidisciplinary study domains within the natural sciences during the 20th century.

Here, the focus is on the research groups in biophysical chemistry and molecular genetics, which sometimes overlap and on the role of outside players in the institutionalization of science in both fields.

TRR 358: Integral Structures in Geometry and Representation Theory’s Project A2: Algebraic and arithmetic aspects of aperiodicity

This Project primarily focuses on studying aperiodic order, a concept often observed in structures known as almost lattices.

The main objective of Project A2 is to identify precise and computationally feasible invariants for aperiodic tiling spaces, represented through characteristic point sets and for aperiodic shift spaces, treated as dynamic systems.

 The project also aspires to replace the conventional Euclidean space, denoted as R^n, with a locally compact abelian group, thereby extending the applicability of these concepts to a more general mathematical framework.

CAMPUS FACILITIES

Now, let us briefly look at the campus facilities of the university.

Semester Ticket

The university offers a semester ticket that grants students complimentary access to bus, tram and local train services within the transport associations and municipalities of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Library’s UniCard

The UniCard, a flexible, electronically readable ID card in credit card style, is available to Bielefeld University students, employees and external library users.

The library also offers Interlibrary Loans, Digitization services, Research and Publishing.

Family Service

This university provides care for its students’ children through various programs.

Accessibility Services (ZAB)

The ZAB gives information and help about accessibility and active involvement at Bielefeld University for people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, such as disadvantage compensation and peer mentoring for people with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental illnesses.

IT Services

The university has IT Services which offer free services for students in fixing Laptops through MEDiS.

It also safeguards personal data.

It also provides a VPN, which enables students and employees to access special services like the library’s research databases and personal network drives from anywhere in the world.

IN SUMMARY

• Bielefeld University, officially known as Universität Bielefeld, is a publicly funded university of higher education located in the city of Bielefeld, Germany.
• The university provides diverse academic fields encompassing the humanities, natural sciences, technology and medicine.
• Bielefeld University opens and broadens horizons between disciplines, people, science and society.
• The university regards the promotion of young researchers as a strategically important and long-term task.
• The university paves good opportunities for international students.
• Bielefeld University also offers a semester ticket that grants students complimentary access to bus, tram and local train services within the transport associations and municipalities of North Rhine-Westphalia.