Study programme learning outcomes
The basic aim of the study programme is to provide a broad spectrum of biological knowledge with great aplicability in the business sector. Aquired competences in biochemistry, molecular genetics, immunology and physiology enable employment in various branches. Some special courses (Biomolecules in industry) are included in the programme because this knowledge is required in industry (Biotechnology) and will play an important role in near future. A high portion of practical training in form of laboratory practicals, seminars and in course of master thesis prepares the graduate for autonomous and responsible work.
Mode of study
Only full-time study. Available enrolment slots: 30 for Slovenian and EU citizens, 2 for non-EU citizens, 1 for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship, 2 for parallel studies.
Official duration of the study programme in credits and years
The second cycle master's study programme MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY lasts 2 years (4 semesters) and has a workload of 120 ECTS. Students are required to complete 60 ECTS each year.
Name of qualification and title conferred
- Master of Science
- M.Sc.
Admission requirements
Access to the master's study programme Molecular and Functional Biology is granted to candidates who completed one of the following study programmes:
a) a first cycle Bologna study programme in the field of biology, worth at least 180 ECTS, or a comparable study programme in the field od biology.
b) a first cycle Bologna study programme in other professional fields, worth at least 180 ECTS, provided that the candidates complete other study requirements from courses of the first cycle Bologna study programme Biology. These requirements are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee and comprise from 10 to 60 ECTS. The requirements are determined in relation to the difference in the professional field and have to be completed prior to enrolment in the master’s study programme. a) graduates of comparable study programmes in the field of life sciences shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses, b) graduates of study programme with a comparable extent of core courses shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses, c) graduates of all other fields of study who do not have a comparable extent of core and professional courses shall obtain additional requirements from the group of compulsory core courses and compulsory professional courses.
c) a pre-Bologna professional study programme in the field of biology, worth at least 180 ECTS, or a comparable higher education professional study programme at other faculties.
d) a pre-Bologna professional study programme in other professional fields. The candidates have to complete other study requirements from courses of the first cycle Bologna study programme Biology. These requirements are set for each student individually by thecompetent Studies Committee and comprise from 10 to 60 ECTS. The requirements are determined in relation to the difference in the professional field. Candidates can complete these study requirements during their first cycle studies or by passing exams prior to enrolment in the master’s study programme. a) graduates of comparable study programmes in the field of life sciences shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses, b) graduates of study programme with a comparable extent of core courses shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses, c) graduates of all other fields of study who do not have a comparable extent of core and professional courses shall obtain additional requirements from the group of compulsory core courses and compulsory professional courses.
Admission to the programme is also granted to candidates who have completed equivalent education abroad, and who enrol under the same requirements which apply for candidates who completed their education in Slovenia. Prior to enrolment in the study programme they must complete the procedure for recognition of education for the purpose of further study.
In case of limited enrolment the following selection criteria apply:
- candidates under item a): grade average of the first cycle programme.
- candidates under item b): 50 % grade average of the first cycle programme and 50 % grade average of the study obligations that are mandatory for continuation of the study.
- candidates under item c): grade average of undergraduate studies.
- candidates under item d): 50 % grade average of undergraduate studies and 50 % grade average of the study obligations that are mandatory for continuation of the study.
Number of applications and limitations in the past years:
- 2024/25: number of applications (first priority): 44 – limitation (average grade of the last accepted candidate: 8,26)
- 2023/24: number of applications (first priority): 50 – limitation (average grade of the last accepted candidate: 8,15)
- 2022/23: number of applications (first priority): 44 – limitation (average grade of the last accepted candidate: 7,60)
- 2021/22: number of applications (first priority): 30 – no limitation
- 2020/21: number of applications (first priority): 52 – limitation (average grade of the last accepted candidate: 8,17)
- 2019/20: number of applications (first priority): 50 – limitation (average grade of the last accepted candidate: 7,87)
Advancement requirements
Conditions for progression to Year 2:
A student may enrol in Year 2 if he completes all 60 ECTS from study obligations of Year 1 by the end of the academic year. The competent Studies Committee may exceptionally approve the progression from Year 1 to Year 2 for a student who does not meet the requirement, if the student can provide justifiable reasons in accordance with the Statutes of the University of Ljubljana.
Conditions for repeating a year:
Students can repeat a year provided that they complete study requirements in a total amount of at least 30 ECTS.
During their course of study students may only once repeat a year or change their study programme owing to non-fulfilment of requirements.
Transfer between study programmes
A transfer between study programmes means termination of education in the first study programme and continuation of studies in another study programme. A transfer is possible only if the the candidates meet the requirements for enrolment in the new study programme. Tansfers between various study programmes for obtaining the same level of education is possible if at least 50% of ECTS of the first study programme can be recognised (i.e. if at least 30 ECTS can be recognised in the first year of the new study programme).
Transfers are possible:
a) for candidates from second cycle Bologna master's study programmes:
- in professional fields of the Biotechnical faculty UL or in comparable professional fields of other faculties. The candidates shall meet the requirements for enrolment. The requirements for completion of the study programme and the year in which the student is allowed to enrol are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.
- in other professional fields and of other faculties. The candidates shall meet the requirements for enrolment. The requirements for completion of the study programme and the year in which the student is allowed to enrol are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.
b) for graduates of pre-Bologna study programmes:
- from the academic study programme Biology: if candidates meet the requirements for enrolment, they are enrolled in Year 2. In order to complete the study programme, they shall successfully defend a master thesis.
- from academic study programmes in other fields: if candidates meet the requirements for enrolment, they are enrolled in Year 2. The requirements for completion of the study programme to the extent of 60 ECTS (including a successful defence of a master thesis) are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.