Medicine, life and health sciences
Medicine and life and health sciences are all about research to gain a better understanding of human life and health. This diverse field of study involves elements of prevention, treatment and research aimed at developing innovative therapies, creating healthy living environments and advancing medicine generally. The knowledge obtained in this field is deployed for the benefit of society.
What is it all about?
Medicine and life and health sciences are concerned with the study of the human body, the development and treatment of diseases and how to promote health and well-being. In this field, scientific principles find practical application in diagnostics, therapy and prevention. Molecular biology, epidemiology and public health play a central role. Degree programs in this field are designed to train professionals able to contribute to improving healthcare and quality of life, whether in clinical practice, through biomedical research or by promoting good health at the individual and societal level.
What would the world be like without…
...medicine and life and health sciences?
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Without medicine and life and health sciences there would be no modern treatments, no vaccinations and no effective disease therapies. Epidemics would rage uncontrollably, life expectancy would be significantly lower, and many illnesses that today are treatable would be fatal—as they were in the past.
Without research into nutrition, exercise and prevention, we would know little about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Advances in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology would be impossible, and surgery and diagnostics without modern procedures and equipment would be unspeakably primitive.
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In short, without this field of study, public health would be unprotected, knowledge of the human body would be limited and medical care would only be existent at a pre-modern level.
What relevant occupations and career paths are there?
Surgeon
Dentist
Biomedical specialist
Midwife
Telemedicine specialist
Hausärzt*in
- Clinical medicine
- Nursing and health management
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Medical technology
- Public health services
- Biomedical research
- Health economics
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Rehabilitation science
- Occupational medicine
- Sports medicine
- Molecular medicine
- Epidemiology
- Health psychology
- Biotechnology
- Medical journalism
- Hospital management
- Environmental medicine
- Obstetrics
- Prevention and health promotion
- Medical computer science
- Clinical trials and approval
- Telemedicine
- Health education
- Forensic medicine
- Genetics and genome research
- Emergency medicine
- Palliative medicine
What skills will I need? What are the prerequisites?
A broad natural science background
Studying medicine and the life and health sciences requires broad scientific knowledge, particularly of biology, chemistry and physics.
Major personal interest in human health
Students should be greatly interested in human health, biological processes and medical research.
Empathy and communication skills
Empathy and communication skills are crucial for working effectively with patients and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Analytical thinking, ability to do precision work
Analytical thinking, precise work and problem-solving skills are essential in employing diagnostic and treatment methods.
In-depth grasp of ethical issues
Students must obtain an in-depth grasp of ethical issues and be aware of the responsibility they will bear as future professionals in the field.
Self-motivation, organizational skills
Students should be self-motivated, have organizational skill and be willing to continuously learn as essential prerequisites for study in this field.
Where would I be studying?
Contact
Central Study Advisory and Counseling Service
The Central Study Advisory and Counseling Service (ZSB) is the first point of contact at the University of Bonn for all questions relating to studying.
Further information
Study Orientation and Getting to Know the University of Bonn
The University of Bonn offers diverse opportunities for school students of various ages to get to know the University. Our programs cover the full range from children’s university and science races to university-preparatory events. We offer academic guidance and support to upper-level high school students and other prospective students, for instance by helping them to review their individual readiness for university and by providing insights into the realities of university study. Workshops, information events and one-on-one counseling sessions give prospective students the opportunity to reflect on issues related to what lies ahead in terms of university and career choices.