Since 2003, the Faculties of Medicine and of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne together with the Center for Molecular Medicine, Cologne (CMMC) offer an Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Molecular Medicine (IPMM). The IPMM, similar to an “MD-PhD” program, aims to train young researchers at the interface of medical and biological research focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human disease.
Graduates with degrees in Natural Sciences or students of Human Medicine holding the german 2nd State Examination or an equivalent degree from abroad are eligible for this programme.

The Curriculum of the IPMM
Based on Anglo-American models the experimental research project in the field of biomedicine is supplemented with an individually tailored study program of lectures, courses, guest seminars, progress reports, advanced method courses and workshops as well as soft skill training. The core study program lasts 2 years and consists of a minimum of 4 hours of lectures, seminars or practical courses per week. The curricula of the graduates are individually tailored to their backgrounds and are developed by one tutor from each faculty. These senior scientists also regularly monitor the progress of the research and advise on issues related to the project and the coursework. Thus, science graduates are given a lecture program in biomedical sciences and medical graduates in basic natural sciences, in each case accompanied by research training and core courses. The language of the IPMM is predominantly English.

The IPMM awards the academic degree Dr. nat. med.
After completion of the postgraduate course program and successful defense of the doctoral thesis the degree of "Doktor der Naturwissenschaftlichen Medizin" (Dr. nat. med.)* is jointly conferred by the Faculties of  Medicine and of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The degree Dr. nat. med. is equivalent to the German Dr. rer. nat. and corresponds to an Anglo-American PhD, or for qualified physicians, an Anglo-American MD-PhD.
*(Doctor of Medical Science; Dr. med. sci.)

Selection and Admission
Admission to the IPMM involves a two-step evaluation procedure. Candidates are selected based on their academic record, the quality of the biomedically oriented research project and two to three academic references. Selected candidates are interviewed by the IPPMM steering committee. Positively evaluated candidates are admitted into the program throughout the year.

Application for this programme and detailed information at:
http://postgraduate-program-molecular-medicine.uni-koeln.de/