The study programme is designed to be taken full-time and lasts six semesters. In the third year you can choose from a variety of modules to put together your own individual study plan. In this way you can adapt part of your studies to suit your previous experience, interests and career goals. The study programme can also be completed on a part-time basis. Furthermore, the modular structure enables you to spend a semester studying abroad and take part in student exchanges with our partner universities.

After foundation studies in the first year, you expand your scientific and technical knowledge and skills in the second year. With your specialisation in the third year you can focus on your own particular interests. Through many practical sessions in small groups, you acquire methodological and social competence. In the fourth semester, as part of your literature review, you also learn how to write scientific publications. In addition, the subsequent semester assignment and Bachelor’s thesis promote your ability to work independently on projects with a high degree of self-confidence.

After graduation, you are able to solve practical biotechnological tasks, and take on specialist and managerial duties. You know how to use chemical, microbiological, molecular-biological and immunological methods to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate organisms and molecules.

You are also able to develop complete biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes. Furthermore, as a biotechnology graduate, you take into account the relevant ethical, regulatory, social, ecological and economic environment. You have the skills to evaluate and communicate results from research, development and production. Not only are you equipped with practical know-how from your studies, you are also aware of how to expand your specialist knowledge continuously and to network in your field.

Biotechnology offers many exciting work opportunities and steady growth is predicted for the industry. In addition to large international companies, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-up companies are finding a place in the market.

Typical applications and industries:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Research institutions
• Bioanalytical laboratories
• Engineering companies
• Hospitals
• Cosmetic industry
• Suppliers and equipment manufacturers (laboratory and diagnostic equipment)
• Environmental agencies
• Licensing and supervisory authorities
• Planning, consulting and service companies

The study programme is multidisciplinary and students come from a broad variety of educational backgrounds.

• Candidates with a vocational baccalaureate and an apprenticeship in a field related to biotechnology (technical, chemical, biological, medical and pharmaceutical professions) can begin their studies directly.
• Candidates with a vocational baccalaureate and an apprenticeship in an unrelated profession are required to have one year’s work experience in the field of biotechnology. Six months of general work experience in laboratories is recognised, meaning that a further six-month internship would still be required for admission.
• Candidates with an academic baccalaureate or professional baccalaureate (Fachmaturität) must have completed 12 months’ work experience in a biotechnological field. The recognition of professional and/or subject area experience is granted by the programme director “sur dossier”.

For information on further admission options (e.g. foreign qualifications), please contact the programme director.