Angewandte Naturwissenschaft (weiterführend)

Biotechnology, denatureScience, Spectrum of Science, The Science of Nature - Natural Sciences.

This academic program (Studium) takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, and laboratories. At home, activities involve preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; and potentially participating in online courses.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the academic program (Studium): Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Laboratory work, Laboratory techniques, Mathematics, Physical measurement and testing procedures, Experiment execution and evaluation, Experiment planning. Further competencies that may be relevant for later professional practice: Analysis, Analytical chemistry, Image analysis (materials technology), Bioanalytics, Bionics, Development, Creating specialized publications, Solid-state physics, Research, Expert and appraisal activities, Teaching (higher education), Medical technology, Biomedical technology, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Nanotechnology, Patent application, Pharmaceutical technology, Quality management, Materials science, Materials physics, Cell biology.

Standard duration of study (Studium): 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student union), the student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply for "long-term students" (Langzeitstudierende), a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a fixed study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also included, as are contributions for student health insurance (typically for those exceeding the age of 25 or certain income limits). Funding opportunities can be found through the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German Student Union) and information on the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Compulsory modules include Bio-, environmental, and materials analytics, Biotechnological production processes, Energy conversion and storage, Interfaces and colloids, Fundamentals of semiconductor components, Industrial photovoltaics, Molecular modeling and quantum chemistry, Numerics for natural and engineering sciences, Environmental behavior of organic pollutants, Experiment planning, and multivariate statistics. Elective modules cover topics such as Bioprocesses in environmental technology, Geochemical analytics, Kinetics and catalysis, Mineral chemistry and biomineralization, Wind and hydropower plants/wind energy utilization. Practical study content may include internships (e.g., in industrial companies involved in semiconductor production).

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses: Attending lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; possibly participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises: For example, in laboratories for bio-, environmental, and materials analytics. Independent work: Preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Scientific research: Deepening skills in scientific work. Organization and planning: Planning the academic program (Studium) independently, adhering to specified study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: Potentially completing internships (e.g., in a semiconductor production industrial company), preparing for career entry.

The following fields of study can be alternatives for the Applied Natural Sciences (advanced) academic program (Studium): Biology field: Biology (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced), Biotechnology (advanced). Similarities: Working with scientific research equipment (e.g., microscopes), collecting, processing, and analyzing data. Chemistry field: Chemistry (advanced), Chemical engineering (advanced), Pharmaceutical technology (advanced). Similarities: Working with scientific research equipment (e.g., microscopes), collecting, processing, and analyzing data. Physics field: Physics (advanced), Engineering physics (advanced), Medical physics (advanced). Similarities: Investigating and describing natural laws and phenomena, collecting, processing, and analyzing data.

Universities (Hochschulen) typically require the following undergraduate (grundständig) degrees as prerequisites: Applied Natural Sciences (undergraduate), Biochemistry (undergraduate), Biology (undergraduate), Biophysics (undergraduate), Chemistry (undergraduate), Physics (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as foreign languages, career planning, and rhetoric are relevant. Elective and compulsory elective modules like Geochemical Analytics can provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in a semiconductor production industrial company, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (Hochschulen).

This advanced university program (Studium) deepens knowledge from an undergraduate degree and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics such as solid-state physics, semiconductor technology, or biotechnology. This program leads to a second university degree. Applied Natural Sciences is also available as a part-time program (Teilzeitstudiengang).

Master's graduates in Applied Natural Sciences can find various career opportunities in the private sector, such as laboratory analysis, quality assurance, quality management, or process and product development. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate (Promotion). A doctorate can also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the 20th century, increasing technological advancements in science and industry led to a growing demand for interdisciplinarily trained specialists. Applied Natural Sciences programs (Studiengänge) combine a foundational education in mathematics and natural sciences with specialization options such as semiconductor physics, environmental chemistry, and biotechnology. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape (Hochschullandschaft) with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees through the introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs, and improving the mobility of students and teaching staff.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Helmholtz Gemeinschaft, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).

Degree awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during the university program (Studium). Payment can be arranged for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

Federal level: The Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) as published in the announcement of 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I S. 18), last amended by Article 1 of the law of 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1622). Joint structural guidelines of the states (Bundesland) according to § 9 paragraph 2 HRG for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs (resolution of the KMK dated 10.10.2003, as amended on 04.02.2010). Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, adopted by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 16.02.2017). State (Bundesland) level: Higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs. Qualification or university admission regulations. University level: University statutes, study and examination regulations for the programs in the respective field of study.

The prerequisite for this university program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree. Usually, an undergraduate (grundständig) degree in Applied Natural Sciences is required. English language proficiency may need to be demonstrated.