Biomechanik (grundständig)

The Studium (degree program) takes place at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university of applied sciences include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, laboratories, treatment rooms, and sports halls. At home, activities include preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is a foundational Studium (degree program) in Biomechanics. It is offered at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and concludes with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree. The standard study period is 3-4 years. The foundational Biomechanics degree program imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biology, bionics, technical mechanics, process engineering, and materials engineering. Biomechanics can also be a specialization or in-depth study area, for example, within the Medical Technology degree program. Possible foundational degree programs include Biomechanics and Biomechanics and Engineering. Admission requirements for universities of applied sciences include at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) and, if applicable, proof of a pre-study internship. The curriculum includes modules such as biomaterials, biosciences, electrical engineering, machine elements, functions of the musculoskeletal system, engineering informatics, mathematics/physics, mechanics, musculoskeletal systems, neuromechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, quality assurance, and technical documentation.

The standard duration of the Studium (degree program) is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 9 semesters. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, Statistischer Bericht - Statistik der Prüfungen an deutschen Hochschulen - Prüfungsjahr 2024.

Studium (degree program) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student body, semester ticket), and potentially tuition fees. Fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are usually required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the Deutsches Studierendenwerk. The Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) provides individual funding for education.

Modules include, for example: biomaterials, biosciences, electrical engineering, machine elements, functions of the musculoskeletal system, engineering informatics, mathematics/physics, mechanics, musculoskeletal systems, neuromechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, quality assurance, technical documentation, and CAD. Practical study contents, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in biomechanics laboratories).

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: e.g., CAD applications in computer rooms, material examinations in laboratories, exercises in sports halls or treatment rooms. Independent work: preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Organization: independently planning the Studium (degree program) within the given structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: possibly completing internships (e.g., in biomechanics laboratories) and preparing for career entry.

The following study programs can be alternatives for the Biomechanics (undergraduate) program: In the field of Biotechnology, Biology (undergraduate), Biotechnology (undergraduate), Bionics (undergraduate) share similarities. In these fields, measurements, analyses, and laboratory examinations are conducted, results are documented; biological-technical processes and products are developed, and biological processes are converted into technical procedures. In the field of Medical and Rehabilitation Technology, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Technology (undergraduate), Medical Technology (undergraduate) share similarities. In these fields, devices, machines, and apparatuses are developed for areas such as therapy and rehabilitation; prostheses, orthoses, and medical aids are designed, manufactured, and adapted. In the field of Therapeutic (non-medical), Ergotherapy (undergraduate), Physiotherapy (undergraduate) share similarities. In these fields, loads and stresses on, for example, the musculoskeletal system are analyzed and diagnosed; measures to prevent or improve health impairments are conceived.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful study program: Mathematics (e.g., application-oriented mathematics, statistics), Physics, Chemistry, Biology (e.g., to facilitate access to electrical engineering, mechanics, materials science, and biosciences), English (e.g., reading, understanding, and writing foreign language texts), Computer Science (e.g., technical documentation and CAD applications).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics, for example, may be relevant: IT, project management, intercultural competence. Internships, for example, in biomechanics laboratories, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university). For universities in Germany, refer to the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate study program Biomechanics provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in biology, bionics, technical mechanics, process engineering, and materials engineering. It leads to a first university degree. Biomechanics can also be a specialization or in-depth area, for example, within the Medical Technology study program.

Examples: Biomechanics (Bachelor), Biomechanics and Engineering (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates of Biomechanics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as data collection, analysis, or process and product development.

Biomechanics became an independent field of study in the 1960s. The first international scientific conference on biomechanics took place in Zurich in 1967. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, reformed the European higher education landscape. Its goals included creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor and Master programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Upon completion of this program, you will receive a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree.

If you discontinue your university studies (Studium), vocational training (Ausbildung) in fields such as orthopaedic shoemaker, orthopaedic technician-mechanic, or technical assistant for medical device technology could be alternatives within the medical and rehabilitation technology sector. These professions involve developing, manufacturing, and adapting medical devices, prostheses, and other aids. In the non-medical therapy sector, vocational training as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist could also be an alternative. These professions require knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system, diagnosis, and therapy. In biotechnology, vocational training as a biology laboratory assistant or a state-certified biological-technical assistant could be considered, focusing on biology and biotechnology. Further alternatives may be found by exploring professional fields on BERUFENET. More information on prospects after discontinuing university studies (Studium) is available.

No remuneration is received during university studies (Studium). However, compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases.

Legal regulations for university studies (Studium) are determined at the federal level by the Framework Act for Higher Education (HRG) and inter-state agreements. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and accreditation regulations apply. At the university level, the university's own statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study program are valid.

The prerequisite for university studies (Studium) at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (specialized university entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). Information on accessing higher education without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the regulations of each individual state (Bundesland). A pre-study internship may need to be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in Biomechanics can continue their Studium (university studies) in an advanced study program, such as Biomechanics, Medical Physics, or Medical Technology, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Examples include Biomechanics (advanced), Bionics (advanced), Medical Physics (advanced), Medical Technology (advanced), Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Technology (advanced), Physiotherapy (advanced), Sports Technology (advanced), and Sports Science (advanced).