Bionik (grundständig)

The Bionics bachelor's program takes place at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). Learning locations include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. Additionally, studying at home, such as preparing for lectures, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses, is part of the learning process.

This is a foundational bachelor's degree program offered at Fachhochschulen. Upon successful completion, students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The Bionics bachelor's program provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, as well as specialized content in engineering sciences. This field of study is also available as a dual study program. Admission to Fachhochschulen generally requires at least the Fachhochschulreife (qualification for universities of applied sciences), and in some cases, passing an internal university selection process may be necessary. The curriculum includes modules such as general biology and bionics, biodiversity and sustainability, bionic sensor technology, chemistry/physics, fundamentals of electrical engineering, fundamentals of materials science, design and Computer-Aided Design, mathematics/informatics, optimization methods, physiology, preparation techniques, project management, special materials science, and statistical data analysis.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 9 semesters. This information is based on the examination statistics from German higher education institutions for the year 2024, provided by the Statistisches Bundesamt (Federal Statistical Office).

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student body, semester ticket), and potentially tuition fees. Additional fees may apply for 'long-term students', those pursuing a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study necessities, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. For information on funding opportunities, you can consult the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German National Association for Student Affairs) and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Assistance Act).

Dual study programs combine university studies with vocational training (Ausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational Bionics program, there are both practice-integrating and training-integrating study programs. For example, the study program may include the recognized vocational training profession of Industriemechaniker (industrial mechanic). For further information and to search for dual study programs, you can visit the AusbildungPlus portal.

Modules include general biology and bionics, biodiversity and sustainability, bionic sensor technology, chemistry/physics, fundamentals of electrical engineering, fundamentals of materials science, design and Computer-Aided Design, mathematics/informatics, optimization methods, physiology, preparation techniques, special materials science, statistical data analysis, technical mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in the robotics industry, possibly abroad), and excursions.

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements during your Bionics (grundständig) studies: Lectures will take place in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; you may also participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises include learning to use a microscope on prepared and fresh specimens in the lab. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks). You will need to plan your studies independently within the given curriculum, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and complete academic and examination requirements on time. This requires self-discipline and organizational talent. For career preparation, you may complete internships (e.g., in companies with a biological, chemical, or medical focus, possibly abroad) and prepare for your career entry.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad, for example: in the USA or Portugal. An international undergraduate Bionics program is offered by Hochschule Bremen and partner universities, such as Drexel University in the USA or Instituto Politécnico de Bragança in Portugal. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Further information can be found on the Hochschule Bremen website regarding the International Bionics program.

The following subjects can be alternatives to the Bionics (grundständig) study program: In the field of Biology, Applied Natural Sciences (Angewandte Naturwissenschaft), Biology (Biologie), and Biosciences, Life Sciences (Biowissenschaften, Life Sciences) are similar. Common aspects include planning and conducting measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations; setting up experimental apparatuses and conducting experiments, and documenting results. In the field of Nanotechnology, Nanoscience (Nanowissenschaft) and Sensor Technology (Sensortechnik) are also similar. Common aspects include planning and conducting measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations; setting up experimental apparatuses and conducting experiments, and documenting results. In the field of Biotechnology, Biotechnology (Biotechnologie) and Biomechanics (Biomechanik) share a commonality: applying knowledge of biological processes to technical products and procedures.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful studies: Biology and Chemistry are important for understanding biological and chemical study content. Mathematics is needed, for example, to perform differential, integral, infinitesimal, and vector calculations. Physics is relevant for study content in areas such as mechanics, electricity, physics, and optics. English is useful for reading specialist literature and giving presentations. Computer Science (Informatik) facilitates entry into areas such as data structures, algorithms, or programming languages.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant: foreign languages, rhetoric, and methodological competence. Elective and optional modules such as biodiversity and sustainability can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in industrial companies with a biological, chemical, or medical focus, specifically prepare students 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): Universities in Germany - University search of Hochschulkompass.

The undergraduate Bionics (grundständig) study program provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, as well as specific content from engineering sciences. It leads to a first university degree. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium).

For Bachelor graduates in Bionics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as expert or appraisal activities, or process and product development.

The beginnings of Bionics trace back to pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci (1505) and Otto Lilienthal (late 19th century), who studied bird flight and designed flying machines inspired by nature. Subsequently, experiments analyzing biological functional principles for abstract technical solutions were conducted in various scientific disciplines, such as construction or data technology. In 1972, the first chair for Bionics was established at the Technical University of Berlin. The Bologna Process began in 1999, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers. In 2003, the first foundational Bionics degree program (grundständig) was established at a university.

Degree awarded: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives to this degree program: In the field of Nanotechnology: State-certified Biological-technical Assistant, Microtechnologist, Physical-technical Assistant. Commonalities: producing and testing micro and nanotechnological materials/functions, using physical or biological measurement and analysis techniques. In the field of Model Making: Biology Model Maker, Technical Model Maker (specializing in Visualisation or Body and Production). Commonalities: creating models for testing materials, shapes, and functions. Searching via professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on perspectives after dropping out of a degree program, visit 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

No remuneration is received during the degree program (Studium). Compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Federal level: Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) in the version of the announcement from 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I S. 18), last amended by Article 1 of the law from 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1622). Joint structural requirements of the Länder (Bundesland) according to § 9 paragraph 2 HRG for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs (Resolution of the KMK from 10.10.2003 in the version of 04.02.2010). Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation between the German Rectors' Conference, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 16.02.2017). State level: Higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of degree programs. Qualification or higher education entrance regulations. University level: University statutes, study and examination regulations for the degree programs in the respective field of study.

The prerequisite for studying at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). For information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals: Access to higher education in the individual Bundesländer. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process takes place. For dual Studiengänge (dual study programs), an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (so-called practice partner) is usually required.

Bachelor graduates in Bionics can continue their Studium (studies) in an advanced field, such as Bionics or Nanoscience, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Further studies are possible in fields such as Biochemistry (advanced), Bioinformatics (advanced), Bionics (advanced), Biophysics (advanced), Biotechnology (advanced), Chemical Biology (advanced), Molecular Science (advanced), and Nanoscience (advanced).