Bionik (weiterführend)

The Bionics (advanced) study program is offered at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. Students also work at home, for example, preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and possibly participating in online courses.

The standard duration for this study program is 2 to 4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student union, semester ticket). Additional tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after consuming 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 (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits) are also part of the costs. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Study content typically includes modules such as Autonomous Robotics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Shape Optimization and Design, Fundamentals of Bionic Product Development, Human Machine Interaction, Locomotion in Fluids, Multibody Simulation, Mobile Systems in Nature and Technology, Numerical Methods of Simulation, Physiology for Engineers, and Terrestrial Locomotion. Practical study content may vary by university but can include internships or practical modules (e.g., in the robotics industry).

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: 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, such as material technology exercises and biomechanical investigations in the testing laboratory. Independent work: preparing for and following up on courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Deepening skills in scientific work. Planning the study program independently, adhering to given study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Preparing for a career by completing internships (e.g., in biological research institutions or the robotics industry).

The following study programs can be alternatives for Bionics (advanced): In the field of Biology: Applied Natural Sciences (advanced), Biotechnology (advanced), Biology (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced). Common aspects include planning and conducting measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations; setting up experimental apparatus and conducting experiments, documenting results. In the field of Nanotechnology: Nanoscience (advanced), Sensor Technology (advanced), Materials Science (advanced), Materials Science and Engineering (advanced). Common aspects also include planning and conducting measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations; setting up experimental apparatus and conducting experiments, documenting results.

Universities require degrees such as Bionics (undergraduate), Biology (undergraduate), Biophysics (undergraduate), Mechanical Engineering (undergraduate), Mechatronics (undergraduate), or Biomechanics (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications, such as foreign languages, rhetoric, and methodological competence, facilitate a successful career entry. Elective modules like Computational Fluid Dynamics can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in biological research institutions or the robotics industry, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities.

This advanced Studium (postgraduate study) deepens knowledge from the undergraduate Studium and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics; for instance, Robotics can be one such topic. This Studium leads to a second university degree. Bionics is also available as a distance learning program.

Examples: Bionics/Biomimetics (Master), Bionics: Mobile Systems (Master), Construction Bionics (Master).

For Master's graduates in Bionics, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as expert appraisal, consultancy, or process and product development. Those aiming for a scientific career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

Beginnings: Pioneers of Bionics with studies on bird flight and the design of flying apparatuses based on nature's model: Leonardo da Vinci (1505) and Otto Lilienthal (end of the 19th century). Subsequently: Experiments with the analysis of biological functional principles for abstracted technical solutions in various scientific disciplines, e.g., construction or data technology. 1972: Establishment of the first chair for Bionics at the Technical University of Berlin. 1999: Start of the Bologna Process: Reform of the European higher education landscape with goals including the creation of a unified European higher education area, harmonization of Studium (study programs) and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's Studium), and improvement of mobility for students and lecturers. 2003: Establishment of the first undergraduate Bionics Studium at a university.

Depending on the study program, degrees such as Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) or Master of Science (M.Sc.) are awarded.

No remuneration is received during the Studium (postgraduate studies). However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

Legal regulations are determined at the federal level by the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG - Higher Education Framework Act) and inter-state agreements. At the state (Bundesland) level, Hochschulgesetze (Higher Education Acts) and related administrative regulations apply. At the university level, each institution has its own statutes and Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (study and examination regulations).

The prerequisite for this Studium (postgraduate studies) is a first professionally qualifying university degree; usually, an undergraduate degree in Bionics is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. English language proficiency may also need to be demonstrated.