Bioökonomie (grundständig)

Biological Transformation and Bioeconomy, biooekonomie.de, biotechnologie.de, National Bioeconomy Strategy.

The studies (Studium) take place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, and laboratories. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a foundational study (Studium) program offered at universities. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard period of study is 3-4 years. The foundational Bioeconomy study program provides basic scientific knowledge in chemistry, cell and microbiology, physics, mathematics, and business administration. Admission to universities requires the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university, for example, in the following compulsory modules: Bioprocess Engineering, Chemistry (General and Organic Chemistry, Green Chemistry), Circular Economy, Environmental and Resource Economics, Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Mathematics, Policy and Innovation, Production of Biogenic Resources, Statistics, Supply Chain, Cell and Microbiology. Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Bioeconomy can work in fields such as agricultural economics, quality assurance, and management.

Core competencies acquired during the studies (Studium): agricultural biology, agricultural economics, business administration, bioanalytics, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, development, food technology, molecular biology. Further competencies that may be relevant for later professional practice: biogas production, biofuels, biomass (energetic use), biorefineries, controlling, cost and performance accounting, organic farming, biochar, project management, quality management, environmental economics, process engineering, cell biology.

The standard period of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Universities - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, the student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Studium), 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 (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits) may also be required. Information on funding opportunities: Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Funding Opportunities, Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) as amended on 07.12.2010 (BGBl. I S. 1952), last amended by Article 11 Para. 1 of the Law of 16.04.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 107).

The Bioeconomy (undergraduate) program includes compulsory modules such as bioprocess engineering, chemistry (general and organic chemistry, green chemistry), circular economy, environmental and resource economics, fundamentals of thermodynamics, mathematics, policy and innovation, production of biogenic resources, statistics, supply chain, and cell and microbiology. Elective modules may include behavioral economics, biopolymers, energy and economics, and concepts of physics and chemistry in nature. Practical study content varies by university and can include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in companies in the energy sector), and research projects.

To succeed in this field, one should be prepared for certain conditions and requirements. During the semester, it is necessary to attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms, and possibly participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises, such as conducting chemical experiments in the lab, are also part of the program. Independent work, including preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks), is crucial. It is important to plan your studies independently within the given structure, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation may involve completing internships (e.g., in ecologically oriented companies in the energy and chemical sectors) and planning for entry into the profession.

The following undergraduate programs can be alternatives to Bioeconomy (undergraduate): In the field of Biology, Biotechnology, Biology, and Biosciences/Life Sciences. Commonalities include investigating the effects of environmental conditions on biological systems and acquiring knowledge about biological interrelationships. In the field of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering can also be alternatives. Commonalities include acquiring knowledge about chemical and biological interrelationships, and developing and monitoring chemical and process engineering production processes. In the field of Environmental and Nature Protection, Geoecology, Environmental Science, and Environmental Engineering can be considered. Commonalities include acquiring knowledge in natural and engineering sciences, ecology, and economics (national/business), analyzing environmental pollution, and applying technologies for environmental protection.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful studies: Chemistry/Biology, for understanding chemical and biological study content. Physics, to facilitate access to study content such as technical thermodynamics and process engineering. Mathematics, for performing statistical calculations. Economics, for understanding business and national economic study content. English, for reading specialized literature.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: project management, communication, and presentation. Elective modules such as biopolymers can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in ecologically oriented companies in the energy and chemical sectors, 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). Information about universities in Germany can be found through the university search of Hochschulkompass.

The undergraduate degree program in Bioeconomy provides fundamental scientific knowledge in chemistry, cell and microbiology, physics, mathematics, and business administration. It leads to a first university degree.

For Bachelor's graduates in Bioeconomy, various fields of activity are available, such as agricultural economics or process and product development.

The Bologna Process, initiated 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's and Master's degrees), and improving student and lecturer mobility. In the 21st century, independent Bioeconomy study programs were established.

Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.), Helmholtz Association (Helmholtz Gemeinschaft), Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut), German Association for Biology, Biosciences and Biomedicine (VBIO Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften und Biomedizin in Deutschland e.V.), Federal Association of Agricultural, Food, Environment Professionals (VDL-Bundesverband Berufsverband Agrar, Ernährung, Umwelt e.V.).

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

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives to this university program (Studium): In the field of Biotechnology, a state-certified biological-technical assistant. Common aspects include biological, biochemical, chemical, and chemical-physical investigations. In the field of Chemistry, a state-certified chemical-technical assistant. Common aspects include chemistry and process engineering. In the field of Environmental and Nature Protection, an environmental protection technical assistant. Common aspects include ecology and environmental management. In the field of Plants, a state-certified agricultural-technical assistant or plant technologist. Common aspects include agricultural economics and environmental analysis. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of university, please refer to 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the university program (Studium). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible in areas such as Behavioral Economics, Corporate Strategy, or Fundamentals of Material Biomass Utilization.

Legal regulations are determined at the federal (Bundesebene), state (Landesebene), and university (Hochschulebene) levels. At the federal level, the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG - Higher Education Framework Act) and inter-state structural requirements for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs apply. At the state level, university laws, accreditation regulations, and qualification or university admission regulations are in effect. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for studying at universities and equivalent higher education institutions is the general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). Information on studying without a school-based university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the access regulations for higher education in each federal state.

Bachelor's graduates in Bioökonomie (Bioeconomy) can continue their studies in an advanced study program, such as Bioökonomie, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities.