Bioökonomie (weiterführend)

Media resources in this field include Biological Transformation and Bioeconomy, biooekonomie.de, biotechnologie.de, and the National Bioeconomy Strategy.

The Studium (degree program) takes place at universities and Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). Learning locations include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, and laboratories at the university. Learning also occurs at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the Studium (degree program) include: Agricultural biology, agricultural economics, business administration, bioanalytics, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, development, research, food technology, and molecular biology. Other competencies that may be important for future professional practice include: Biogas production, biofuels, biomass (energetic utilization), biorefineries, controlling, cost and performance accounting, organic farming, biochar, project management, quality management, environmental economics, process engineering, and cell biology.

The standard duration for this Studium (degree program) is 2-4 semesters.

Studium (degree program) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student services), the student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second Studium (degree program), or after exceeding a set Studium (degree program) credit. Expenses for learning materials and supplies, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred, along with contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits). Information on funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Compulsory modules include, for example: Biogenic raw materials, biorefinery concepts, farm economics and strategic management in the bioeconomy, inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches in bioeconomy, markets, innovation and social acceptance of biobased products, properties of biobased resources and products, and sustainable industrial processes. Elective modules include, for example: Medicinal plants, agricultural production of biobased resources, district heating, economics and management, and natural science concepts. Practical Studium (degree program) content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in companies in the energy sector).

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews.

One should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures are attended during the semester in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms; if necessary, online lectures can be joined from home. Practical exercises, such as conducting fermentation experiments in the lab, are performed. Independent work includes preparing and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing term papers (also during lecture-free periods). Skills in scientific work are deepened. Self-responsible planning of studies, adherence to prescribed study periods, and timely completion of study and examination achievements (self-discipline and organizational talent required) are important. Career preparation may involve completing internships (e.g., in a food industry company or in the (sustainable) energy sector).

The following study programs can be alternatives for Bioeconomy (advanced): Biotechnology (advanced), Biochemistry (advanced), Chemical Biology (advanced), Biology (advanced), Biosciences, Life Sciences (advanced) are in the field of biology. They share the commonality of acquiring knowledge in biology and biotechnologically produced products. Food Chemistry (advanced) and Food Technology (advanced) are in the food sector. They share the commonality of planning, monitoring, and controlling industrial processes of food production and processing.

Universities typically require the following degrees: Bioeconomy (undergraduate), Agricultural Biology (undergraduate), Business Administration (undergraduate), Biotechnology (undergraduate), Agricultural Science (undergraduate), Biochemistry (undergraduate), Food Technology (undergraduate), or Process Engineering (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as business administration, time management, and presentation techniques are examples. Elective modules like Natural Science Concepts can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in companies in the food industry, 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): Universities in Germany - Hochschulkompass University Search.

This advanced Studium (postgraduate study) deepens knowledge from the undergraduate Studium and, if applicable, from professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics. These can be, for example, the production and marketing of bio-based products or the material and energetic utilization of biomass. This Studium leads to a second university degree.

Examples include Bioeconomy (Master) and Green Engineering (Sustainable Energy and Process Engineering for the Bioeconomy) (Master).

For master's graduates in Bioeconomy, various career fields are available in the private sector, such as agricultural and forestry consulting or process and product development. Those aiming for an academic 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.

In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including the creation of a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonization of study programs and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improved mobility for students and lecturers. In the 21st century, independent Bioeconomy study programs were established.

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

Degree awarded: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during studies. Payment can be agreed upon for practical phases (internships).

Legal regulations for studying Bioökonomie (weiterführend) are in place. These include the Hochschulrahmengesetz (Higher Education Framework Act) at the federal level, inter-state agreements, and Hochschulgesetze (Higher Education Acts) at the state (Bundesland) level. Additionally, each Hochschule's (higher education institution) own statutes, Studien- (study) and Prüfungsordnungen (examination regulations) apply.

Admission to this Studium (master's program) requires a first professionally qualifying university degree. Typically, an undergraduate degree in bioeconomics, agricultural and forestry sciences (e.g., agricultural biology), natural and engineering sciences (e.g., biotechnology), or economic and social sciences (e.g., business administration) is expected. Depending on the Hochschule (higher education institution), an internal selection process may take place. Selection criteria often include performance in the first professionally qualifying Studium (undergraduate program). Proof of English language skills may also be required.