Biotechnologie (grundständig)

The studies take place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and laboratories. At home, students prepare and follow up on courses, complete assignments, and potentially participate in online courses.

This is an undergraduate (grundständig) study program (Studium). Study opportunities are available at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Graduates earn a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate field of Biotechnology conveys fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or bioprocess engineering. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible undergraduate degree programs include Bioengineering, Bioengineering Science, Biotechnology, Marine Resources Biotechnology, Molecular Biotechnology, and Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) is required. Additionally, passing a university-internal selection process, proof of English language skills, and proof of a pre-internship (Vorpraktikum) may be necessary. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.

The standard duration 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 Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket). If applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Studium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, e.g., for specialized literature, excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits) are also part of the costs. Information on funding opportunities: German National Association for Student Affairs - Funding Opportunities, Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) as amended by the announcement of 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).

Dual study programs (duales Studium) combine a university degree (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate field of Biotechnology, there are practice-integrating study programs. Further information and search for dual study programs: AusbildungPlus: Portal for dual study programs and additional qualifications in initial vocational training.

Modules include, for example: General, inorganic, and organic chemistry, components of biotechnological plants, bioinformatics, biology, bioprocess control engineering, biostatistics, bioprocess engineering, fermentation technology, downstream processing, genetic engineering, mathematics, microbiology, physics, technical microbiology, environmental biotechnology, cell culture technology. Practical study content: Depending on the university, internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in research institutions), and semesters abroad.

Students should prepare for various conditions and requirements, including lectures, practical exercises, and independent study. During the semester, attending lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms is essential, as is participating in online courses if necessary. Practical exercises, such as microbiology experiments, will be conducted. Preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods) are part of independent work. It is important to plan the studies independently within the given structure, adhere to submission deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Internships in areas such as industrially applied biology and career preparation may also be necessary.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, the international degree program 'Technical and Applied Biology' is offered in various countries by the University of Applied Sciences Bremen and partner universities in Australia, Brazil, France, Great Britain, Sweden, South Africa, and the Netherlands, among others. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Further information can be found on the website of the University of Applied Sciences Bremen.

The following study subjects can be alternatives for Biotechnology (undergraduate): In the field of Biology, Biology (undergraduate), Biosciences, Life Sciences (undergraduate), Agricultural Biology (undergraduate), and Chemical Biology (undergraduate) share similarities: all conduct measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations, set up experimental apparatuses, and document results. In the field of work preparation, Food Technology (undergraduate), Pharmaceutical Technology (undergraduate), Production Engineering (undergraduate), and Process Engineering (undergraduate) show similarities: all conduct measurements, analyses, and laboratory investigations, develop technical systems or components, or plan their deployment. In the field of Biotechnology, Biomechanics (undergraduate) shares the commonality of translating knowledge about biological processes into technical products and procedures.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful studies: Biology is important for study content from general biology as well as molecular, micro, and cell biology. Physics facilitates access to topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and atomic physics. Chemistry is necessary to understand chemical relationships. Mathematics is important for understanding application-oriented mathematics and statistical methods. Computer science facilitates entry into areas such as data structures, algorithms, or programming languages. English is useful for reading specialist literature and writing texts.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as time management and presentation techniques are examples. Elective modules like bioprocess engineering can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in research institutes, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities. Contact details for universities in Germany can be found via the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate study program in Biotechnology provides fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or bioprocess engineering. It leads to a first university degree. This subject is also available as a dual study program.

Examples of undergraduate programs in biotechnology include Apparative Biotechnology (Bachelor), Bio-, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Engineering (Bachelor), Bioengineering (Bachelor), Biotechnology (Bachelor), Biotechnology of Marine Resources (Bachelor), Industrial Biotechnology (Bachelor), Molecular Biotechnology (Bachelor), and Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Biotechnology, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as laboratory analysis, production planning, control, or sales.

Since the 1980s, independent study programs for biotechnology and bioengineering have been introduced. From the 1990s onwards, study contents were expanded to include newly developed genetic engineering methods and application possibilities, for example, in plant breeding and medicine. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, initiating a reform of the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Depending on the study program, degree titles can be Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).

For those who drop out of their studies, vocational training (Ausbildung) in fields such as biological laboratory assistant or state-certified biological-technical assistant can be alternatives in the laboratory sector. These professions involve laboratory work, biology, and biotechnological processes. In the plant sector, state-certified agricultural-technical assistant or plant technologist can be alternatives, dealing with plant production, laboratory work, and biotechnology. In the environmental and nature conservation sector, an environmental protection technical assistant is an alternative, covering environmental protection, ecology, and biotechnology. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on perspectives after dropping out of studies, you can check 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

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

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible, for example in Biotechnology or Bioprocess Engineering.

Legal regulations for study programs are determined at the federal level (Higher Education Framework Act - HRG) and at the state (Bundesland) level by higher education laws. Additionally, university statutes, study, and examination regulations for the respective subjects apply.

To study at universities and equivalent higher education institutions, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) is required. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalent certificate recognized by the competent state (Bundesland) authority is needed. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals is available. Some universities may conduct an internal selection process. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), an apprenticeship, internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (referred to as a practical partner) is usually a prerequisite. Proof of English language skills and a pre-study internship may also be required.

Bachelor graduates in Biotechnology can continue their studies in advanced fields (weiterführend) such as Biochemistry, Biomechanics, Bioeconomics, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, or Process Engineering, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities.