Biotechnology (B.Sc.)
Biotechnology (B.Sc.)
(formerly Life Science Engineering)
If you have a passion for biology, chemistry and engineering, the bachelor’s degree program in Biotechnology (former Life Science Engineering) could be right for you. Here you can expect exciting topics such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and environmental engineering. You’ll learn how to apply engineering concepts to biological systems to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. With a degree in Biotechnology, you’ll have a wide range of career opportunities in the biotechnology or medical device industries. If you would like to work at the interface of biology and technology, this degree program is a perfect introduction to a promising career.
Fact Sheet
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Admission
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Duration of studies
- 6 semesters
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Number of students
- 50-150
- Special ways to study
- 1-subject Bachelor
- Special features
-
- The Biotechnology program at the FAU is an engineering program that should not be confused with a purely scientific or medical program.
- Examination periods are at the beginning and end of the semester break, so that the semester break should be planned as a time to study and prepare for exams.
- An independent and structured way of working or careful preparation and follow-up is absolutely necessary in order to complete the studies within the prescribed times.
- Already in the first semesters, so-called basic and orientation examinations (GOP) have to be taken and passed in due time in order to prove the suitability for studies at an early stage.
Program overview
What is the degree program about?
Biotechnology (former Life science engineering) refers to a field that stands at the interface between engineering and natural sciences. It combines scientific fundamentals with technical applications. The resulting applications serve to protect human health (e.g. (medical) biotechnology) and their environment. Due to current and expected future social developments in the respective individual fields, Biotechnology is becoming increasingly important.
The bachelor’s program is divided into a basic and orientation phase of two semesters and a bachelor’s phase of four semesters. The program consists of so-called compulsory modules, compulsory elective modules, elective modules and the bachelor thesis.
Foundation and orientation phase: 1st -2nd semester
In the first two semesters, students acquire competencies in basic subjects such as mathematics, chemistry and physics. At the end of the second semester, a Fundamentals and Orientation Examination (GOP) must be completed. The GOP comprises the following six modules worth 40 ECTS credits:
- Mathematics 1
- General and Inorganic Chemistry
- Experimental physics
- Genetics
- Bioanalytics
- Chemical and biological process technology
The GOP is passed if 32,5 ECTS points of it have been acquired.
Bachelor phase: 3rd – 6th semester
In the subsequent bachelor phase, the diverse aspects of biotechnology and process engineering are taught in particular in the modules Fundamentals of cell and protein biotechnology, Bioreaction & Bioprocess Engineering, Medical biotechnology, Analysis and modeling of cellular networks, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Mechanical Process Engineering, Thermofluid Dynamics of Biotechnology and Bioseparation. The bachelor phase consists of further compulsory modules, two elective modules, one elective module and the bachelor thesis with presentation.
The elective modules can be chosen from a catalog (e.g. genetic engineering, immunology, organ function and technology, reaction engineering, bioprocess automation, and many more).
Graduates receive the basic knowledge required to manage process engineering with a medical-biotechnological background.
Brief overview: Course structure
1st -2nd semester: Basic and orientation phase with scientific and engineering fundamentals
3rd-5th semester: subject-specific basics, university internships, elective subjects, elective subject
6th semester: Bachelor thesis with presentation, degree: Bachelor of Science
- Interest in learning about the world and its mathematical and physical relationships
- Interest in biology and chemistry
- Interest in solving engineering problems
- Interest in working in a team
- Ability to work independently (self-organization)
- Enjoyment of scientific experimentation
Potential professional activities are the design of production processes and of products that serve human health. This includes, among other things, the development of functional foods, new drugs, manufacturing processes and bioreactors, as well as aspects of environmental protection (including the design of novel analytical techniques).
Possible fields of application
- Process design in laboratory, pilot plant and industrial scale
- development, production planning, etc. of biotechnological products
- efficient use of raw materials/energy through process optimization
- development of (small) medical devices and processes
- Planning and design of plants and apparatus
Application for a Degree Program
Admission Requirements and Application
Admission
- 1st semester: No Admissions Restrictions
Application deadline
- Winter semester: 30.09.
- Summer semester: nicht möglich
Details and notes
The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Student advice and more
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Benefits of studying at FAU
With more than 275 degree programs, FAU offers an inspiring learning environment, a vibrant student community, and numerous opportunities to discover your passion.
