Bachelor of Science

Molecular biotechnology

Here you will learn valuable basics for different disciplines of biotechnology: from molecular genetics to immunology and bioprocess engineering.

Molecular Biotechnology Bachelor program

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Faculty: Natural and Environmental Sciences
Location: Zittau
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Standard period of study: 7 semesters
ECTS points: 210
Enrollment for: Winter semester
Admission restriction: none

With the shortage of raw materials, the need to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable production processes, and the provision of innovative medical agents and diagnostic methods, biotechnology has become a key technology of the future in recent years. Biotechnological processes and methods are being used in more and more sectors and have become a central component of both science and the German economy. According to a study by management consultants Ernst & Young (German Biotechnology Report 2012), around 10,000 employees currently work in just under 400 pure biotechnology companies in Germany. In Saxony alone, according to undefinedbiosaxony e.V., there are about 80 companies active in the biotechnology environment, especially in the Dresden and Leipzig areas, in addition to more than 30 university and non-university research institutions.

In the accredited bachelor program 'Molecular Biotechnology' of the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz students are trained for the application in molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioanalytics, toxicology, microbiology and bioprocess engineering. The teaching concept deliberately imparts broad-based fundamental knowledge in order to provide a sound basis for starting a career in the very different sub-disciplines of biotechnology.

The course content is based on the recommendations for training in undergraduate courses in biotechnology published by Dechema (Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V.). The seven-semester course is designed to impart a strong understanding of the unity of scientific, technical, economic and ecological interrelationships.

Biotechnological processes and methods are being used in more and more sectors and have become a central component of both science and business. According to a study by management consultants Ernst & Young (German Biotechnology Report 2012), around 10,000 people are currently employed in almost 400 pure biotechnology companies in Germany. In Saxony alone, according to undefinedbiosaxony e.V., there are around 80 companies working in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the Dresden and Leipzig area, in addition to more than 30 university and non-university research institutions.

Your course content in the Bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology

1st semester
  • Applied Computer Science for Life Sciences
  • Mathematics I
  • Physics I
  • General Biology
  • General and Inorganic Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • English for Life Sciences
2nd semester
  • Cell culture technology
  • Mathematics II
  • Physics II
  • Genetics/Molecular Biology
  • Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences
3rd semester
  • Genetic engineering
  • Biological safety/bioethics
  • Biochemistry I
  • Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • General process engineering
  • Interdisciplinary skills (compulsory elective modules)
4th semester
  • Biochemistry II
  • Bioreaction technology/bioreactors
  • General Microbiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Immunology
  • Compulsory elective area subject-specific
    • Fundamentals of law and environmental law
    • Special aspects of physical chemistry
    • Bioorganic Chemistry I
    • Functional morphology and systematics
5th semester
  • Immunotechnology
  • Applied Microbiology/Upstream Processing
  • Downstream Processing
  • Bioanalytics
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Enzymology
6th semester
  • Practical module
7th semester
  • Toxicology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Methods of scientific work/ literature seminar
  • Final module (Bachelor thesis and defense)
  • Admission requirements
    • General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
    • Applicants with a qualification as a technician, business economist, master craftsman or similar Completion of advanced vocational training in accordance with §18(3) of the SächsHSFG must attend a counseling interview for general university admission.
    • Proven knowledge of English at a sufficient level (to be able to read specialist literature)
    • Interest in biological phenomena
    • Enjoyment of working with chemistry
    • Willingness to solve technical problems
    • Willingness to complete internships
  • Contents

    The accredited Bachelor's degree course in Molecular Biotechnology at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences trains students in molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioanalytics, toxicology, microbiology and bioprocess engineering. The teaching concept deliberately conveys a broad range of basic knowledge in order to create a sound basis for starting a career in the very different sub-disciplines of biotechnology.

    The course content is based on the recommendations for undergraduate courses in biotechnology published by Dechema (Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V.). The seven-semester course aims to impart a strong understanding of the unity of scientific, technical, economic and ecological interrelationships.

    Biosciences

     

    • Genetics/Molecular Biology
    • Bioinformatics
    • Bioanalytics
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Toxicology

    Fundamentals of chemistry and biology

     

    • General Biology
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Analytical Chemistry

    Biotechnology

     

    • Genetic Engineering
    • Cell culture technology
    • Immunotechnology
    • Bioprocess engineering
    • Biological safety
  • Study program
    • 1st and 2nd semesters: joint foundation course for all degree programs in the "Life Sciences" network (Applied Natural Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology and Ecology and Environmental Protection)
    • 6th semester: practical module (independent work in the laboratory, scientific report, poster presentation)
    • 7th semester: Bachelor's thesis with defense during the course of study
  • Career prospects
    • domestic and foreign companies active in the market segments of medical drug production, enzyme catalysis, cell catalysis, agricultural material production, environmental biotechnology and the use of alternative energy sources
    • State research institutions in Germany and abroad in all areas of modern life sciences
    • Regulatory authorities, analytical laboratories and planning offices, primarily in Germany
    • Employment in fields such as molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioprocess engineering

     

    Continue your studies?

    If you would like to gain further academic qualifications after successfully completing your Bachelor's degree, you will also find suitable Master's degree programs at our university:

Further information

Podcast episode on the degree program

Thomas Wiegert
Fachstudienberater
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil.
Thomas Wiegert
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 8
Building Z IVb, Room 0.04
First floor
+49 3583 612-4675
Allgemeine Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Department of Studies and International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055
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