Chemical Biotechnology Master of Science

Chemistry – Molecular Biology – Process Engineering

One of the key technologies for making industrial processes more ecological and cost-effective and developing renewable raw materials for industrial use is industrial biotechnology, more appropriately referred to as chemical biotechnology. It uses biochemical, chemical, microbiological and process engineering methods to produce organic basic and fine chemicals using optimized enzymes, cells or microorganisms. By replacing conventional industrial processes with biotechnological processes and using biological raw materials instead of fossil raw materials, both energy requirements and the use of raw materials can be minimised or put on a bio-based basis. Process development in biotechnology requires the interaction of biology, chemistry and process engineering.

This complex topic calls for new scientists and technologists who are able to work on an interdisciplinary basis and master the challenges of process engineering as well as economic and ecological aspects thanks to their expertise in the field of scientific fundamentals. The aim of the course is to gain comprehensive knowledge in the field of biotechnological chemical-material conversion processes by combining chemistry, engineering and biosciences (areas of focus: Enzyme Engineering / Metabolic Engineering). By being able to choose modules from the field of economics, among other things, the specialist knowledge can be placed in a larger, economic context.

Interdisciplinary emphasis

Business Management (1/5)
Economics (1/5)
Engineering (2/5)
Material Science (1/5)
Biotechnology (5/5)
Chemistry (4/5)

Consultation

Eva Rath

Dr. Eva Rath

Verena Schüller

Dr. Verena Schüller

Verena Schüller

Dr. Verena Schüller

Consultation in Presence

Hours:
Wednesdays, 08:00–09:00 h
Location:
PG5, 3503.EG.006

Online Consultation via Zoom

Hours:
Tuesdays, 10:00–11:00 h
Zoom ID:
68710772408
Password:
tumcsstuko

Standard period of study
4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits, full-time studies
Graduation
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Start of Degree Program
Winter and Summer semester
Required Language Proficiency
English English
Admission Requirement

Students should have a broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of at least two of the three fields of biology, chemistry and engineering. Since the program is also aimed at international students and therefore all compulsory modules as well as some optional modules of the program are only offered in English, a good knowledge of English is required.

Admission Category
English

Semester fees/financing

Semester fees (non-EU students)
4,000.00 Euro
Student union fees per semester (mandatory for all students)
72.00 Euro
Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.
You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

1st semester

Applied Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering | Enzymatic Biotransformations | Conceptual Design of Bioprocesses | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules

2nd semester

Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology | Summer school: Advanced scientific planning based on current research | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules

3rd semester

Research internship | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules

4th semester

master’s thesis

Subject-specific optional modules

Micro- and Molecular Biology

Enzymes Engineering | Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology | Methods of Synthetic Biology | Regulation of Microbial Metabolism | Plant Biotechnology

Chemistry

Chemistry of Enzymes | Glycomics | Interfacial Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry | Phytopharmacy and Natural Products

Process engineering

Advanced Downstream Processing | Biorefinery | Electrolyte thermo-dynamics | Gas-based bioprocesses | Mechanical Process Engineering, Plants and Equipment

Comprehensive specialist knowledge / specialisations

Advanced Analytics for Biotechnol-ogy | Advanced Concepts of Bioin-formatics | Electrobiotechnology | Biological materials in nature and technology | Materials science

External and general education modules such as languages and soft skills round off the profile of the Master’s program.

After completion of the studies one possesses a basic technical and methodical knowledge and understanding of the field of chemical biotechnology. For example, you will be able to apply biotechnological methods, test or modify isolated enzymes and entire microorganisms, participate in the development of biocatalysts and plan biotechnological equipment and plants. In addition, one can get to know the field of electrobiotechnology and acquire knowledge in the field of materials science.

One is also able to directly methodically apply the current approaches dealt with in the modules with the aid of the corresponding specialist literature, i.e. to further optimise an existing fermentation process on the basis of literature data, for example. Furthermore, one is able to identify problems independently and to develop suitable ways for the processing of the corresponding research ideas via the appropriate selection of research methods.

In addition, as a graduate you can combine your engineering and natural science basics with professional applications. Thus, thanks to his interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of chemical biotechnology, he is able to initiate research projects, plan independently and, depending on the field of activity, develop new biobased products/active substances or new processes for the production of these biobased products or new processes for the recycling of waste products.
The company is also prepared to transfer processes developed in the laboratory to large-scale production.

You can work successfully in a research group, critically question and communicate your research results and deal early with the different perspectives and interests on the topic of sustainability and how these are to be taken into account in the biotechnological development of products.

After all, by taking interdisciplinary elective modules, one acquires non-technical qualifications and is thus sensitised to the non-technical requirements of a professional activity.

After graduating, students will have comprehensive specialist and methodological knowledge and an understanding of the field of chemical biotechnology. Sufficient practical training sensitizes and prepares students for their professional environment and the interdisciplinary diversity prepares them for different professional fields. Depending on the field of activity, graduates develop, for example, new bio-based products/active substances, new processes for the production of these bio-based products or new processes for the recycling of waste products. The degree qualifies for a doctorate in a field of biotechnological research. The path to biotechnological industry is also open to one. The biotechnology sector is constantly growing in terms of total turnover, the number of companies as well as the number of employees. The declared political consensus to support a progressive structural change towards a biobased economy is expected to lead to further growth in this sector.

Winter semester

Application Period (Winter semester)
April 1st – May 31st

Summer semester

Application Period (Summer semester)
October 1st – November 30th