Bachelor & Master Chemical Biotechnology
with the focus on: 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.
Bachelor Chemical Biotechnology
Key Data
Standard Duration of Studies
(Number of Semesters) / Credits
- 6 semesters / 180 credits, full-time studies
Graduation
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Start of Degree Program
- Winter Semester (October)
Application period
- 15 May to 15 July
Required Language Proficiency
Language of instruction
- German/English
Admission requirements
The Bachelor’s programme in Chemical Biotechnology requires a general higher education entrance qualification or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification in the fields of technology or agriculture, biotechnology and environmental technology.
Admission Category
Costs per semester/financing
The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 2,000 euros per semester.
Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.
Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. 72 Euro student union fee per semester
Study structure
In the first two semesters mathematical, scientific and economic basics are taught. Starting in the third semester, students will deepen their knowledge in engineering and natural science subjects (technical basics, chemical-chemical use, biological basics) as well as in economic topics (economics and economic policy, circular economy, management). In the fifth semester, a focus can be set on the basis of optional modules. The interdisciplinary elective module in the sixth semester combines two departments in order to work on concrete problems in a structured and interdisciplinary way. The course concludes with a Bachelor’s thesis.
Documents for students who started before winter semester 2021/22 (Vers. 20181)
- Subject Examination and Study Regulations (German language)
- Course Documentation (German language)
- Module Plan (German language)
- Module Catalog (German language)
Documents for students who started winter semester 2021/22 or later (Vers. 20211)
- Subject Examination and Study Regulations (German language)
- Course Documentation (German language)
- Module Plan (German language)
- Module Manual (German language)
Documents for students who started winter semester 2023/24 or later (Vers. 20231)
- Subject Examination and Study Regulations (German language)
- Course Documentation (German language)
- Module Plan (German language)
- Module Manual (German language)
Compulsory modules
1st semester
Mathematics | Microeconomics | General Chemistry | Physics | Cell and Microbiology | Environmental Management
2nd semester
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | Statistics | Introduction to Computer Science | Macroeconomics | Advanced Microeconomics | BWL 1 – Controlling and Supply Chain
3rd semester
Green Chemistry | Fundamentals of Thermodynamics | Forestry and Wood | Production of Biogenic Resources | BWL 2 – Accounting and Entrepreneurship | Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment
4th semester
Methods of the Empirical Bioeconomy | Introduction to Environmental and Resource Economics | Policy and Innovation | Circular Economy | Resource and Energy Management
5th semester
Bioprocess Engineering | Management Science for Bioeconomy | Elective Modules (total 20 ECTS)
6th semester
Evidence-based Management and Policy | Governance of the Bioeconomy | General Elective Module (total 5 ECTS) | Bachelor’s Thesis
Competences and skills
In concrete terms, graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Chemical Biotechnology acquire the following skills:
- they master mathematical and scientific methods in order to abstract and analyse problems in their basic structure
- they have comprehensive engineering and scientific basic knowledge and know methods for analysis, modelling, simulation and design and are able to apply them
- are able to carry out experiments independently and interpret the results
- they have acquired a holistic problem-solving competence in order to be able to successfully deal with synthesis problems under balanced consideration of technical, economic, ecological, social and ethical boundary conditions
- they have become acquainted with selected fields of technology and have built a bridge between engineering and natural science basics as well as occupational field-related applications
- they have acquired non-technical qualifications by way of example and are thus sensitised to the non-technical requirements of a vocational activity
- they are able to plan projects independently due to their interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of chemical biotechnology and are able to take up a correspondingly oriented professional activity in industry and research
Job description
For the rapidly growing tasks in bioeconomics, university graduates with interdisciplinary understanding are needed. Bioeconomics graduates can support and shape a sustainable bio-based economy. In addition The complex conversion of the raw material base from fossil resources to renewable raw materials in energy production and the chemical industry is a major challenge. Bio-economists are in demand in areas that deal with the production, use and economy of biogenic resources as well as with the establishment of sustainable processes.
Master Chemical Biotechnology
Key Data
Standard Duration of Studies
(Number of Semesters) / Credits
- 4 semesters / 120 credits, full-time studies
Graduation
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Start of Degree Program
- Winter semester
- Summer semester
Application period
- Winter semester 2022/23: 01.04. – 31.05.
- Summer semester 2023: 01.10. – 30.11.
Required Language Proficiency
Language of instruction
- English
Admission requirements
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 programme is also aimed at international students and therefore all compulsory modules as well as some optional modules of the programme are only offered in English, a good knowledge of English is required.
Admission Category
Costs per semester/financing
The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester.
Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.
Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. 72 Euro student union fee per semester
Study structure
Documents for students who started before summer semester 2022
Documents for students who started between winter semester 2022/23 and summer semester 2024
- Subject Examination and Study Regulations (German language)
- Course Documentation (German language)
- Module Plan (German language)
- Module Catalog
- Subject Examination and Study Regulations
- Course Documentation
- Module Plan
- Module Catalog
Documents for students who started winter semester 2024/25 or later
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 programme.
Competences and skills
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.
Job description
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.
More Info
Further information on application and admission as well as binding regulations on the course of studies and examinations can be found in the study database of the TUM:
Application and Enrollment information
Youtube: Online Application at TUM (Master)
Dr. Verena Schüller
Program Manager Chemical Biotechnology
Phone: +49 (0) 9421 187-166
Mail: cbt@cs.tum.de
TUM Campus Straubing
Petersgasse 5
94315 Straubing
PG5, Room: 00.3503.007