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PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_DEGREE
Bachelor's degree
Start of studies
Winter semester
PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_DURATION
6 semesters
Admission mode
No permit required
Study location
Giessen
PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_LANGUAGE
DE

Are you interested in science and technology? Would you like to know how medications like antibodies are manufactured? How biological systems are used for production, or how new processes for medicine, food, and industry are developed?

Then biotechnology might be just the thing for you.

Biotechnology combines biology with chemistry, engineering, and modern production methods. It utilizes cells, microorganisms, enzymes, or other biological systems to manufacture products and develop new solutions. This ranges from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to diagnostics and food, as well as sustainable production processes. Biopharmaceutical technology, in particular, focuses on the handling of pharmaceuticals.

Contents at a glance:

Biotechnology diagram

Studies

Our degree program is interdisciplinary – and that's exactly what makes the course so diverse.

In the Bachelor's program in Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology, you will learn the scientific fundamentals and discover how they translate into technical applications. You will study biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, as well as process engineering, cell culture technology, bioprocess engineering, bioanalytics, process analytics, and pharmaceutical technology.

It doesn't stop at theory: In modern laboratories, you can try out what you have learned yourself, conduct experiments, and get to know current biotechnological methods.

During your studies, you will first acquire a solid foundation in the natural sciences. This includes, among other things, biology, mathematics, chemistry and physics, as well as the fundamentals of microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Building on this foundation, you will learn how this knowledge is applied technically. Key areas of focus include process engineering, bioprocess engineering, process analytics, bioanalytics, and pharmaceutical technology. This will enable you to develop an understanding of how biological processes can be investigated in the laboratory and subsequently transferred to and optimized for technical production or pharmaceutical processes.

Practical training is an important part of the program. In modern, well-equipped laboratories, you will learn about current methods and be able to directly apply the content from the lectures. This way, theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical experience.

Elective courses allow you to supplement your studies according to your interests and to learn about current topics in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

As your studies progress, you will be able to increasingly apply your knowledge to concrete questions. A practical work placement offers the opportunity to gain initial experience in a company or at the university and to become familiar with your future career field.

From molecule to process, from laboratory to application – during your studies you will learn about different levels of biotechnology/biopharmaceutical technology.

The following is a list of the courses offered in the degree program. The numbers indicate the weekly workload of the course or the credit points you will receive for successful completion. A total of 180 credit points must be earned.

1

MODULESWSCrP
Mathematics 1 5 6
Physics 1 5 6
Chemistry 1 5 6
biology 5 6
Introduction to the study and professional field of BT/BPT 6 6
TOTAL 1ST SEMESTER 26 30
MODULESWSCrP
Mathematics 2 5 6
Physics 2 5 6
Chemistry 2 5 6
Statistics / Analysis of scientific data 5 6
Elective block Bac BT/BPT-2   6
TOTAL 2ND SEMESTER ≤ 24 30
MODULESWSCrP
biochemistry 6 6
microbiology 5 6
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 5 6
Fluid mechanics and technical thermodynamics 6 6
Industrial Processes BT/BPT 2 3
Process Engineering (Part 1) 2  
TOTAL 3RD SEMESTER 26 27
MODULESWSCrP
Circuits, Signals and Systems 5 6
Molecular biology 5 6
Materials science and strength of materials 5 6
Bioanalytics 5 6
Process Engineering (Part 2) 1 3
Elective block Bac BT/BPT-4   6
TOTAL 4TH SEMESTER ≤ 26 33
MODULESWSCrP
Fundamentals of Pharmacy 5 6
Bioprocess engineering - Upstream 5 6
Bioprocess engineering - Downstream 5 6
Literature seminar 2 6
Elective block Bac BT/BPT-5   6
TOTAL 5TH SEMESTER ≤ 25 30
MODULESWSCrP
Practical phase with seminar 1 18
Bachelor thesis with colloquium   12
TOTAL 6TH SEMESTER   30
ELECTIVE MODULESSWSCrP
English for Life Sciences B2.1 2 3
English for Life Sciences B2.2 2 3
foreign language 2 3
Communication and moderation techniques 3 3
Rhetoric and body language 2 3
Time management 2 3
Methods and Didactics for Tutors 2 3
ELECTIVE MODULESSWSCrP
Enzyme technology 3 3
GMP and GLP 2 3
immunology 2 3
Molecular Biology 2 3 3
Law and safety in biotechnology 2 3
biophysics 4 6
Biostatistics in R 2 3
Cell culture technique 4 6
Biodata analysis 2 3
Phytopharmaceuticals 2 3
Integrated management systems 2 3

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Cover image: Bioinformatics - Quick Questions

In this episode, Prof. Dr. Denise Salzig and Iris Hermann explain everything you need to know about the Bachelor's degree program in Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology.

 

Career prospects

With a bachelor's degree, you can work in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or chemicals. Research institutes, universities, and government agencies also offer interesting career opportunities.

Possible tasks include research and development, production, process development, analytics, quality control, and quality assurance. You can contribute to the development and manufacturing of biotechnological agents and pharmaceuticals, optimize production processes, use analytical methods, or verify the quality and safety of products.

New fields of application are constantly emerging – for example, through Further steps in cell and molecular biology, modern diagnostics, innovative therapies or sustainable biotechnological production processes.

If you would like to delve even deeper into the subject after your bachelor's degree, you can further deepen your knowledge in a suitable master's program.

Whether laboratory, production, development or analytics: The Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology opens many paths for you into an industry that translates scientific Further into practical applications.

Study options

In the "GettING Started" study program variant, the number of modules in the first semesters is reduced. The program offers students academic support and guidance throughout their individual studies, extending the standard period of study by two semesters.

All information can be found on the Getting Started page.

Getting Started graphic

Application and enrolment

degree
Bachelor (B.Eng.)
Standard period of study
6 semesters
Accreditation
AQAS Cologne
Study options
Full-time studies
Main language of instruction
German
Study location, site
Giessen
Cost
Semester fee
Admission mode
The degree program is open admission, without a numerus clausus (NC). You only need to enroll within the respective deadline and meet the enrollment requirements to secure a place.
Start of studies
Winter semester
Bridge courses

Before the start of lectures, THM one-week bridging courses in subjects including mathematics, physics, programming, and chemistry. First-year students can use these courses to refresh their prior knowledge and fill any gaps.

Enrollment period

June 1st to September 20th (winter semester)

Application period for international students

from April 1st to July 15th (winter semester) via uni-assist.
Further information for international applicants is available from the International Office.

matriculation