Biochemical and Chemical Engineering (Master)

From plastics to microorganisms

The Master’s degree programme in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering allows you to focus on biological or chemical processes during the course of your studies:

• biochemical engineering: is primarily devoted to the conversion of substances with the help of biotechnological reaction systems; conversion of matter, e.g. by microorganisms or enzymes.

• chemical engineering: focuses on chemical-physical processes; conversion of matter through chemical reactions, e.g. plastics or paints/lacquers.

Core modules

In our core modules, students acquire in-depth fundamentals in the field of applied process engineering. All students in the Biochemical and Chemical Engineering programme take two modules (“Process Optimisation and Simulation” and “Formulation Technology”) as well as two additional modules in either the bioengineering or the chemical engineering specialisation.

Specialisation modules

In our specialisation modules, students can adapt their studies to their individual interests and abilities. There are no specifications regarding content and students are free to choose between modules in biological, chemical, thermal and mechanical process engineering. The module “New Technologies” includes aspects both in natural sciences and engineering, giving students the opportunity to individually design and sharpen their scientific profile.

Laboratory modules

In the laboratory modules, students can choose between our interdisciplinary research modules “From Gene to Product” or„Battery“. At various institutes and in teams working on different tasks, you will carry out practical experiments that are thematically linked to each other and will get to know interdisciplinary process chains in a practical way.

Elective modules

Our elective modules allow you to fine-tune your study profile and to choose modules from other faculties, especially in the fields of biology/biotechnology, chemistry, food chemistry and environmental technology. You can also take modules from other areas of specialisation of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, e.g. in aerospace engineering.

Interdisciplinary specialisation

In our modules for interdisciplinary specialisation, you will acquire methodological and social skills. We offer modules with interdisciplinary and action-oriented courses in which you can acquire additional qualifications and competencies. This way, you get the opportunity to think outside the box during your studies and to underpin your specialised knowledge with important additional qualifications for your professional life. You can also take language courses as part of interdisciplinary specialisation.

Student research project

The goal of the student research project is to promote your ability to work on a scientific basis. In addition to the subject-related work, you will acquire and strengthen your rhetorical skills when presenting the findings of your work. You will also practise your scientific writing skills when working on your project, which will help you to prepare for your Master’s thesis.

Master's thesis

The degree programme is completed by writing a Master’s thesis over a period of six months, which consists of both a written elaboration and an oral presentation of your findings. With your Master’s thesis, you demonstrate that you are capable of writing a scientific paper on your own.

Those who have gained experience abroad and speak a foreign language are particularly sought after by the economy. Today, large companies operate globally, research projects are carried out in international teams and specialised literature is written in English. It is therefore important that you take advantage of your studies to gain experience abroad and to professionalise your foreign language skills.

Within the framework of our international university partnerships, we offer you many opportunities to study abroad.

Student exchange programmes:

• Europe: more than 100 ERASMUS partner universities, e.g. in Sweden, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Greece

• America: partner universities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, USA and Canada

• Asia: partner universities in India, China, Japan and South Korea

In addition, you can complete an internship in a company abroad.

In our dual degree programmes, you can acquire a second university degree from a university abroad without extending your study time. There is cooperation with the following universities regarding a double degree programme:

• France: Université de Technologie Compiègne

• USA: University of Rhode Island

Studying abroad [in German only]

Engineers are the engine of technical progress. They drive innovation and develop solutions for issues of global importance such as climate protection and energy transition, feeding the world’s population, mobility and security. There is a high demand for well-trained, qualified specialists with a broad and at the same time deep (basic) knowledge, and currently far exceeds the number of graduates. With a Master of Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, you can choose from a variety of careers in industries such as the following:

• plant engineering,

• energy engineering,

• medical engineering,

• process engineering.

You can find jobs in almost all sectors and industries, from research and development to production, sales, administration and management. In addition, you have the opportunity to do a doctorate at a university.