Biotechnology (Bachelor)

Biotechnology is the integrated application of knowledge from biology, chemistry and process engineering with the aim of using cell cultures or their components in technical processes. In medicine, for example, biotechnology plays an important role in the development of new drugs and in modern diagnostics. And in the production of fine chemicals, biocatalysts are used.

The Biotechnology degree programme is partly related to the Biochemical, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering (BCPI) degree programme. Even though there are similarities, both study programmes have different curricula and lead to different professional careers and research activities. The BCPI programme is oriented towards engineering and is affiliated with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, while the Biotechnology degree programme is affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences. Therefore, in the Biotechnology degree programme, courses focus primarily on natural sciences with some technical content from mechanical engineering, whereas in the BCPI degree programme, the technical content outweighs the natural sciences.

Simply put: Biotechnologists lay the scientific foundations so that, for example, microorganisms can produce desired substances through the application of molecular genetics, cell culture technology and bioprocess engineering. Bio, chemical and pharmaceutical engineers with their expertise in engineering sciences, on the other hand, plan the technical implementation of such a production process, e.g. by designing the necessary bioreactors.

Theory, experiments and teamwork

The Bachelor’s programme in Biotechnology consists of compulsory courses, a subject-specific specialisation, courses on key skills and a three-month Bachelor's thesis.

Compulsory courses

As part of the compulsory courses, you will study the following subjects:

• biosciences: including molecular cell biology and biotechnology, microbiology and bioinformatics, genetics, biochemistry and technical biochemistry

• process engineering: including bioreactors and bioprocesses, mathematical methods and statistics

• chemistry and physics: including general and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and physics

You will acquire a broad, theoretical basic knowledge here and carry out many experiments by yourself in our laboratories. Working in a team from the very beginning makes you fit for professional practice. Our tutorials and mentoring programmes ensure good supervision and close contact between students and teaching staff.

Compulsory electives

In the further course of the degree programme, you will specialise in one of the following subjects within the compulsory electives:

• applied cell biology

• applied molecular biology

• bioprocess engineering

Key skills

Simultaneously, you will acquire important key skills through foreign language training, interdisciplinary courses, courses on social skills and vocational preparation.

Bachelor’s thesis

At the end of your studies, you will work on a scientific problem within the framework of a three-month Bachelor’s thesis and demonstrate that you can apply your acquired specialist knowledge in practice and on your own.

Semester abroad

If you want to study abroad for a certain period of time, you can do so thanks to a number of exchange programmes in place with universities in Europe and North America. You can integrate semesters spent abroad into your studies; credits obtained abroad can be recognised at TU Braunschweig.

Studying abroad [in German only]

You can use the self-assessment of TU Braunschweig: Fit4TU is a computer-assisted questionnaire to assess your own expectations as well as the knowledge and skills needed for the degree programme.

Biotechnology is a recommendable choice if you have an interest in particular in scientific, but also technical contexts and issues. If you enjoyed biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics during your school years and achieved good results in these subjects, you are in a good position to study biotechnology.

You should definitely enjoy experimenting and have good manual dexterity, as a large part of the courses—as is often the case later in your professional life—consists of practical lab work.

Knowledge of English is required, as most of the specialised literature is published in English. Basic knowledge is sufficient at first in order to read and understand it. You can perfect your language skills by taking courses at the TU Language Centre.

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing industry and biotechnologists are in great demand. In research and industry, there are diverse fields of work, including in:

• pharmacy

• chemical production with biocatalytic processes

• food industry

• agricultural sector

• environmental protection

• energy supply

• research institutions and public authorities