Bachelor of Science

Molecular biotechnology

Here you will learn valuable basics for different disciplines of biotechnology: from molecular genetics to immunology and bioprocess engineering.

Zittau
Bachelor of Science
7 semesters
NC-Free

About the degree program

In recent years, biotechnology has developed into a key technology of the future. With innovative medical agents, new diagnostic procedures and sustainable production methods, it contributes to solving global challenges. The Bachelor's degree course in Molecular Biotechnology at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences provides you with a strong understanding of the unity of scientific and process engineering contexts.

Comprehensive qualification for a wide range of applications

In this interdisciplinary degree program, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in the following areas:

  • Genetics and molecular biology as the basis of modern biotechnological processes
  • Cell biology and immunology for the understanding of biological systems
  • Biochemistry and bioanalytics for researching biochemical processes
  • Microbiology for the utilization of microbial metabolic services
  • Bioprocess engineering for the development and optimization of biotechnological production processes

Our teaching concept deliberately conveys a broad range of basic knowledge in order to create a sound basis for starting a career in the very different sub-disciplines of biotechnology. In addition to the scientific fundamentals, technical, organizational and legal aspects such as biological safety and bioethics are also covered, which are essential for responsible action in this innovative field.

Study details

The most important facts at a glance:

Faculty:Natural and Environmental Sciences
Location:Zittau
Degree:Bachelor of Science
Standard period of study:7 semesters
ECTS points:210
Teaching language:German
Enrolment for:Winter semester
Application: 1.5 to 30.09Start of studies: October
Admission restriction:admission-free (without NC) Details
No pre-study internshipto the student advisory service
Accreditation status:accredited

Course of study

Your seven-semester course is systematically structured and takes you from scientific fundamentals to specific biotechnological applications. In the first semesters, you will acquire a sound knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, which will form the scientific foundation for your further studies. At the same time, you will familiarize yourself with the basics of biotechnology and computer science and develop your English language skills for international scientific exchange.

From the third semester onwards, you will deepen your knowledge in core biotechnological subjects such as genetic technology, bioanalytics and process engineering. You will learn how molecular biology methods are applied in practice and how biotechnological production processes can be designed. In the fourth and fifth semesters, you will focus intensively on cell biology, virology, immunology and pharmaceutical biotechnology, while at the same time you can set individual priorities through elective modules.

The last two semesters offer you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practice. You will learn about scientific work and the design of biotechnological plants. In two practical modules, you will gain valuable experience in research institutions or companies before completing your studies with the Bachelor's thesis, in which you work scientifically on a topic of your choice.

1st semester
  • Applied computer science
  • Mathematics - Fundamentals
  • General Biology
  • General and Inorganic Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • English for Life Sciences
  • Fundamentals of Biotechnology
2nd semester
  • Genetics/Molecular Biology
  • General Microbiology
  • Mathematics for natural sciences
  • Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
  • Organic chemistry for life sciences
  • Physics as the basis of natural and environmental sciences
3rd semester
  • Genetic technology
  • Bioanalytics
  • Biostatistics
  • General process engineering
  • Fundamentals of physical chemistry for life sciences
  • Interdisciplinary skills (compulsory elective modules)
4th semester
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Virology
  • Bioreaction technology/bioreactors
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Specialist skills I (compulsory elective modules)
5th semester
  • Immunology
  • Enzymology
  • Applied Microbiology/Upstream Processing
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Downstream Processing
  • Specialist skills II (compulsory elective modules)
6th semester
  • Biological safety/bioethics
  • Bioinformatics with exercises
  • Methods of scientific work/literature seminar
  • Biotechnological plants
  • Practical module I
7th semester
  • Final module (Bachelor thesis and defense)
  • Practical module II

Career opportunities

Professional areas where you can get started

Medical active ingredient production

Medical drug production
You will develop and optimize processes for the production of pharmaceutical proteins and antibodies. You will monitor biotechnological production processes and ensure their quality. With your expertise in molecular biology and process engineering, you will contribute to the development of innovative therapies and help to produce life-saving drugs more efficiently.

Bioanalytics and diagnostics

Bioanalytics and diagnostics
You will analyze biological samples using state-of-the-art molecular biology methods. You will develop and validate new test procedures for medical diagnostics. With your expertise in biochemical and genetic analysis methods, you will enable precise diagnoses and contribute to the early detection of diseases.

Industrial biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology
You use microbial systems to produce valuable chemical compounds. You optimize biotechnological processes for maximum efficiency and sustainability. With your understanding of metabolic pathways and fermentation techniques, you will develop environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical production processes.

Enzyme catalysis

Enzyme catalysis
You will research the function of enzymes and use them as biocatalysts. You will develop enzymatic processes for industrial applications in various sectors. With your knowledge of protein structure and enzyme kinetics, you will contribute to the development of sustainable production processes that consume less energy and resources.

Environmental biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology
You will develop biological processes for the removal of pollutants and environmental remediation. You will design sustainable processes for wastewater treatment and waste recycling. With your interdisciplinary knowledge of microbiology and process engineering, you will contribute to environmental protection and a resource-conserving circular economy.

Research and development

Research and development
You will work on research projects in public or private institutions. You plan and carry out experiments and analyze their results. With your scientific approach and broad specialist knowledge, you will contribute to the further development of biotechnological methods and open up new areas of application in the life sciences.

You will find even more opportunities with us in other related degree programs.

Related degree programs

Not sure yet? If you have any questions, please contact our student advisory service. We are at your side when it comes to choosing a course.

Further information

Your contact persons

Fachstudienberater
Prof. Dr. rer. nat.
Jörg Kretzschmar
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
02763 Zittau
Schwenninger Weg 1
Building Z VII, Room 18
First floor
+493583 612-4887
Zentrale Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Division Studies and International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055
Chat with us via WhatsApp

We now also offer our student advisory service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message to: +49 173 2086748

Our promise to you

Affordable living

We have plenty of affordable living space: apartments in halls of residence, your own apartment, shared apartments - everything is possible here.

More about living

Simply go abroad

If you would like to go abroad during your studies, we make it possible. What's more, two other countries are just a stone's throw away from our campus. A quick trip abroad is part of our everyday life.

More about going abroad

One tree per student

The HSZG plants a tree for every student. If you want, you can even do it yourself.

More about sustainability and environmental protection

Small groups

Here you study at eye level - not just with your fellow students. Thanks to small student groups, our lecturers will respond to you individually.

Leisure in the countryside

In addition to your studies, you can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in the countryside: mountain biking, climbing, kiting, swimming, barbecues with friends by the lake. The only challenge you face is to make up your mind.

Studying in the wild east?

Studying with us is different. Above all, it's better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.

There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz - the wild east - is unique.

Studying with a child
We support families in their studies with numerous offers, from childcare, vacation semesters, more flexible study and examination services, counseling services and much more.
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Studying with a disability
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
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Help with starting your studies
There are many special offers to help you get started with your studies: Introduction days, come-in weeks, advisory services and much more.
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Support during studies
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
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Financing

From BAföG and scholarships to loans and housing benefits, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

Financing abroad

Funding for studying abroad

Jobs and career

You can finance your studies more easily with a part-time job or a job at the university. We offer students various opportunities for this, including a job after their studies:

Job exchange

career service

Job offers at the university