Biotechnology and applied ecology Master's degree

The master’s degree programme in biotechnology and applied ecology combines two cutting-edge scientific disciplines that are crucial to the future of our planet. By choosing between the specializations in Biotechnology or Biodiversity and Nature Conservation , you ’ll develop in-depth expertise at the intersection of basic biological research and applied science. In an era of dramatic biodiversity loss and growing environmental problems, you’ll develop the skills needed to devise and implement sustainable solutions.

Interdisciplinary Research with Future Prospects

Depending on your chosen specialization, the master’s program will equip you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in:

• Molecular biological and genetic methods for biodiversity research
• Ecosystem assessment and sustainable management of natural resources
• Biotechnological processes and their environmentally sound application
• Population biology and genetics of endangered species
• Environmental law and expertise in nature conservation
• Scientific research methodology and data analysis

You will learn to understand complex biological systems and evaluate them from both a nature conservation perspective and in terms of potential biotechnological applications. This degree programme, which is unique in Germany, is offered in cooperation with the International University Institute Zittau, an institution of TU Dresden. The hands-on training, featuring numerous laboratory and fieldwork sessions in small groups, ensures you receive optimal guidance and helps you develop valuable scientific skills for both research and professional practice.

The master’s degree programme has a modular structure and provides you with comprehensive academic expertise over the course of four semesters. As early as the first semester, you’ll choose between the specializations in Biotechnology or Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, allowing you to tailor your studies to your personal interests and career goals.

During the first three semesters, you’ll acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in your chosen area of focus. In the Biotechnology specialization, you’ll explore topics such as applied and specialized microbiology, microbial biotechnology, and environmental chemistry. A unique feature and key focus of this specialization is the high proportion of mycological content, including systematics and phylogeny, practical identification, biotechnology, and bioprocess engineering. The Biodiversity and Nature Conservation specialization includes modules such as the systematics and conservation of animal species, population biology, field ecology, and population genetics. Worth noting are the many field trips led by a wide variety of experts during the summer semester, which provide insights into nature conservation in practice as well as cover methodology and the identification of various species groups. Numerous laboratory and field practicums allow you to directly apply modern methods and techniques. The fourth semester is dedicated to your master’s thesis, in which you will design and carry out your own research project.

You will find even more opportunities with us in the following related degree programs:

Admission Requirements

• A completed Bachelor’s degree or higher in the fields of chemistry, biological and Environmental Sciences, environmental engineering, or similar degree programmes.
• Language Proficiency: Classes / courses are primarily taught in German; however, English-language classes / courses are offered primarily in the Biotechnology specialization. Therefore, English proficiency at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required. Proof of proficiency may be provided, for example, by submitting a certificate from a language proficiency test, such as the Internet-Based TOEFL, the Paper-Based TOEFL, the Computer-Based TOEFL, or the IELTS, provided that English is not the applicant’s native language or that proficiency can be demonstrated with a high school diploma (with English at the Abitur level).
• International applicants can find all information regarding admission requirements on the pages for international students.