Biotechnology and applied ecology Master's degree

The Master's degree program in Biotechnology and Applied Ecology combines two highly topical scientific disciplines that are crucial for the future of our planet. By choosing between the Biotechnology or Biodiversity and Conservation specializations, you will develop in-depth expertise at the interface of basic biological research and applied science. At a time of dramatic biodiversity loss and growing environmental problems, you will develop the skills to develop and implement sustainable solutions.

Interdisciplinary research with future prospects

Depending on your chosen specialization, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the Master's degree program:

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

You will learn to understand complex biological systems and to evaluate them from both a nature conservation and biotechnological application perspective. This course, which is unique in Germany, is run in cooperation with the International University Institute Zittau, an institution of TU Dresden. The practical training with numerous laboratory and field internships in small groups enables you to receive optimal supervision and develop valuable scientific skills for research and professional practice.

The master’s program has a modular structure and provides you with comprehensive scientific 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 will acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in your chosen area of focus. In the Biotechnology specialization, you will 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 Systematics and Conservation of Animal Species, Population Biology, Field Ecology, and Population Genetics. Noteworthy are the many field trips led by a wide variety of experts during the summer semester, which provide insights into nature conservation practices as well as cover methodology and the identification of various species groups. Numerous laboratory and field courses allow you to directly apply modern methods and techniques. The fourth semester is dedicated to your master’s thesis, in which you 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 fields of study.
• 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.