About the degree program
The Master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology qualifies you for challenging work in one of the most innovative areas of modern pharmacy. Biopharmaceuticals - biotechnologically produced drugs - are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this three-semester course, you will develop a deep understanding of the complex processes involved in the development, production and quality assurance of these future drugs.
Scientific expertise with an application focus
On the Master's degree course, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in these key areas:
- Molecular biology fundamentals and biotechnological manufacturing processes
- Pharmaceutical development and active ingredient optimization
- Pharmacological modes of action and therapeutic applications
- Bioprocess technology and purification of biotechnological products
- Quality assurance and regulatory framework conditions
- Red, white and green biotechnology with pharmaceutical relevance
You will learn how modern biopharmaceuticals are developed, manufactured and tested and what role they play in the treatment of various diseases. A particular focus is on practical training in small groups in modern, well-equipped laboratories. Here you will apply molecular biological, biochemical and analytical methods and gain insights into bioprocess engineering. The combination of molecular biology know-how, pharmaceutical understanding and process engineering knowledge prepares you optimally for the diverse challenges in the development and production of biotechnological medicinal products.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| Faculty: | Natural and Environmental Sciences |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| Standard period of study: | 3 semesters(propaedeutic semester possible) |
| ECTS points: | 90 |
| Teaching language: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Summer semester |
| Application: 1.12 to 15.02 | Start of studies: March |
| Admission restriction: | admission-free (without NC) Details |
| No pre-study internship | to the student advisory service |
| Accreditation status: | accredited |
Course content
The Master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology will provide you with a comprehensive scientific qualification in this promising field in three semesters. The course provides you with both fundamental and application-oriented knowledge and allows you to set your own individual focus through elective modules.
In the first semester, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of the molecular biology of microorganisms and bioprocess engineering - two essential pillars for the biotechnological production of active ingredients. Modules on pharmacology, biocatalysis and pharmaceutical fundamentals provide you with a broad understanding of the interplay between biotechnology and pharmacy. Compulsory elective modules allow you to set your own priorities. The second semester deepens your knowledge with modules on molecular plant biotechnology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical biology and drug law. Compulsory electives such as drug design or applied bioinformatics allow you to specialize further. In the third semester, you will devote yourself entirely to your Master's thesis, in which you will work independently on a current research topic.
- Molecular biology of microorganisms
- Bioprocess engineering/bioprocess technology
- Pharmacology I
- Applied biocatalysis
- Pharmaceutical basics
- Compulsory elective area 1st semester
- Immunology
- Biochemistry of secondary natural products
- Plant biotechnology
- Quality management systems/
Quality assurance
- Molecular plant biotechnology
- Pharmacology II
- Pharmaceutical Biology
- Drug law/GMP
- Biologicals - from development to application
- Compulsory elective area 2nd semester
- Drug Design
- Applied bioinformatics
- Colloid and polymer chemistry for pharmaceutical biotechnology
- Final module (Master's thesis and defense) Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Career opportunities
Professional areas in which you can get started
Research & Development
You will work on innovative biotechnological active ingredients and therapeutic approaches in pharmaceutical companies. You will develop new biologicals such as monoclonal antibodies, optimize manufacturing processes and contribute to research into new treatment options for diseases that were previously difficult to treat.
Bioprocess technology
You will plan and monitor biotechnological production processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients. You will optimize fermentation processes, develop purification methods and ensure the efficient and high-quality production of complex biological drugs under GMP conditions.
Analytics & Quality Control
You will be responsible for the analytical testing and quality assurance of biopharmaceuticals. You will develop and validate highly sensitive analytical methods, carry out structural and functional characterizations and ensure compliance with pharmaceutical quality standards.
Drug Development
You will accompany the entire development process of biologicals from the laboratory to market maturity. You will optimize active ingredients with regard to their stability and efficacy, develop suitable formulations and support the preclinical and clinical evaluation of new biopharmaceuticals.
Regulatory Affairs
You manage approval processes for biotechnologically manufactured medicinal products. You will prepare regulatory documentation, support official approval procedures and ensure compliance with international regulations for biological drugs in all development phases.
Diagnostics
You will develop innovative biotechnological diagnostics and test procedures for modern medicine. You will design molecular biological detection methods, optimize immunological test systems and contribute to the development of personalized diagnostics for targeted therapies.
You may also be interested in the following 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.
Admission Requirements
- A successfully completed bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or an degree of equivalent equivalence (210 ECTS)
- For Bachelor’s graduates with 180 ECTS credits, a preparatory semester is offered during the winter semester
- Knowledge in the fields of general biology, biochemistry, genetic technology, microbiology, and molecular biology
- Sufficient proficiency in English to read specialized literature and follow lectures in English
- For international students: Demonstrable knowledge of the German language (e.g., a C1 or C2 certificate from the Goethe-Institut)
- Interest in pharmaceutical topics
- Willingness to engage with analytical and biotechnological issues
- Enjoyment of hands-on laboratory work
Propaedeutic Semester (PSS)
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS credits must complete a preparatory semester (PSS) before beginning the master’s program. During the PSS, students must complete six modules from the Bachelor’s program in Molecular Biotechnology .
All students must take the following three modules during the PSS:
- Applied Microbiology/Upstream Processing (Module No. 257950)
- Bioanalytics (Module No. 216100)
- Toxicology (Module No. 258100)
In addition, students must select three further modules from the following five:
- Bioinformatics (Module No. 21900)
- Bioprocess Engineering (Module No. 145300)
- Immunotechnology (Module No. 258300)
- Downstream Processing (Module No. 258000)
- Enzymology (Module No. 216050)
Upon successful completion of the PSS degree, a Transcript of Records detailing the academic achievements from the PSS will be issued. Enrolment in the Master’s program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology will then take place automatically.
What our students say about the Master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Module handbook (course content and procedure)
- Study program flyer
- Application information
- Website of the faculty
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First floor
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We now also offer our student advisory service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message to: +49 173 2086748
Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, 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.