Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Master

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.

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.

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

Admission requirements

• Successfully completed Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology or equivalent (210 ECTS)
• a preparatory semester is offered in the winter semester for Bachelor graduates with 180 ECTS credits
• Knowledge of general biology, biochemistry, genetic technology, microbiology and molecular biology
• Knowledge of English at a sufficient level to be able to read specialist literature and follow a lecture in English
• For international students: Proven knowledge of the German language (z. e.g. C1 or C2 certificate from the Goethe-Institut)
• Interest in pharmaceutical content
• Willingness to deal with analytical and biotechnological issues
• Enjoyment of practical laboratory work

Propaedeutic study semester (PSS)

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS must complete a preparatory study semester (PSS) before starting the Master's degree program. The PSS must include six modules from the Bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology must be taken.

The following three modules must be taken by all students in the PSS:

• Applied Microbiology/Upstream Processing (module no. 257950)
• Bioanalytics (module no. 216100)
• Toxicology (module no. 258100)

In addition, three further modules must be selected from the following five:

• Bioinformatics (module no. 21900)
• Bioprocess engineering (module no. 145300)
• Biological safety/bioethics (module no. 258150)
• Downstream Processing (Module no. 258000)
• Enzymology (Module no. 216050)

After successful completion of the PSS, a transcript of records is issued for the PSS coursework. Enrolment in the Master's in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is then automatic.