Biotechnology

Overview

This intensive, laboratory-focused Master of Science is a research-oriented programme designed for graduates of a six- or seven‑semester Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. It is offered as either a three‑semester or four‑semester track, with the three‑semester track starting in the summer semester and the four‑semester track starting in the winter semester. Teaching and practical work take place on the Senftenberg campus and all lectures, seminars and lab courses are delivered in English.

The curriculum combines a broad theoretical foundation with extensive hands-on training. You will complete lectures and advanced laboratory courses in one of four specialisations—Cell Biology, Microbiology, Bioanalytics or Laboratory Diagnostics—and the programme emphasizes small-group, individualised instruction to build practical competencies and independent scientific confidence. Admission to each specialisation is limited: a maximum of eight places is available per specialisation, and students choose their specialisation after admission; if demand exceeds supply, allocation is determined by the admission ranking.

After two or three semesters of coursework and lab training, the programme concludes with a five‑month experimental Master’s thesis supervised by a faculty member. This thesis work, which leads to the Master of Science degree, may be carried out either at the university or externally in a research institute or company—supporting close links between teaching, research and applied biotechnology practice.

Requirements and key facts

• Intended for graduates of a Biotechnology Bachelor's programme (six or seven semesters)
• Programme length: either 3 semesters (starts in summer semester) or 4 semesters (starts in winter semester)
• Campus: Senftenberg (on-site, laboratory-based training)
• Language of instruction: English (all lectures, seminars, lab courses)
• Specialisations: Cell Biology, Microbiology, Bioanalytics, Laboratory Diagnostics
• Maximum 8 study places per specialisation; students select a specialisation after admission
• If a specialisation is oversubscribed, places are allocated based on admission ranking
• Emphasis on small-group, individual practical training to develop autonomous, employment-ready graduates
• Programme ends with a five‑month experimental Master’s thesis supervised by faculty; thesis may be completed at the university or externally

For more information, visit: https://www.b-tu.de/en/biotechnology-ms

Program overview

This master's curriculum combines molecular and cellular biology with applied biotechnology and bioengineering. Students work through a mix of foundational courses (cell biology, molecular dynamics, microbiology, immunology) and advanced, application-oriented modules such as tissue engineering, genetic engineering of eukaryotic cells, enzyme technology and metabolic engineering. The programme balances theoretical understanding with method-focused classes that develop practical laboratory competencies needed in research, diagnostics and industry.

Practical and interdisciplinary training is a strong emphasis: multiple “Methods in …” modules and laboratory diagnostics courses ensure hands‑on experience in contemporary techniques (bioanalytics, protein purification and characterisation, nanobiotechnology, synthetic microbiology). There is also attention to societal implications through a module on Molecular Biotechnology and Society, and room for specialization via compulsory electives and general studies. The programme culminates in an independent Master’s thesis that integrates acquired methods and theory.

Key modules (highlights)

• Cell Biology; Cells and Tissues – Culture and Evaluation; Bioengineering of Animal/Human Cells; Tissue Engineering
• Molecular Dynamics of the Cell; Genetic Engineering of Eukaryotic Cells; Molecular Biology: Principles, Methods, and Applications
• Microbiology; Eukaryotic Microorganisms/Microalgae; Synthetic Microbiology; Methods in Synthetic Microbiology; Microbial Metabolism
• Enzyme Technology; Methods in Enzyme Technology; Metabolic Analysis and Engineering
• Bioanalytics; Methods in Bioanalytics; Purification and Characterisation of Proteins; Proteostasis
• Nanobiotechnology; Methods in Nanobiotechnology
• Laboratory Diagnostics; Introduction to Laboratory Diagnostics; Methods in Laboratory Diagnostics; Point of Care Diagnostic
• Immunology; Molecular Biotechnology and Society
• Compulsory Elective Modules; General Studies; Master’s Thesis

Expected learning outcomes

• Confident mastery of core molecular and cellular biology concepts relevant to biotechnology and bioengineering.
• Practical ability to culture, evaluate and bioengineer animal/human cells and tissues, and to apply tissue engineering approaches.
• Competence in genetic manipulation of eukaryotic cells and in designing molecular biology experiments using contemporary methods.
• Skills in microbial and synthetic biology techniques, including metabolic analysis and engineering for strain or pathway optimization.
• Technical proficiency in enzyme technology, protein purification/characterisation, bioanalytics and nanobiotechnology methods.
• Capability to perform and interpret laboratory diagnostics, including point‑of‑care approaches, and to apply bioanalytical workflows.
• Awareness of societal, ethical and regulatory aspects of molecular biotechnology and the ability to pursue independent research culminating in a Master’s thesis.

Programme components (concise)

• Core and advanced taught modules across cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, enzyme/metabolic engineering, bioanalytics and nanobiotechnology
• Multiple methods/lab modules for hands‑on training (e.g., Methods in Synthetic Microbiology, Methods in Nanobiotechnology, Methods in Laboratory Diagnostics)
• Specialized topics: Tissue Engineering, Genetic Engineering of Eukaryotic Cells, Proteostasis, Point of Care Diagnostic, Immunology
• Compulsory elective modules and General Studies to tailor the degree
• Master’s Thesis as the final, independent research project

Graduates will be equipped for laboratory and research roles in biotechnology-related fields, including R&D in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, bioanalytics and diagnostic laboratories, and quality control or process development units. The programme's strong emphasis on experimental work, practical competencies and specialised tracks (Cell Biology, Microbiology, Bioanalytics, Laboratory Diagnostics) prepares alumni for technically demanding positions in industry and applied research institutes.

In addition to industry careers, the research-oriented training and five-month thesis project provide a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research or PhD programmes. Graduates also have potential to work in regulatory, clinical diagnostics, or service laboratories, and in roles involving analytical method development and laboratory management.