Chemical Biotechnology (MSc)

This English-taught MSc program trains students to reshape the chemical industry for climate and sustainability goals by turning biogenic feedstocks and waste streams into value-added materials, chemicals, and products. The curriculum blends advanced concepts from micro- and molecular biology, chemistry, and process engineering to teach how biological tools — optimized enzymes, cells, and microorganisms — can be harnessed to produce organic base and fine chemicals and to scale them for industrial use. A clear emphasis is placed on designing environmentally friendly products, active ingredients, and processes while integrating sustainability considerations throughout development and production.

Graduates leave with a strong foundation in chemistry and a broad command of biological principles and molecular methods, enabling them to design, assess, and implement innovative, sustainable chemical technologies. Students can tailor their studies toward individual interests and deepen expertise in areas such as electro-biotechnology or materials science. Career paths include technical and leadership roles in the chemical, biotechnology, food, automotive, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as preparation for doctoral research. The program is based in Munich, Germany; official programme documentation is available (PDF, German) for full details.

Requirements (summary)

• Completed undergraduate degree in chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, molecular biology or a closely related field (or equivalent qualification).
• Solid prior knowledge in chemistry and biological sciences and relevant laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in English (documented as required by the university).
• Supporting application materials and any programme-specific documentation as requested by the admissions office.

For authoritative and detailed admission criteria, application deadlines and required documents, consult the programme’s official documentation (PDF, German) or the university admissions webpage.

Curriculum overview

The MSc in Chemical Biotechnology is arranged to build a solid foundation in the discipline during the first year and to offer growing specialization and research focus in the second year. In semesters 1 and 2 students complete compulsory core courses that establish the essential knowledge and technical skills of chemical biotechnology. These semesters also include elective options and practical components such as internships to gain hands‑on experience.

In semester 3 you can tailor your studies by choosing from a range of elective modules to deepen particular interests and shape a distinct competence profile (for example toward process development, biocatalysis, or downstream processing). The fourth semester is reserved entirely for the Master’s thesis, which integrates research, independent project work and scientific communication.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Key module areas: compulsory core modules covering the fundamental theory and methods of chemical biotechnology, a selection of elective modules that allow specialization, and practical placements/internships to develop applied skills.
• Learning outcomes: mastery of core theoretical concepts and laboratory/technical techniques in chemical biotechnology; ability to select and pursue elective topics to form a specialized competence profile; experience in applying methods in practical or industrial settings; and capacity to conduct independent research and present results through the Master’s thesis.

Practical notes

• A sample programme structure and a detailed module catalogue (the latter in German) are available as PDF resources for planning your course sequence and module choices.

Program requirements (concise)

• Complete compulsory core modules in semesters 1–2
• Undertake elective courses and practical internships during the early semesters
• Select and complete elective modules in semester 3 to develop a specialization
• Submit and defend a Master’s thesis in semester 4

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in sectors that apply biological and chemical production techniques, including the chemical, biotech, food, automotive, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The skillset — combining chemistry, molecular biology and process engineering — is also well suited to roles in process development, product formulation, sustainability assessment and scale‑up operations.

For those pursuing research, the master’s provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies and careers in academic or industrial research and development.