The degree program

Biotechnology (bachelor's degree, full-time, cooperative)

  • What is Biotechnology?

    Biotechnology involves the utilization of the metabolic capabilities of naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, etc.) and cells (plant and animal) to obtain specific products which are of a marketable quality and scale.

    In addition to the organisms, the focus is primarily on the technical realization of the metabolic processes in bioreactors and biotechnical plants. This focus distinguishes degree programs in biotechnology from those in biology!

    For this reason, companies specifically look for biotechnologists and prefer hiring them.

  • What does the degree program entail?

    The degree program is an exciting and challenging mixture of scientific subjects and technical disciplines, which are vividly conveyed through interesting lectures, practical courses and lab/pool classes.

    Few other degree programs offer such a wide range of disciplines. This makes studying biotechnology so interesting and varied.

    A special feature of the degree program in Biotechnology at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is the joint core curriculum in Department 7 during the first 2 to 3 semesters. This joint core curriculum includes foundations in engineering and science and offers an insight into all degree programs of the department. This experience allows students to make a well-founded decision between the 4 different degree programs in Biotechnology, Food Technology, Pharmaceutical Engineering or Process Engineering, and thus offers students maximum flexibility in specializing for their future career.

  • What are my career opportunities?

    After completing the degree program Biotechnology, students have excellent professional and career opportunities in all fields utilizing biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques.

    Students can, for example, work in research and development teams in companies and institutes. With the help of genetic engineering, new biotechnological processes and products are developed in the university’s state-of-the-art laboratory and technical facilities.

    Another area of application is the modern production of bioproducts, foods and active pharmaceutical ingredients under clean room conditions. The focus here is placed on working with high-tech bioreactors.

    Other employment opportunities include working in planning departments and in quality management at large biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as at public agencies.

    Biotechnologists may also find many professional challenges in the agricultural and food industry, in the area of medicine and in the environmental sector.

The right preparation

  • Recognition of coursework from a first degree prog

    Previous academic achievements from a first degree program and/or after a change of degree program or university or following studies abroad, and thus achievements which were completed at another university, may be credited on application post enrollment.

    The Examinations Committee of the Department is responsible for this in coordination with the respective degree program advisor / lecturers.

    Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Important knowledge acquired at school

    A prospective student of Biotechnology should have an interest in science and technology.

    In this light, subjects including biology, chemistry and physics, but also mathematics, are important foundations.

    Ideally, you will have taken an advanced course in chemistry or biology and/or have completed vocational training in a profession related to chemistry or biology.

  • Preparation classes

    Whether mathematics, chemistry or physics, our classes will prepare you for a successful start to your degree. Further details to follow.

    If you do not have a higher education entrance qualification, we also offer a preparation course which will give you the opportunity to study at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences after successfully passing an entrance test. Click on the link below to find all relevant information.
    Additional information

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Orientat

    Still unsure if a STEM degree is right for you? We will support you during a one- or two-semester orientation program.

    The orientation program offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the university as well as different degree programs, to participate in examinations and receive credits, to get a taste of student life, and to prepare for a successful time at university.

    Additional information

  • Study without a higher education entrance qualific

    If you do not have a higher education entrance qualification but would still like to study with us, you will find all the relevant information via the link below.

    Additional information

  • Pre-study internships

    To be well prepared for the program, it is recommended that applicants, if possible, complete an internship of several weeks in a laboratory, ideally in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

    If applicants have already completed vocational training in this field, an additional internship is not necessary.

    In any case, you should think about an internship at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. The university offers many opportunities to get a taste of lectures as well as laboratory work. Please feel free to ask us about open internship positions.

    Additional information

  • University Information Day

    In June of each year, the Köthen Campus hosts University Information Day.
    Anyone interested in studying at Anhalt University is invited to get to know the University, our lecturers and students, as well as our degree programs. You can get a personal impression of our facilities and the campus and receive individual advice.

    The date of the next University Information Day in Köthen as well as at Dessau Campus and Bernburg Campus can be found here.

Program sequence & program contents

  • 1st semester

    Mathematik I
    Lectures and practical courses

    Ingenieurinformatik
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Physik für Ingenieure
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Angewandte Chemie
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Mikrobiologie
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Ringvorlesung „Life Science Engineering“
    Lectures

  • 2nd semester

    Mathematik II
    Lectures and practical courses

    Physikalische Chemie
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Organische Chemie
    Lectures and practical courses

    Allgemeine Betriebswirtschaftslehre und Marketing
    Lectures and practical courses

    Technische Strömungsmechanik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Wahlpflichtmodul
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

  • 3rd semester

    Apparatetechnik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Automatisierungs- und Elektrotechnik
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Instrumentelle Analytik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Molekularbiologie und Gentechnik
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Technische Thermodynamik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Wahlpflichtmodul
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

  • 4th semester

    Bioapparatetechnik und GMP
    Lectures and practical courses

    Mess- und Regelungstechnik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Bioverfahrenstechnik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Biochemie
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Zellkulturtechnik
    Lectures and practical courses

  • 5th semester

    Aufbereitungsverfahren
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Bioprozesstechnik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Enzymologie und Stoffwechsel
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Misch- und Rührtechnik
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Pharmabiotechnologie
    Lectures and practical courses

    Qualitätsmanagement
    Lectures and practical courses

  • 6th semester

    Angewandte Biotechnologie
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

    Bioanalytik
    Lectures and lab/pool classes

    Sicherheitstechnik
    Lectures and practical courses

    Informationssysteme und Projektarbeit
    The project can either be a research paper (theoretical) or a lab project (practical).

    Fremdsprache (Englisch oder für Bildungsausländer Deutsch)
    Practical courses

    Wahlpflichtmodul
    Lectures, practical courses, and lab/pool classes

  • 7th semester

    Berufspraktikum mit Kolloquium (=Verteidigung)
    12 weeks

    Bachelorarbeit mit Kolloquium (=Verteidigung)
    10 weeks

See the module description handbooks for more information about the compulsory and elective modules.

Without the cooperative degree program and especially without the comprehensive practical insights, I would have made a completely wrong decision for my career path – this is the most important thing the degree program has taught me.

Vivian Ott Graduate of Biotechnology

I remember my bachelor’s studies in Köthen as a great and inspiring time! In a family-like atmosphere & with close contact with the professors, I became enthusiastic about the field!

Anna Ehlert Graduate of Biotechnology