Biotechnology (MA)

Biotechnology is the use of the metabolic performance of naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, etc.) and cells (plant and animal) to obtain special products of a marketable quality and size.

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

This is precisely why biotechnologists are sought after by companies and are preferred for employment.

The Master's degree program builds on the Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. Existing knowledge is deepened and broadened.

The deepening and broadening of knowledge from the Bachelor's degree program takes place in three areas:

• mathematical and scientific knowledge

• technology-related knowledge

• cross-technology knowledge.

In the Master's degree course, project-related knowledge transfer plays a much greater role alongside traditional knowledge transfer. As a result, students are required to work on a project in small teams every semester, which is derived from current research topics in the Department. This enables students to acquire skills such as teamwork and leadership qualities.

The Master's program has therefore been accredited as research-oriented.

Career prospects as highly qualified specialists are primarily in the fields of Biotechnology, Pharmabiotechnology, Biomedicine and in the agricultural and food sector.

Due to the research orientation of the Master's degree course, a career in research and development in large companies or institutes as well as in research management is possible.

Above all, the Master's degree program qualifies students to take on management tasks in the aforementioned areas and also entitles them to further qualification in the form of a doctorate.

Furthermore, access to higher civil service careers in public authorities is possible.

Achievements from a first degree program and/or after a change of degree program or university and/or stays abroad that were completed at another university can be credited upon application after enrolment.

The examinations committee of the respective Department is responsible for this in consultation with the relevant Degree Program Advisor/lecturers.

Frequently asked questions.

Desirable for a successful Master's degree:

• Basic scientific knowledge, especially in the fields of microbiology, molecular genetics and genetic engineering, cell culture technology, biochemistry and enzymology.

• Basic knowledge of engineering fundamentals and in the fields of bioprocess engineering and bioprocess technology as well as bioapparatus engineering.

• Basic knowledge of bioanalytics and instrumental analysis.

Individual adaptation and bridging semesters or modules are offered for career changers from other life sciences degree programs (such as Pharmaceutical Engineering, Food Technology, Agricultural Sciences, etc.).

Together with the Degree Program Advisor, existing knowledge deficits in relation to the Master's degree course in Biotechnology are analyzed and advised. Based on this, modules from the Bachelor's degree course that need to be made up for and their organizational implementation are determined.

In May or June each year, the Campus Köthen of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences organizes a university information day.
All interested parties are cordially invited to this day to get to know the university, instructors and students as well as our degree programs. Get a personal impression of our facilities and the campus on site and receive individual advice.

The dates of the next University Information Day in Köthen and at our other locations in Dessau and Bernburg can be found here.

Energy and environmental biotechnology
Lectures and labs

Selected topics in mathematics, statistics and numerics
Lectures and practical courses

Protein biotechnology
Lectures and practical courses

Biotechnology of phototrophic organisms
Lectures and labs

Research project
The project work can be a literature paper (theoretical) or a laboratory project (practical).

Elective modules 1

Special biochemistry of plants and microorganisms
Lectures and labs

Carbohydrate and Lipid Biotechnology
Lectures and labs

Process modeling and simulation
Lectures, practical courses and labs

Process control and analysis
Lectures, practical courses and labs

Elective modules 2

Elective module 3

Master's thesis with colloquium (=defense)
20 weeks