Molecular Biotechnology

Classical biotechnology has mainly focused on the production process and related questions concerning technical processes (such as fermentation, separation etc.).  In the age of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, however, it has become much simpler to optimize the biosynthetic performance of the cell itself. Further, it has also become possible to design and efficiently synthesize artificial biomolecules with enhanced or even new functions (protein design). This, in turn, has established links to the new research area of synthetic biology. As a result, the technical know-how and added value for a commercial enterprise no longer principally relate to the production process but, increasingly, to the structure and function of the biomolecule, as well as to the (purposefully manipulated) genetic features of the cell (or of the organism) being produced. This field of work therefore requires the interdisciplinary application of the methods of genetic engineering, protein chemistry, biophysics and bioinformatics.

The central focus in “molecular” biotechnology is on the biomolecules themselves and, more specifically, on the macromolecules – in addition to lipids and intermediate metabolic products (metabolites) – as well as the cells that synthesize these. Cells, whether microorganisms or cultivated animal or plant cells, are not only of interest as producers but also as objects of study.

Technical instruments and resources play a key role in molecular biotechnology. They range from state-of-the-art physical measuring instruments through fermentation systems to computerized methods (molecular modeling and bioinformatics). The interdisciplinary character of this bioscience degree program therefore provides five thematic pillars on which the master's program is based: biomolecules, cells, organisms, medicine and technology.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Molecular Biotechnology (PDF, German)

• when applying to a bachelor's degree program: You have completed your secondary school education outside of Germany with something other than a German Abitur.when applying to a master's degree program: You have completed your undergraduate studes (i.e. your bachelor's) outside of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.