Biotechnology

In the field of biotechnology, molecular aspects are coming more and more to the forefront which are not taken sufficiently into account in a traditional biology course. Both in the area of natural science and engineering research as well as in the business community, there is a considerable demand for qualified personnel with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary training who display know-how and skills in molecular biology and analytical science to an equal degree. To answer this demand, Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has developed the Master Degree Course in Biotechnology with the areas of specialisation of Bioanalytical Science / Marine Bioresources. In the course, students learn how to put into practice established methods and techniques of applied biotechnology and additionally attain a solid foundation for further studies.

• Objectives and special features 
• Employment opportunities for graduates 
• Course structure 
• Research and cooperation 
• Admission conditions 
• Application and selection procedure 
• Lecturers 
• Advice for students 
• Links 

 BIO_Master_2008.pdf
 Broschure Bio-Analytik

 BioT_Flyer_Internet.pdf
 

Objectives and special features

The Master course in Biotechnology is characterised by a high level of practical work. The objective of the course is to provide biotechnologists with a comprehensive overview of their specialist field. In particular in industry (in the area of production of active components and quality assurance in the food industry) and in research and development, the demand for qualified experts continues to increase, so that career prospects are currently excellent. Key features of the Master course are:

- 2-years full-time course with a high level of practical
content
- Qualification as Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- 30 students per year
- Techning languages ist German (80%) and Englisch (20%)
- Proof of a first examination qualifying for a profession
(Diploma or Bachelor) is required
- Practical project work in industry or research

Employment opportunities for graduates

Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences has developed the Biotechnology course in co-operation with experts from the scientific and business communities and has been systematically tailored to the employment market. In the Bioanalytical Science area of specialisation new technologies are illustrated in conjunction with the ttz, such as mini and micro laboratory techniques (nano biotechnology) for example, amongst others for use in medical diagnostics (hygiene standards in hospitals; multi-resistance management). The course enables students who have graduated in the area of this specialisation to develop new diagnostic methods, to evaluate technologies and to contribute to the setting up and management of research and manufacturing environments as quality manager or researcher. In general, graduates find employment in five areas: Food industry, Forensic medicine, Pharmacy, Medicine, Science/research. In the Marine Resources area of specialisation, graduates’ fields of employment might lie in the areas of environmental consulting and monitoring of offshore projects such as wind energy or drilling projects. In addition, graduates can work as evaluators or take charge of quality management tasks in environmental organisations, industrial firms, supply and disposal companies. The solid training opens up employment possibilities in the design and control of aquaculture installations, in system design and their management. Other areas of employment are method development and implementation of analysis processes in research institutions.

Course structure

IIn the first two terms, theoretical and practical principles are taught, whilst the last two terms comprise the practical phase. In the first term, the principles of Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics and Applied Biochemistry are taught. In a soft skills module, students learn about Quality Assurance and Science Law. The second term is dedicated to Genetic Engineering and Bioresources. Already in the first two terms, special topics are taught which are essential for the areas of specialisation. Thus in the area of Bioanalytical Science, Protein Analysis and Special Molecular Biology are on the curriculum and in the area of Marine Bioresources, topics such as Marine Ecosystems and Resources as well as Marine Aquaculture / Marine Biodiagnostics. A practical placement in the third term emphasises the application-oriented training in the Master course before students devote themselves to the Master thesis in the fourth term.

The Master Programme comprises the following modules, in addition to practical placement, projects and the final Master thesis:

• Advanced Mircobiology
• Bio-Ressourcen
• Bioinformatik
• Bioverfahrenstechnolgie
• Gentechnik
• Marine Analytik der Bio-Genchemie und Envinronmental Sensors
• Marine Aquakultur und Biodiagnostik
• Marine Ökosysteme und Ressourcen
• Molkulargen. Diagnostik
• Moluklare Genetik
• Organochemical Analytics
• Proteinanalytik
• Qualitätssicherung / Wissenschaftsrecht
• Spezielle Molekularbiologie
• Wahlpflichtfächer

The detailed course curriculum for the four-semester course can be found here:

 Studienplan_Master.pdf
 Curriculum

Research and cooperation

Effective networking with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), the Institute for Marine Resources (IMARE) and the Technology Transfer Centre at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences (ttz) means that research topics of current interest are continuously incorporated into the teaching curriculum. Since the course lecturers are also working at the research institutions listed above, the network forms a platform for projects and highly practice-oriented teaching, thus ensuring a perpetual link to topical issues and problems in industry and research. BIBIS (Bremerhaven Institute for Biological Information Systems, a ttz institute) is concerned, for example, with the development of new diagnostic systems in food monitoring and public health. Through a close partnership with the maritime department of the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the Institute for Marine Resources (IMARE), an in-depth interdisciplinary understanding of the oceans as an ecosystem and of the resources which can be put to economic use is guaranteed. This focus encompasses both the demand in medicine (new therapeutic substances from marine organisms) as well as in industry (marine substances for biologically compatible materials), as well as fishing and aquaculture, bioprocess engineering and metrology, protection and monitoring of nature and environment, as well as in research and development. Students generally have the opportunity, in joint projects between the institutes, to participate actively in research and development work and thus already to learn how to work autonomously in the laboratory during their course. This prepares students for a later position of responsibility as Head of Laboratory, where problem-oriented thinking must be applied.

Admission conditions

Admission to the course is conditional upon a first examination qualifying for a profession (Bachelor or Diploma from a university, polytechnic or similar foreign educational institution) in a course from the disciplines of Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Food Technology, Maritime Technology with a focus on Biotechnology and Medicine, with course and examination achievements equalling at least 180 points according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The average grade of this qualification must be at least ”Good”. In addition, it is recommended that applicants have obtained at least one year’s practical professional experience after completing their first university degree. Furthermore, excellent German language skills and good English language skills are required which must be documented by official language certificates, in the case that German or English is not the applicant's native language. English and German language skills must meet Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Further details are provided in the admission regulations which can be downloaded here:

Application and selection procedure

To apply for the Biotechnology course, applicants must complete in full the relevant application form and either submit it in person or send it by post together with all the necessary documents and a two-page ”Motivation Paper” before the closing date to the Admissions Office of the University. The form can be obtained either from the Student Counselling Centre or the homepage of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Closing dates for applications and other deadlines are published on the University’s homepage or can be obtained from the Student Counselling Centre. 30 course places are available per year. Admission to the course is in the winter term of any given year. Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences implements a special procedure for the selection of applications. The ”Motivation Paper” plays a very important role. Information about the procedure can be obtained from the Student Counselling Centre or the Admissions Office. It is recommended that non-German applicants submit their applications to the ASSIST Office for prior checking. Further information can be found under www.uni-assist.de.

Lecturers

Advice for students

The Central Student Information answers general enquiries about the course. Contact:

The Admissions and Examination Office is responsible for questions about admission requirements. Contact:

Questions about course content should be addressed to:

Links

Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research

Technology Transfer Centre (ttz)

BioNord - Bremerhaven Biotechnology Centre