Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Chemical Biotechnology
Straubing, Germany
MSc
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 72 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* he tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester. Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.
Key Summary
One of the key technologies for making industrial processes more ecological and cost-effective and developing renewable raw materials for industrial use is industrial biotechnology, more appropriately referred to as chemical biotechnology. It uses biochemical, chemical, microbiological and process engineering methods to produce organic basic and fine chemicals using optimized enzymes, cells or microorganisms. By replacing conventional industrial processes with biotechnological processes and using biological raw materials instead of fossil raw materials, both energy requirements and the use of raw materials can be minimised or put on a bio-based basis. Process development in biotechnology requires the interaction of biology, chemistry and process engineering.
This complex topic calls for new scientists and technologists who are able to work on an interdisciplinary basis and master the challenges of process engineering as well as economic and ecological aspects thanks to their expertise in the field of scientific fundamentals. The aim of the course is to gain comprehensive knowledge in the field of biotechnological chemical-material conversion processes by combining chemistry, engineering and biosciences (areas of focus: Enzyme Engineering / Metabolic Engineering). By being able to choose modules from the field of economics, among other things, the specialist knowledge can be placed in a larger, economic context.
Structure
The program consists of compulsory and elective modules from the fields of chemistry (C), micro/molecular biology (B), and process engineering (T). In addition, elective modules from the specialization areas of electrotechnology and materials science (E/M) are added. The final step is the preparation of the Master's Thesis.
Compulsory modules:
- C: Enzymatic Biotransformations
- B: Applied Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering
- T: Conceptual Design of Bioprocesses
- C/B/T:
- Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology,
- Advanced scientific planning based on current research topics at TUM,
- Research Internship
- Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology,
- Advanced scientific planning based on current research topics at TUM,
- Research Internship
Elective modules:
- C: Chemistry of Enzymes, Glycomics, Phytopharmaceuticals, and natural products, Surface Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry
- B: Enzyme Engineering, Genetic Engineering, and Synthetic Biology, Methods of Synthetic Biology, Regulation of Microbial Metabolism, Plant Biotechnology
- T: Advanced Downstream Processing, Biorefinery, Electrolyte thermodynamics, Gas-based bioprocesses, Mechanical process engineering
- E/M: Electrobiotechnology, Biological materials in nature and technology, Materials science of renewable resources
- C/B/T: Advanced Analytics for Biotechnology, Advanced Concepts of Bioinformatics
Learning outcomes
After completion of the studies, one possesses a basic technical and methodical knowledge and understanding of the field of chemical biotechnology. For example, you will be able to apply biotechnological methods, test or modify isolated enzymes and entire microorganisms, participate in the development of biocatalysts, and plan biotechnological equipment and plants. In addition, one can get to know the field of electrotechnology and acquire knowledge in the field of materials science.
One is also able to directly methodically apply the current approaches dealt with in the modules with the aid of the corresponding specialist literature, i.e. to further optimize an existing fermentation process on the basis of literature data, for example. Furthermore, one is able to identify problems independently and to develop suitable ways for the processing of the corresponding research ideas via the appropriate selection of research methods.
In addition, as a graduate, you can combine your engineering and natural science basics with professional applications. Thus, thanks to your interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of chemical biotechnology, you are able to initiate research projects, plan independently and, depending on the field of activity, develop new biobased products/active substances or new processes for the production of these biobased products or new processes for the recycling of waste products.
One is also prepared to transfer processes developed in the laboratory to large-scale production.
You can work successfully in a research group, critically question and communicate your research results and deal early with the different perspectives and interests on the topic of sustainability and how these are to be taken into account in the biotechnological development of products.
After all, by taking interdisciplinary elective modules, one acquires non-technical qualifications and is thus sensitized to the non-technical requirements of professional activity.
Career opportunities
After graduating, you are qualified for a doctorate in a field of biotechnological research. The path to the biotechnological industry is also open to you. The biotechnology sector is constantly growing in terms of total turnover, the number of companies as well as the number of employees. The declared political consensus to support a progressive structural change towards a bio-based economy is expected to lead to further growth in this sector. The chances of finding a job are therefore very good.