Biochemical Engineering
Summary
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Engineering Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 7 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
Overview NC procedure |
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
|
| Language | German |
| Further information | Website of Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering |
Overview
In biochemical and chemical engineering, women and men are equally in demand when it comes to life’s small and big problems: clean laundry, clean water, and clean air – but also paint, cosmetics, medicine, fertilizer, or new forms of energy. Biochemical Engineers convert findings from the life sciences into technical applications.
This demanding program conveys broad and well-founded basic knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering while training students to become process engineers capable of planning, developing, implementing, assessing, and operating biotechnological processes.
The Bachelor’s degree program in Biochemical Engineering first provides – in addition to a general introduction to biotechnology – the necessary foundations in mathematics, physics, inorganic, organic and biochemistry, technical mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and microbiology/genetic engineering. Building on this, subsequent courses are offered on specific subject areas within biochemical engineering, such as process engineering, bioreaction technology, biomaterials, various types of apparatus used for biotechnological processes, process dynamics and control, and process design, as well as specialization modules that can be selected according to one's own inclination.
The theoretically acquired knowledge is consolidated through internships and practically applied in the Design Project within the framework of system planning. With the Bachelor’s thesis, the qualifying degree program is completed and the graduate can go to work in an industrial company.
Skills and knowledge
What should you bring to the program?
- very good knowledge of mathematics
- broad interests in natural sciences and technology
- motivation and willingness to work.
Test your own aptitude for Biochemical Engineering here (German only). For new students, participation in the test is a prerequisite for enrollment.
Field of activity
There's a German motto that succinctly states how central and pervasive engineering is, „Kein Ding ohne Ing.!“ – not a thing without engineering! The fields of application in biochemical engineering are as diverse as the areas of training: After completing the Bachelor's degree program, you will have acquired the basic knowledge and skills to launch a professional career. On the one hand, you are now prepared to pursue the research-oriented Master’s degree program; on the other hand, you are also well equipped to start working in industry, in administration, or in research institutions.
Examples of future career options:
- as a process engineer in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, biotech, or chemical industry, develop new processes in biotechnology or optimize existing ones
- as a project engineer in biotechnology or in an engineering office, develop equipment, plant components, or entire production plants for biotechnology
- as an engineer or maintenance manager, build, operate, and maintain equipment in biotech plants
- as a product or marketing engineer specializing in a particular product or process, advise customers on product characteristics and sell products
- work in the marketing department or in management at a biotech company
- work in documentation, testing and security, occupational safety, or intellectual property.
Additional information
No industrial internship has to be carried out before beginning studies, but the program plan does include a mandatory 12-week internship in a suitable company. Subsequently, a three-semester Master’s degree program can be completed at the Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering.