Chemical BiotechnologyMaster of Science
Source: https://www.cs.tum.de/en/study/master/chemical-biotechnology Parent: https://www.cs.tum.de/en/
Chemistry – Molecular Biology – Process Engineering
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.
Interdisciplinary emphasis
Business Management (1/5)
Economics (1/5)
Engineering (2/5)
Material Science (1/5)
Biotechnology (5/5)
Chemistry (4/5)
Consultation
Dr. Eva Rath
Phone: : +49 9421 187-166
Email: : cbt@cs.tum.de
Dr. Verena Schüller
Phone: : +49 9421 187-142
Email: : cbt@cs.tum.de
Consultation in Presence
Next session on 2026-03-11
Hours: : Wednesdays,\ 08:00–09:00 h
Location: : PG5, 3503.EG.006
Online Consultation
Room currently offline
Hours: : Tuesdays, 10:00–11:00 h
Teams ID: : 345 330 464 466 57
Password: : hi3w7MU7
Key Data
Standard period of study : 4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits, full-time studies
Graduation : Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Start of Degree Program : Winter and Summer semester
Required Language Proficiency : English
Admission Requirement : Students should have a broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of at least two of the three fields of biology, chemistry and engineering. Since the program is also aimed at international students and therefore all compulsory modules as well as some optional modules of the program are only offered in English, a good knowledge of English is required.
Admission Category : Aptitude Assessment for Master’s Degree Applicants
Semester fees/financing
Semester fees (non-EU students) : 4,000.00 Euro
Student union fees per semester (mandatory for all students) : 82.00 Euro
Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.\ You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.
Study Structure
1st semester
Applied Microbiology and Metabolic Engineering | Enzymatic Biotransformations | Conceptual Design of Bioprocesses | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules
2nd semester
Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology | Summer school: Advanced scientific planning based on current research | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules
3rd semester
Research internship | Specialized and interdisciplinary elective modules
4th semester
master’s thesis
Subject-specific optional modules
Micro- and Molecular Biology
Enzymes Engineering | Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology | Methods of Synthetic Biology | Regulation of Microbial Metabolism | Plant Biotechnology
Chemistry
Chemistry of Enzymes | Glycomics | Interfacial Chemistry | Sustainable Chemistry | Phytopharmacy and Natural Products
Process engineering
Advanced Downstream Processing | Biorefinery | Electrolyte thermo-dynamics | Gas-based bioprocesses | Mechanical Process Engineering, Plants and Equipment
Comprehensive specialist knowledge / specialisations
Advanced Analytics for Biotechnol-ogy | Advanced Concepts of Bioin-formatics | Electrobiotechnology | Biological materials in nature and technology | Materials science
External and general education modules such as languages and soft skills round off the profile of the Master’s program.
Competences & Skills
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 electrobiotechnology 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 optimise 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 his interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of chemical biotechnology, he is 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.\ The company 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 sensitised to the non-technical requirements of a professional activity.
Job Description
After graduating, students will have comprehensive specialist and methodological knowledge and an understanding of the field of chemical biotechnology. Sufficient practical training sensitizes and prepares students for their professional environment and the interdisciplinary diversity prepares them for different professional fields. Depending on the field of activity, graduates develop, for example, new bio-based products/active substances, new processes for the production of these bio-based products or new processes for the recycling of waste products. The degree qualifies for a doctorate in a field of biotechnological research. The path to biotechnological industry is also open to one. 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 biobased economy is expected to lead to further growth in this sector.
Application
Winter semester
Application Period (Winter semester) : April 1st – May 31st
Summer semester
Application Period (Summer semester) : October 1st – November 30th