BIO ENGINEERING, B.SC.
Main points at a glance
Start of study course: Winter semester 2012/2013
Place of study: Kleve
Duration: 7 semesters
Degree: Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.
Instructional language: English
Practical work experience: 8 weeks until the beginning of the 4th semester
Internship: semester abroad or internship in industry during the 6th semester
Bachelor thesis: in the second half of the 7th semester
Modern biotechnology or bioengineering is realising answers to the challenges of the future, e.g. climate change, increasing shortage of energy and resources, as well as health issues of an aging human population. At the same time, biotechnology is already omnipresent. Think for example of cheese, wine or bread. On the other hand molecular biological methods in modern biotechnology allow the production of ingredients of detergents and cosmetic products as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients, bulk chemicals, biofuels, new plant cultivars, etc. All these biotechnological products share the application of science and technology to living organisms or parts thereof.
The B.Sc. course of study Bioengineering starting in the winter semester 2012/2013 provides a thorough understanding of the diverse aspects of biotechnology. The tight integration of natural and engineering sciences from the start allow to fully utilize the potential of biotechnology.
Intensive supervision in small groups and excellent facilities in new and modern laboratories enhance the learning experience.
Course programme
The course of study Bioengineering includes scientific and engineering disciplines. First, a comprehensive basic knowledge in natural and engineering sciences will be provided. Subsequently, the various aspects of modern biotechnology will follow; important examples are microbiology, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering as well as downstream processing. The students also acquire insight into the three branches of modern biotechnology, often described by different colours: medical (red), agricultural (green) and industrial (white) biotechnology. Particularly in elective courses these areas will be broadened. The integrated approach gives great importance to the tight coupling of biological-chemical with technical subjects. This reflects industrial reality that regards the development of production organisms and process development concurrently. Furthermore, the students will gain core competencies in the fields of economics, management, law, communication and presentation, marketing as well as quality management.
Practical work experience of 8 weeks until the beginning of the 3rd semester is obligatory as well as a semester abroad or an internship in industry during the 6th semester. This ensures close contacts to companies in this field. Since even German companies act globally, this course of study will be held in English exclusively. Qualified by this course of study, graduates will be prepared perfectly to start their career or to continue with a master course.
Possible fields of occupational activity and competencies
Successful graduates will find jobs in the various areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnological industry. Further typical employers are research institutes or governmental agencies as well as the food industry, agrotechnology, environmental or waste management. Possible occupational fields are:
- Research and development
- Production and downstream processing
- Analytics and validation
- Quality management and quality assurance
- Occupational safety
- Diagnostics
- Environmental protection
- Plant engineering and construction
- Project management
