Master Pharmaceutical Biotechnology — photo: Sebastian Reuter

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (M.Sc.)

Overview

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration

4 Semester

ECTS points

120 ECTS

Language

German

Study start

Winter semester (1st October)

Semester fee

305,30 €

Admission

Suitability procedure

Application period

15.05. to 15.07.

Apply for the degree programme!

Pharmaceutical biotechnology involves the use of biotechnological methods and processes in the context of medical applications. In keeping with the color of blood, this branch of biotechnology is also known as red biotechnology. The subject of pharmaceutical biotechnology is the use of the catalytic properties of biomolecules, cells and organisms, often optimized by genetic engineering methods, to manufacture pharmaceutical products and develop diagnostic procedures. Starting from the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the regulation of metabolic processes and their pathological changes in the development of diseases, therapeutically active substances are sought and biotechnological processes for their production are developed. Pharmaceutical biotechnologists also play a key role in the development and biotechnological production of diagnostics and vaccines. They are also qualified to make a relevant contribution in the development of microarray techniques, biosensors, analytical techniques and diagnostic devices.

What makes this degree programme special?

Focus on red biotechnology: from the cause of disease to molecular diagnostics to pharmaceutical agents
Work in modern laboratories: cell culture, genetic engineering, enzyme technology, virology – learn directly from experiments
Real research experience: master's thesis in a company or research institute – with the option to study abroad

What is the structure of the programme?

The Master's programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology has a standard period of study of four semesters. The first three semesters provide in-depth, scientifically oriented training in biotechnological core areas such as genetic engineering, enzyme technology, recombinant products, low-molecular active pharmaceutical ingredients and molecular medicine. Application-oriented teaching content is taught in engineering subjects such as bioprocess engineering, bioprocess development, cell culture technology and bioprocess control.

In the third semester, you also have the opportunity to specialise in elective modules based on your individual interests. In the fourth semester, you will write your Master's thesis. The aim is the independent scientific treatment of a topic in basic or applied research. The Master's thesis is usually written in a company or in a university-internal/external research institution and is supervised by professors from the Department of Medical Technology and Biotechnology.

Module overview

Niedermolekulare Pharmawirkstoffe

Enzymtechnologie

Angewandte Gentechnik

Bioverfahrensentwicklung

Zulassungsverfahren/Qualitätsmanagement

Scientific Computing

Rekombinante Pharmawirkstoffe

Zellkulturtechnik

Angewandte Bioinformatik

Bioprozesssteuerung

Angewandte Verfahrenstechnik

Molekulare Physiologie

Pharmakologie und Toxikologie

Vakzinologie

Virologie

Angewandte Mikrobiologie

Molekulare Testsysteme

Medizinethik

Wahlpflichtmodule

Masterarbeit

What are the entry requirements?

The formal admission requirements are regulated by the study regulations of the Master's degree programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (see aptitude procedure regulations in the appendix of the study regulations).

Essential prerequisites for admission to the study programme are:

a degree in a Bachelor's or Diploma degree programme, in particular in the fields of biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, medical biotechnology, pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical engineering, pharmaceutical and chemical engineering or biopharmaceutical technology
Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural sciences and engineering, such as mathematics, physics, computer science, electronics, biology and chemistry
Knowledge of biochemistry, process analytics, genetic engineering, microbiology, cell biology, bioprocess engineering and bioprocess MSR technology

Prospective students should ideally have a bachelor's degree in biotechnology and a strong interest in solving interdisciplinary problems. An enthusiasm for all stages of the pharmaceutical-biotechnological value chain - from the molecular target to the marketable pharmaceutical product - is expected.

In addition, successful admission also requires a positive result in the internal selection procedure. The following characteristics are taken into account.

The overall grade of the bachelor's or diploma degree (max. 65 points)
Publications, posters or scientific presentations (up to 10 points)
Substance and persuasiveness of the motivation letter (up to 5 points)
Professional training and professional experience in the biotechnological field (up to 10 points)
Additional specialist qualifications in the biotechnological field (up to 10 points)
Recommendations of academic referees (up to 10 points)

For admission, the applicant must score at least 60 out of a maximum of 110 points.

What career prospects do I have after completing my studies?

The Master's programme in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to train graduates who can be employed in all areas of red biotechnology. The focus of the training is on target-oriented drug discovery and development as well as the development and optimisation of biotechnological manufacturing processes for small molecule and recombinant pharmaceutical products.

Accordingly, you will find career prospects in the following areas:

biotechnological pharmaceutical companies
biotechnological research institutes and R&D service companies
diagnostic companies, institutes and laboratories
manufacturers of biotechnological production plants
Manufacturers of devices, equipment and apparatus for biotechnology
Manufacturers of diagnostic and analytical equipment
Investigation offices, approval and licensing authorities, public institutions
Consulting, freelance professions

The Master's degree qualifies students for a career in the higher civil service. It also opens up the possibility of a doctorate to particularly high-achieving students.

How does the application process work?

Application period 15.05. to 15.07.

1. Register

Note: Please register only once, even if you wish to apply for more than one degree program.

2. Add application and enter data electronically (also upload supporting documents)

Log in to the application platform with your access data. Use the menu item “Add application” and select the Master's program for which you would like to apply. You can submit a maximum of three applications.

3. Submit application electronically

At the end of the online application, confirm that your electronic details are correct and submit your application or applications electronically by the deadline.

4. Selection committee

If your application, including all application documents, is complete, it will be forwarded to the relevant selection committee in the respective department for review. The selection committee will check whether you meet all the requirements for admission to the desired master's program.

5. Result of the admission procedure

Once the admission procedure has been completed, we will send you the result in the form of an electronic notification.

6. Apply for digital enrollment (if you have been offered admission)

After receiving the electronic admission notification, the first thing you need to do is to accept the place offered in your desired Master's program in the application portal (menu item: Accept place at university). Then you apply for enrollment electronically (menu item: Apply for enrollment).

7. Enrollment and documents

Please sign the printed application for enrollment (PDF). Then bring it by person to the University of Applied Sciences Jena together with all the documents required for enrollment (see document checklist on the application) within the enrollment period.

8. Enrollment is complete

As soon as the enrollment documents have been received by the University of Applied Sciences Jena in person and you have been enrolled, you will receive a starter pack for your Master's program at our University from the University's Master Service.

Apply for the degree programme!