The three or four semester international master's programme in Biotechnology is an intensive, laboratory based degree programme which follows a bachelor's programme in Biotechnology of seven or six semesters. The master's programme starts every year in the summer semester (for the programme with a regular duration of 3 semesters) or winter semester (for the programme with a regular duration of 4 semesters).

To provide our students with a broad theoretical background and extensive practical traning, lectures and lab courses are offered in the following study disciplines:

• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• Bioanalytics
• Laboratory Diagnostics

A maximum of eight study places will be offered in each discipline. Prospective students have to choose one discipline after their admission. Places will be allocated according to this decision if there are enough study places available in a discipline. In case there are more prospective students for a discipline than places available, places will be allocated according to the best rank in the admission procedure.

To assure individual training on high standard, special emphasis is put on individual training in small groups. Therefore the number of participants is limited. All lectures, seminars and laboratory courses are taught in English.

After two or three semesters of intensive training, students complete the program with an five-months thesis project leading to the degree Master of Science.

The thesis project involves experimental work under the supervision of a faculty member of the master program. This work can also be done outside the university, i.e. in research institutes or companies.

The master's programme Biotechnology is conducted in Senftenberg.

Qualification Profile of the Graduates

The Master’s programme in Biotechnology builds on a first professional qualification in the field of biotechnology. It deepens and broadens the knowledge acquired at this level, both scientifically and methodologically.

The programme aim to provide students with in-depth specialist knowledge in the fields of microbiology, cell biology, bioanalytics and laboratory diagnostics. Graduates will possess both broad and specialised theoretical knowledge, as well as sound practical laboratory skills in current areas of biotechnology.

Particular emphasis is placed on developing the ability to carry out independent academic work. Students are able to formulate academic questions, devise appropriate experimental approaches, critically evaluate methods, and analyse and interpret research findings in a nuanced manner. They can systematically research and contextualise academic literature and independently plan, carry out, document and refine their own experimental work.

Graduates also possess strong skills in presenting academic content in writing and orally in English. They are able to present their findings in a manner appropriate to their audience and to defend them in academic discourse.

Through project-based teaching and learning methods, students also develop cross-disciplinary skills, particularly the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team and manage projects, time and resources. They are able to structure and tackle complex tasks as part of a team.
The programme also fosters the ability to critically evaluate scientific content within a social context. Students engage with the social, economic, environmental and, in particular, ethical issues surrounding biotechnology, and develop an awareness of the responsibilities associated with scientific practice.

A key feature is the ‘Molecular Biotechnology and Society’ module, which specifically links scientific content with social, ethical and regulatory issues. The module explores international perspectives on topics such as bioethics, sustainability, regulatory frameworks and the social acceptance of biotechnological innovations.

The Master’s programme is characterised by its international focus, not only in terms of student recruitment and the use of English as the language of instruction and examination, but also in terms of the qualifications it aims to provide. The curriculum and the skills taught are consistently designed to prepare graduates to work successfully in an international market in research, technology development and/or professional practice.

Graduates are thus prepared for  challenging roles in research and development at national and international academic institutions, as well as within the life sciences industry. At the same time, they are prepared to undertake a PhD and thus acquire further academic qualifications.