Shaping the world of tomorrow on campus
29 Aug 2025
Whether it's food security, environmental regeneration or new vaccines - the world is facing major challenges. Industrial Biotechnology is a key technology here. It not only supports innovative solutions in the food industry and in the environmental sector, but also enables important advances in the pharmaceutical industry and in the health system. The biotech sector is growing rapidly and offers excellent prospects for committed young professionals. In order to meet these socially relevant tasks and train the specialists of the future, the new Bachelor's degree programme "Industrial Biotechnology" will start in the winter semester 2025/2026 at Fulda University of Applied Sciences in the Department of Food Technology.
Prof. Dr Stephen Knobloch, dean of studies in the department of food technology from October and co-developer of the study programme, emphasises: "Biotechnology is one of the strongest growth industries in Germany and offers numerous opportunities for innovation and social progress." The new study programme at Fulda University of Applied Sciences enables students to play an active role in these developments. A new laboratory for biotechnology and cell culture technology is being trained for this practice-oriented training. "The specialised laboratory will complement our existing facilities, including those in biochemistry, microbiology and bioprocess engineering, in order to offer our students a comprehensive and practice-oriented introduction to biotechnology," Knobloch continues. A new professorship will also be filled to comprise the discipline.
Specialisation and internationality
The Bachelor's programme comprises a standard duration of studies of seven semesters. The first two semesters provide a solid basics in natural sciences and engineering subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering, which are the same for all study programmes in the department. This phase is supplemented by a programme-specific module that provides specialist knowledge of biotechnology.
From the third semester onwards, the focus is on specialisation, including biotechnological applications and laboratory practice. Later on, students can specialise through compulsory elective modules. Depending on their interests, students can choose specialisations in areas such as environmental biotechnology, pharmaceutical processes or bioinformatics. Medically relevant topics such as the development of vaccines are also covered. The modules are offered in German and English. In addition, Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers language courses to improve missing language skills and prepare students specifically for an international professional career.
Related to practice and career opportunities
The practical orientation of the study programme is already evident in the first semesters: an eight-week basic internship must be completed by the beginning of the fourth semester. In the seventh semester, there is then an extended practical placements phase that prepares students for the subsequent Bachelor's thesis. A semester abroad or work placement abroad can be easily integrated into the second half of the programme. Graduates can expect excellent career opportunities in the food industry, pharmacy, chemical industry and agricultural engineering. The study programme opens doors to a wide range of professional fields - from research and development to process design and quality assurance. A subsequent Master's degree and doctoral degree are also possible.
Interested students can apply for the new study programme until 30 September.