Molecular Biotechnology

Classical biotechnology has mainly focused on the production process and related questions concerning technical processes (such as fermentation, separation etc.).  In the age of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, however, it has become much simpler to optimize the biosynthetic performance of the cell itself. Further, it has also become possible to design and efficiently synthesize artificial biomolecules with enhanced or even new functions (protein design). This, in turn, has established links to the new research area of synthetic biology. As a result, the technical know-how and added value for a commercial enterprise no longer principally relate to the production process but, increasingly, to the structure and function of the biomolecule, as well as to the (purposefully manipulated) genetic features of the cell (or of the organism) being produced. This field of work therefore requires the interdisciplinary application of the methods of genetic engineering, protein chemistry, biophysics and bioinformatics.

The central focus in “molecular” biotechnology is on the biomolecules themselves and, more specifically, on the macromolecules – in addition to lipids and intermediate metabolic products (metabolites) – as well as the cells that synthesize these. Cells, whether microorganisms or cultivated animal or plant cells, are not only of interest as producers but also as objects of study.

Technical instruments and resources play a key role in molecular biotechnology. They range from state-of-the-art physical measuring instruments through fermentation systems to computerized methods (molecular modeling and bioinformatics). The interdisciplinary character of this bioscience degree program therefore provides five thematic pillars on which the master’s program is based: biomolecules, cells, organisms, medicine and technology.

Which further expertise and skills will I acquire?

Upon completion of the master’s degree program in Molecular Biotechnology, graduates are able to assess complex scientific questions in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology, as well as neighboring fields. They can structure their approach and evaluate their research results. They are thus well-positioned to acquire the ability to work independently and scientifically in a doctoral program. They have knowledge of specialist areas, such as protein engineering, molecular microbiology or structure-based bioinformatics and can apply, convey and write about this knowledge. In particular, the degree program enables students to independently identify research questions when developing and applying biotechnological and biochemical lines of inquiry; to carry out studies concerning such questions; to critically scrutinize the results; and to conduct analysis and drive further development.

In the field of protein design, for example, they can contribute to the development of biological active ingredients for the treatment of serious illnesses. They are able to grasp the structure and properties of a protein and thus conceive of approaches to changing the function of the protein or first gaining the requisite information on its structure. Further competencies acquired concern methods of molecular biology, such as genetic analysis and cell structure techniques, or enzymatic procedures and their theoretical foundations, which find application in research and in industry. The application-oriented training is particularly advantageous, insofar as it enables graduates of the master’s degree program in Molecular Biotechnology to quickly familiarize themselves with complex tasks.

Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?

After completing their degree, graduates have the option to embark upon a doctoral degree or enter the biotechnology sector directly:

• Medicine – development of pharmaceuticals and therapeutics, further development of diagnostics and development work on the interfaces between disciplines, e.g. prosthetics, tissue substitutes
• Industrial biotechnology – development of new processes and materials (including from renewable resources)
• Agriculture – genetically modified plants and animals, modified microorganisms