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Facts and figures
Environmental biotechnology
If you want to play an active part in tackling environmental challenges through technology, environmental biotechnology is the degree programme for you. Whilst many degree programmes treat the environment and technology as separate subjects, here you’ll be working consistently at their interface. You’ll not only learn how biological processes work, but also how they can be integrated into technical systems.
The key is the way of thinking: you don’t view the environment in isolation, but as an interplay of biological, technical and regulatory factors. It is precisely this systemic understanding that is necessary to develop sustainable solutions.
Professor Wünschiers’ research in Mittweida
An overview of the course content
The Biotechnology degree programme combines the fundamentals of the natural sciences with a clear focus on practical applications. You will learn how microbiological and biochemical processes work and how they can be harnessed for technical purposes. At the same time, you will explore chemical and physical principles, as well as the analysis of complex systems.
By specialising in Environmental biotechnology, you’ll gain targeted practical experience. You’ll explore environmental engineering, the legal framework and ecotoxicological issues. This isn’t just about individual processes, but about their application within the broader context: how can processes be scaled up? How do substances affect ecosystems? And how can biological processes be utilised in a way that is both economically viable and sustainable?
Biotechnology
General/Inorganic Chemistry
Fundamentals of Biology/Microbiology
Sequence-based bioinformatics
Mathematics
Genetics/Molecular Biology
Organic Chemistry
Fundamentals of Biology/Microbiology
Structure-based bioinformatics
Scientific English
Mathematics: Statistics/Stochastics
Physical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Methods of Molecular Biotechnology
Analytical Chemistry
Fundamentals of Physics
Specialisation module:
- Environmental biotechnology
Methods of Molecular Biotechnology
Bioprocess Engineering
Applied Bioinformatics
Scientific Presentation
3 specialisation modules:
- Environmental Engineering I
- Environmental Law
- Elective module (1 out of 6): Introduction to Biodata Sciences, Cell Culture Techniques, Algal and Plant Biotechnology, General Studies (Studium Generale), Physical Chemistry II, Skills Development I
Bioethics
Research project
4 specialisation modules:
- Environmental Engineering II
- Ecotoxicology
- Elective module (2 out of 6): Molecular Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, Biophotonics I, Chemo-/Biosensor Technology, Skills Development II
Practical module
: Independent scientific and practical work within a company
Duration: 12 weeks
Bachelor’s
thesis: Final, independent academic thesis
Duration: 12 weeks
Biotechnology in Mittweida
In summary – Environmental biotechnology in Mittweida
Specialisation within the full-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Biotechnology
(180 Credits)
Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be in demand wherever sustainable technologies are being developed and implemented. For example, you might work as an environmental biotechnologist, a project engineer in environmental technology, or in the field of research and development for sustainable processes. Roles in environmental analysis, quality assurance or at the interface between technology and regulation are also typical areas of work.
Application and Admission
Applicants must hold a general university entrance qualification, a university of applied sciences entrance qualification, a subject-specific university entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Applicants who have completed vocational training and have at least three years’ professional experience may also be admitted following a consultation and a successful entrance examination.
Language skills:
Anyone who did not obtain their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution must demonstrate German language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of this can be provided, for example, by passing the ‘German as a Foreign Language’ (TestDaF) test at the Mittweida University Preparatory College with an average score of TDN 3 in all four sections, or by presenting an equivalent certificate.
The application period for the winter semester begins on 15 April and ends on 15 July. You can register online via the HSMW application portal. Once you have submitted all your documents, you can enrol. Once you have enrolled, your place at Mittweida is secured. For international applicants, the application deadline is 15 May, to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
We’ve got you covered! Excellent study conditions, modern facilities and affordable rent allow you to focus fully on your studies. Tutorials are on hand to help with academic queries, the SAXEED start-up network supports you on your journey to developing your own business idea, and the Social Support Service offers assistance with specific life situations, such as childcare or caring for relatives. The campus also has plenty to offer: two music festivals a year, an active esports team and a vibrant student community. Discover just how diverse life in Mittweida is – at the Open Day or the Night of Science.
Related degree programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
During your degree, you can specialise in exciting fields such as Molecular Diagnostics or Environmental biotechnology. We won’t leave you to make this decision on your own: the professors will give you a detailed overview of the various specialisations, and thanks to the close contact you’ll have with staff at the university, you’ll quickly discover through discussion which one best suits your goals.
You don’t need any specific practical experience in this field, but you should have a healthy enthusiasm for maths, biology and chemistry. As we’ll be starting with the basics, what matters most is your affinity for technology and your enthusiasm for experimentation.
Whilst traditional biology primarily researches and describes life, the Biotechnology programme at Mittweida is an applied course in which you learn to harness biological systems specifically for technical solutions. It is therefore less about pure theory and much more about how to use cells or enzymes as tools for industry or medicine.
Laboratory work takes place in small groups, so you can get hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment rather than just watching. The equipment meets the very highest industry standards, which means you’ll be perfectly prepared for your future working life.
The degree programme is practice-oriented, as you spend a large part of your time working directly in the laboratories and putting theory into practice straight away. In addition, a twelve-week practical module is an integral part of the curriculum, enabling you to gain real-world professional experience whilst you’re still studying.
