Chemical Biotechnology

Chemical biotechnology is key in the sustainable and resource-conserving design of goods and value chains. Students of the Bachelor’s degree program in Chemical Biotechnology (B.Sc.) learn to understand and analyze biogenic materials, tools, and processes and to put them to use for industrial purposes.

The degree program teaches the fundamentals of natural sciences and engineering from the fields of mathematics, statistics, bioinformatics, physics, micro- and molecular biology, organic and analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. Among other things, students learn to investigate the properties of enzymes and to use them in enzyme technology to apply them in bio-based production processes, to understand and apply basic (bio)process engineering operations, and to use methodological and technical skills to carry out organic-chemical reactions and micro- and molecular-biological processes. Thus, they acquire the skills needed to understand and develop processes that enable the production of industrial products from biogenic raw materials. They contribute to minimizing the use of resources and energy, reducing environmental damage, and enabling a sustainable circular economy.

Graduates of the degree program have a sound understanding of chemistry and are very familiar with biological principles and molecular biological methods. They are able to competently support the development of sustainable production processes and technologies, and design, implement, and scale up biotechnological processes. They are thus excellently qualified for further scientific training in a relevant Master’s degree program as well as for starting a career in the chemical and biotechnological industry.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the Bachelor’s program in Chemical Biotechnology (PDF, German)

• The first two semesters include the Fundamentals and Orientation Examinations (GOP) and provide the necessary scientific knowledge for the specialized modules of the subsequent studies.
• From the third semester onwards, in-depth content from the fields of chemistry, molecular biology and process engineering follows. These are supplemented by a compulsory research internship and elective modules.
• The Bachelor’s thesis concludes the program.

In detail:

• Program structure (sample curriculum) (German) (PDF 178 KB)
• Module catalog (German) (PDF 1 MB)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is usually German. This means that most of the modules are offered in German. Some courses may, however, be taught in English. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview. To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic advisor of this program.  

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 2,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

How does the application process work? [Bachelor]

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

An application for the summer semester is only possible for higher subject semesters. Application deadline: 15.01.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

This is a program with unrestricted access. There is no selection procedure. You will receive confirmation of your application 

• after submission of the online application and all documents in a formally correct manner by the deadline
• and after your documents have been reviewed. 

During your first year of studies, the "Grundlagen- and Orientierungsprüfung" has to be completed. It consists of six examinations based on the mandatory modules in mathematics, physics, statistics, general chemistry, physical chemistry and basics of organic chemistry.

• Unrestricted Admission