Molecular Biotechnology

Classical biotechnology has focused mainly on the production process and related questions concerning technical processes (such as fermentation, etc.). In the age of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, however, it has become much simpler to optimize or reprogram the cell itself. Further, we are no longer limited to “overproducing” only those substances that occur naturally. It is now possible to design and efficiently synthesize artificial biomolecules with enhanced or even new functions. 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. Protein design enables the production of novel active ingredients in medicine, for example, or of “molecular tools” for use in research and laboratory work, or in a whole range of technical areas (from environmental analysis to biochips).

The bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology commences with the production and design of biomolecules. In this context, it combines methods from genetic engineering, protein chemistry and biophysics in an interdisciplinary approach with databases and computer simulations (bioinformatics).

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

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Molecular Biotechnology (PDF, German)

Due to the large number of required courses, graduates possess well-founded and, to some extent, already specialized knowledge of molecular biotechnology (e.g. in the disciplines of genetic engineering, protein engineering and metabolic engineering), which they can use to solve simple scientific questions. They are familiar with modern analytical instruments and techniques. Thanks to numerous internships in the laboratory and exercises dealing with a variety of topics, graduates possess methodological and manual skills.

In addition, they will have acquired further competencies correlating to their individual interests and choice of elective studies. These may relate, for example, to soft skills, project management, bioethical questions or various languages too.

Upon completion of the bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology, their first professional qualification (Bachelor of Science) allows graduates to seek employment in industry. In addition to the large-scale pharmaceuticals and chemicals industries, for example, the biotechnology sector in particular can be considered a possible sphere of activity. Given the continuous growth of the biotechnology sector, future graduates can expect to have very good prospects on the labor market.

The six-semester TUM bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology generally commences every winter semester. The aim of the bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology is to provide undergraduate students with a specialized, fundamental education in molecular biology, biotechnology and biochemistry. The curriculum incorporates required modules totaling 150 credits that foster expert competencies in all three disciplines, as well as neighboring disciplines and the core natural sciences. In addition, students choose from a list of required elective modules amounting to 10 credits. Elective modules worth at least 5 credits in the area of general education/extradisciplinary fundamentals complement the spectrum of the program.

Finally, students complete a bachelor’s thesis (12 credits), the assessment of which contributes to their overall grade and concludes with a colloquium (3 credits).

• Overview degree program structure (PDF 123 KB)
• Module catalog: Description of program content (PDF 3 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
• Information on internships

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.

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?
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• 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. 

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

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

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

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.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure evaluating your ability to successfully manage the particular qualitative requirements of the bachelor’s program.

In the first stage, your overall secondary school grades, your grades in subject-specific courses, and any relevant practical experience or additional qualifications will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview.

• Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor
• Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 163 KB)