Biotechnology University of Hohenheim

The interdisciplinary and research-oriented Master's programme in Biotechnology is concerned with the properties, the production processes and the manifold applications of enzymes and microorganisms in the food industry, in its supplying industries and for bioanalytical purposes.

In this programme, you will explore enzymatic production processes. Biochemical methods, including the purification, characterisation and immobilisation of enzymes, enzyme kinetics, gene expression and the mutagenesis of recombinant enzymes, find their application here. Additionally, you will gain a thorough understanding of pathogens and the importance of hygiene in food production, which is essential for utilising microorganisms and enzymes in the life science industry. The combination of innovation and safe processing is at the core of this programme.

During the first semester, you will acquire fundamental knowledge of the identification and recovery of enzymes and microorganisms in the life sciences and its connected industries. This includes a comprehensive introduction to food microbiology, enzyme analysis, and their corresponding methodologies and research strategies.

From the second semester onwards, you will freely plan your studies according to your individual interests and preferred areas of specialisation. You can focus on enzymatic production processes and their utilisation in the industrial sector and thus acquire expertise in biochemical methods, including the purification, characterisation, and immobilisation of enzymes, enzyme kinetics, and gene expression. Knowledge in the development and analysis of the effectiveness of biofunctional and technofunctional components, such as enzymes, antioxidants, pro- and prebiotics, dyes, and bioactive peptides, will be acquired. In the field of food microbiology, a thorough understanding of pathogens and the importance of hygiene in food production is demanded, which is essential for utilising microorganisms and enzymes in the life science industry. You will focus on controlling the production of microorganisms – from starter cultures to bioreactors– and on determining their genetic functions by regulating gene expression to produce specific proteins. But you will also be able to become a generalist in the field of biotechnology. In any case, no matter which direction you take, you will increasingly do independent research from the second semester onwards.

Some of the modules include excursions to relevant industry locations and businesses. Furthermore, the module catalogue also includes modules in the areas of food science and technology, nutritional sciences, and biology. This will allow you to develop your scientific qualifications to include subject areas adjacent to and beyond the field of biotechnology.

A research-intensive Master's thesis at a department of your choice is preceded by the completion of a research project at the same department, introducing you to the research group and their current projects. Your Master's thesis will then be integrated into ongoing research at the Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, and it will allow you to demonstrate your ability to do independent scientific work.

Students have the opportunity to complete an internship lasting a minimum of six weeks, in the context of an elective module. This internship may be integrated flexibly into the course of studies.

Applicants are required to prove...

• A completed Bachelor's programme (or equivalent) with a profile in the natural sciences or engineering
• Subject-specific knowledge in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and process engineering (at least 80 points out of 130)
• Documented proof of good English language skills (level B2)
• A score of at least 50% on an electronic aptitude test

Universities in Baden-Württemberg require their students to pay a semester contribution towards the administration costs, for student services and for the Student Parliament. Student services provide many benefits, such as discounted tickets for public transportation. The semester contribution amounts to approx. 175 EUR per semester.

Baden-Württemberg has the highest standard of living in Germany. The downside is that living costs are slightly above the German average. However, the cost of living can vary enormously depending on your personal lifestyle and where you live. It is generally more expensive to live in a bigger city like Stuttgart, where the University of Hohenheim is located. As a rule of thumb, 950 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month should be enough. The largest monthly expense is usually for rent, accounting for a third of the total cost of living for most students. These costs can be cut substantially by sharing a flat or living in a dorm. A typical example of monthly expenses could look like this:

• Rent: 350 EUR to 500 EUR
• Health insurance: approx. 110 EUR
• Public transport: approx. 60 EUR
• Study materials: 100 EUR
• Food and drink: 150 EUR to 250 EUR
• Leisure and hobbies: approx. 100 EUR

Student residences on campus

At the University of Hohenheim, several student residence halls are located on campus. They are managed by Student Services Tübingen-Hohenheim. There is a high demand for these rooms, which is why usually only a small number of applications will be successful.

International (non-EU) students have a much more difficult time than Germans in finding private accommodation at the start of their studies when they are searching from their home countries. Therefore, the university provides a quota of rooms for international students. This enables a larger number of new international students to have a room in a residence hall. To be able to offer this special assistance at the start of studies, the rental duration for these rooms is limited to two years for Master's students.

Additionally, the house-hunting assistance offers support in finding a room on the private market.

The oldest university in Stuttgart, the University of Hohenheim, is unique in its strong specialisation.

Founded in 1818 after devastating famines, the University of Hohenheim is not only engaged in intensive basic research but has traditionally always been committed to developing innovative solutions for some of society's pressing problems. To do so, the University of Hohenheim engages in a combination of scientific disciplines that is unique among German universities.

Strong in research and exceptionally well-connected

Today, the University of Hohenheim is the leading university in agricultural research and food sciences, as well as strong and unparalleled in natural, social, business, economic, and communication sciences. The combination makes it possible to find solutions for many global challenges. This is why the university puts great importance on maintaining an international network with numerous strong partners.

Award-winning range of degree programmes

The degree programmes at the University of Hohenheim are innovative and adventurous. The “Mobile Teaching” and “Humboldt Reloaded” pilot projects, promoting research-oriented studies, have been given the Ars Legendi Prize for excellence in teaching and other awards.

Specialisation Bioeconomy

Bioeconomy is a joint specialisation of research and teaching in all subjects. This specialisation addresses the economics of the future, with new products and new production processes, involving raw material from plants, animals, or microorganisms.

The green campus of short distances

The "green campus" of the University of Hohenheim is a concept that pertains not only to the content of its innovative programmes but also to the lush green environment on its campus. The green campus, with its short distances all around the Hohenheim Palace, is known as the most beautiful campus in the state. The university members value its personal atmosphere as well as the way that the campus facilitates a close proximity to colleagues.

The University of Hohenheim is located in Stuttgart, the capital of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Why is Baden-Württemberg such a popular place to live and work? Probably because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country. Where there's a strong economy, there is also a strong education system.

If you ask someone abroad, "What is Stuttgart famous for?", the answer is invariably, "Porsche, Mercedes and Bosch!" All these premium global players and many more have production sites in Stuttgart or in the region. As a result, they contribute to Baden-Württemberg's excellent reputation as one of the economic powerhouses of Europe.

Within Germany, Baden-Württemberg is at the forefront of the country's energy policy turnaround. The development and expansion of a sustainable energy economy is a top priority in the south-west.

What should we be famous for?

Many things that make Stuttgart and the region special are not known abroad. Because you will stay here for a semester or two, you should know more about it:

• The Swabians are proud of the Swabian cuisine: Maultaschen (filled pasta), Spätzle (egg noodles) and Schnitzel. You will definitely love the Swabian specialities, including the famous German beer and the wines of Württemberg.
• Stuttgart is also famous for the "Cannstatter Wasen". This is the second biggest beer festival in Germany after Oktoberfest. It attracts more than four million visitors every year. The first Wasen was celebrated in honour of the foundation of the University of Hohenheim 200 years ago!
• Or maybe the region should be famous for the fact that the sun shines more often and for more hours here in the south-west than anywhere else in Germany. Additionally, the low crime rate means that Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest German federal states. As you might expect, it thus tops the scale of life expectancy and quality of life. 
• We are proud of the diversity in our city! People from all over the world are living in Stuttgart. Stuttgart is an example of combining cosmopolitanism and successful integration. No other city in Germany has a higher proportion of international citizens. We are convinced that it is this diversity that makes us strong!