The semesters are divided into four block modules of four weeks each, giving you the opportunity to devote yourself intensively to a specific subject area. In a block module, you will deepen the knowledge you have acquired in the lectures, seminars, and practical courses. The modules usually conclude with an examination on the Friday of the fourth module week. The block periods are organized uniformly in the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Sciences, which allows you to design your schedule of modules in an interdisciplinary manner. The block periods mean that you have no exams or other obligations during the time between semesters and can organize them as you wish.

You can find information about the individual modules in the module catalog.

During the first semester...
... you will acquire advanced knowledge of microorganisms, proteins, biocatalysis, genetic engineering, and analytical methods. You will immerse yourself in the world of food microbiology, the cultivation of recombinant strains, product formation using whole cells or their enzymes, and receive a comprehensive introduction to the associated research strategies.

In the second and third semesters...
you plan your studies according to your individual interests and your desired specialization. For example, you can focus on enzymatic production processes and their use in industry or on food microbiology and the reproduction of microorganisms. Whatever individual orientation you choose for your studies, it is certain that you will be steadily introduced to independent research from the second semester onwards. 

You can use the third semester for a stay abroad or an internship before completing your studies in the fourth semester with a research-intensive Master’s thesis.
Here you have all the freedom you need to make the most of your time at university!

In your Master's thesis ...
... you will have the opportunity to work in a team on current, experimental research projects. This not only enables you to apply your acquired knowledge and expand your practical skills, but also to make a creative contribution to innovation in biotechnology.

You want to find out more?
For detailed information on the timescale and structure of your studies, you can find this on this page in the Downloads section.

Study objectives

As a “Hohenheim biologist” you are able to: 

• develop complex biotechnological production processes in life science companies.
• discover new ways of using enzymes and microorganisms sustainably in the life science industry. 
• implement current molecular biological and biochemical methods in innovative problem-solving strategies
• modify current methods if this is necessary to solve a specific task
• contribute your interdisciplinary knowledge to the various areas of the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.