Master of Science Biotechnology

The trinational Biotechnology degree program is offered jointly by the Upper Rhine universities of Freiburg im Breisgau, Basel, and Strasbourg. Students from France, Switzerland, and Germany receive an interdisciplinary education in the field of biotechnology. Courses are primarily held at the École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS), which is part of the Université de Strasbourg. The language of instruction is generally English. Parts of the curriculum, primarily laboratory courses, are offered in block format at the partner universities in Freiburg and Basel. During these courses, students spend two to six weeks at the participating partner universities.

Biotechnology is one of the key technologies of the 21st century for addressing global challenges in areas such as food security, healthcare, environmental protection, and climate change. Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on the use of biological building blocks (organisms, cells, or biomolecules) in technical applications and industrial production. The goal is to produce and improve relevant products. Historically established biotechnological processes, such as beer brewing or cheese making, illustrate the long-standing application of this approach. The areas of application for modern biotechnology include, among others, biotechnological processes in pharmaceutical production, energy generation, food production, and environmental biotechnology.

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Biotechnology uses biological processes to develop technical methods and is therefore an interdisciplinary science that integrates insights from biology, chemistry, and engineering. The biology component covers topics such as cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, synthetic biology, and plant biology. Chemistry, through biochemistry and analytical chemistry, contributes significantly to the further development of methods and processes. Application-oriented engineering disciplines, such as process engineering, enable the technical implementation of production processes. In addition, mathematical modeling of systems and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly being applied.

ESBS offers an excellent academic environment. Located in the heart of the Upper Rhine Valley, the university benefits from a scientific and multicultural environment, particularly through the presence of state-of-the-art laboratories and companies (Evolva, Roche, Merck Millipore, Sanofi, Transgène, Novartis, Lilly). The interdisciplinary curriculum is implemented through collaboration among the three universities in Basel, Freiburg, and Strasbourg. The majority of instruction (in English) takes place at the École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) in Strasbourg, with individual projects, internships, and lectures also held in Basel and Freiburg.

Structure and Degrees

Students who have completed four semesters of the undergraduate Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology at the University of Freiburg may enter the first year at ESBS and, after two semesters, earn the “Bachelor of Science Biology Specialization Biotechnology” from the University of Freiburg. After successfully completing three years at ESBS, students are awarded the “Diplôme d’Ingénieur en Biotechnologies”. Concurrently, they can earn the “Master of Science (M.Sc.) Biology Specialization Biotechnology.”

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn an “M.Sc. Biology Specialization Biotechnology” through a two-year master’s program. Under a joint agreement between the universities regarding a collaborative master’s program in biotechnology, the University of Strasbourg also awards the “Master en Biotechnologies”.

The “Diplôme d’Ingénieur en Biotechnologies” and the “M.Sc. Biology Specialization Biotechnology” can also be combined in a three-year program.

Profile and Requirements

Biotechnology Specialization in the B.Sc. Biology

Students who have completed four semesters of the undergraduate Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology program at the University of Freiburg may pursue the Biotechnology specialization starting in the fifth semester. Applications must be submitted by June 30. The academic training in the Biotechnology specialization continues during the 5th and 6th semesters at the École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) at the University of Strasbourg and corresponds to the first year of the “Diplôme d’Ingénieur en Biotechnologie” program. In the bachelor’s module, students must complete a bachelor’s thesis on a topic in the field of biotechnology during the sixth semester. Upon passing the final examination, the academic degree “Bachelor of Science in Biology” with the designation “Specialization in Biotechnology” is awarded.

Requirements:

120 ECTS credits in the B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Freiburg (semesters 1–4, basic modules in Biology, basic modules in Natural Sciences, 2 profile-modules, 4 ECTS credits in BOK)
Students from other universities may apply if all of the above-mentioned credits can be recognized upon transfer to the B.Sc. in Biology program at the University of Freiburg (see Recognition and Transfer of Credits).
Englisch B1

Biotechnology Specialization in the M.Sc. Biology

The University of Freiburg, in cooperation with the University of Strasbourg, the University of Basel, and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, offers a two-year master’s program in biology with a specialization in biotechnology. The program is primarily held at the École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) at the University of Strasbourg. Parts of the curriculum, mainly laboratory courses, are held in blocks (14 weeks in total) at the partner universities in Freiburg and Basel.

In the second semester of the master’s program, students choose an individual specialization from the fields of synthetic biology, plant biotechnology/high-throughput analyses, or engineering/bioproduction. In the fourth semester, students must complete a six-month master’s thesis on a topic in the field of biotechnology. Upon successful completion of the master’s thesis, the University of Freiburg awards the academic degree “Master of Science in Biology” with the designation “Specialization in Biotechnology.” Based on a joint agreement on cooperation between the universities, the University of Strasbourg simultaneously awards the “Master en Biotechnologies, parcours Biotechnologie Synthétique” or “Biotechnologie et analyse Haut Débit.”

Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in biology or an equivalent program of at least three years’ duration from a German or foreign university (Minimum requirements: 100 ECTS credits in biology-related fields, 20 ECTS credits in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, as well as a bachelor’s thesis in the form of an independent experimental or theoretical project in biology worth at least 10 ECTS credits)
grade point average of at minimum 2.9
Englisch B2

Engineering diploma in Biotechnology (combined with a Biotechnology specialization)

In the three-year “Biotechnology Engineering” program, students acquire the basics of the natural sciences and engineering. In addition, the program fosters interdisciplinary skills in the fields of business, communication, and languages. The curriculum combines in-depth expertise in all areas of modern biotechnology with practice-oriented instruction, provides early exposure to industry, and thus creates excellent career prospects.

Strasbourg

For more than three decades, the Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) has offered the renowned trinational biotechnology program, which leads to the Diplôme d’Ingénieur en Biotechnologie.

Over the course of a three-year program, students acquire a solid foundation in the natural and engineering sciences. In addition, interdisciplinary skills in the fields of business, communication, and languages are fostered. The curriculum thus combines in-depth expertise in all areas of modern biotechnology with the ability to seamlessly integrate into the health and environmental sectors, as well as into research, development, and production.

The ESBS main campus is located in the Illkirch-Strasbourg district, in the southern part of Strasbourg, within the Parc d’Innovation. This technology hub is surrounded by international biotechnology companies and offers students excellent opportunities for practical projects, networking, and corporate collaborations.

Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It has a strong research profile, enjoys a high international reputation, and ranks among the top German universities.

Since 2018, the University of Freiburg has been offering a joint master’s program in biotechnology in cooperation with ESBS in Strasbourg and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences.

The Faculty of Biology at the University of Freiburg provides the teaching in plant sciences and plant biotechnology for the trinational biotechnology program. Students in the trinational Biotechnology program complete 6 weeks of “Plant Biology Practicals” in Freiburg. Students in the Master’s program also spend a total of 8 weeks in Freiburg working on laboratory projects in the specialization tracks “Plant Biotechnology” or “Synthetic Biology”.

Basel

The interdisciplinary Biozentrum is the largest natural sciences department at the University of Basel. Its focus is on basic molecular and biomedical research and teaching. With strong ties to partners in academia and industry, the Biozentrum holds a leading position both nationally and internationally. It hosts lectures and laboratory courses in microbiology as part of the trinational biotechnology degree program.

Offenburg

Offenburg University of Applied Sciences enjoys an excellent reputation, particularly in the field of process engineering, where the automated control of biotechnological processes is studied. Students benefit from personalized guidance from faculty members, a wide range of services, and close ties to the regional business community. In Offenburg, laboratory projects are conducted within the “Engineering/Bioproduction” specialization

Requirements

Application for the Biotechnology specialization in the B.Sc. in Biology:

120 ECTS in the B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Freiburg (1st–4th semesters, compulsory basic modules in Biology, compulsory basic modules in Natural Sciences, 2 profile modules, 4 ECTS BOK)
Students from other universities may apply if all of the above-mentioned credits can be recognized upon transfer to the B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Freiburg. (see Recognition and Transfer of Credits).
English B1

Application for the Biotechnology specialization in the M.Sc. in Biology:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or an equivalent program of at least three years’ duration from a German or foreign university (minimum requirements: 100 ECTS credits in biology-related fields, 20 ECTS credits in chemistry/mathematics/physics, and a biology thesis worth at least 10 ECTS credits)
Average grade of at least 2.9
English B2

Application documents

Application Form
Tabular CV
Short letter of motivation
Copy of high school diploma
Copy of bachelor’s degree certificate (or proof of impending graduation)
Transcript of records, including ECTS credits

A selection committee will evaluate the application materials and the interview at the University of Freiburg.

Procedure

Please send your completed application materials to trinat@biologie.uni-freiburg.de by June 30.
If you meet the requirements, you will be invited via email to an interview in Freiburg in early July.
A few days later, you will receive notification of whether you have been admitted.
We will then ask you to let us know in writing within one week whether you accept the spot.
You will then receive a welcome package with all the important information about starting your studies at ESBS.

Regular classes at ESBS usually begin in late September. Intensive language courses in English and French are held starting in the first week of September.

Students

The small class size of approximately 40 students per year ensures individual supervision by lecturers, so that the specified duration of study—four or six semesters—is generally adhered to. The personal atmosphere also fosters the development of soft skills such as communication and teamwork skills, responsibility and social competence. The program’s international focus promotes ease with languages as well as curiosity and an open-minded attitude, enabling ESBS graduates to thrive in their careers around the world today.

Student association “Amicale”

Amicale

The Amicale is the student association at ESBS. It promotes, organizes, and funds events for students as well as sports and recreational activities, and works with class representatives to maintain contact with the administration and faculty.

Every year, the Amicale organizes the reception and integration of first-year students. An established mentoring program offers first-year students support during their integration and throughout their studies by providing helpful tips and sharing experiences.

Alumni association

AAE

The ESBS Alumni Association (AAE) organizes and supports events that strengthen the ESBS alumni network. With a growing network of over 1,000 members, the AAE offers a highly active portal for job and internship opportunities that supports current and former students throughout their professional careers. The AAE also organizes networking events that bring together all members of the ESBS family. The highlights of these efforts are the Alumni Days, which have been held every two years since 2005. These events offer a wide variety of career-related lectures and workshops, as well as opportunities to exchange ideas, opinions, and knowledge, to renew old friendships—and make new ones.
The ESBS Alumni Association also places great importance on making its resources available to current students. Alumni are encouraged to share their knowledge by leading seminars, participating in the mentoring program, or offering workshops on resumes and cover letters.

NGB

The association “Nouvelle Génération des Biotechnologistes” was founded in 2009 by students at ESBS who wanted to build a network of young biotechnologists. Their goal is also to establish connections between students and companies to facilitate their transition into the professional world. To this end, the association organizes various events, including lectures, panel discussions, visits to local companies, and more. The NGB is also active at the European level through the YEBN (Young European Biotech Network), which brings together similar associations from across Europe.

Integration of Industry

Throughout the program, there are numerous opportunities to network with potential employers. Biotechnology companies are represented on the ESBS advisory board and contribute to the design of the curriculum. Internships play a major role in this program. In addition to the laboratory internships that accompany the lectures, external internships are firmly integrated into the curriculum. To complete their theses, students seek out research laboratories in academia or industry worldwide.

Various industry internships and seminars led by company representatives offer ESBS students the opportunity to gain insight into the industry and build professional networks alongside their university studies. ESBS has an active alumni association that maintains contact between ESBS and former students. This means there are plenty of contacts who are already established in their careers. Once a year, an alumni day is held, during which former ESBS students come to Strasbourg to share their experiences.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science and the French “Diplôme d’Ingénieur en Biotechnologie” are internationally recognized and provide a fast track to the job market or to a doctoral program. ESBS graduates find interesting career opportunities worldwide in many fields, such as research and development, management, quality assurance, and education.

Career opportunities are available in research and development in industry (e.g., the pharmaceutical and food industries, plant engineering/environmental technology) and at universities in all areas of biotechnology. Entry-level opportunities can be found in the areas of production, research and development, marketing, product and process development, or bioinformatics. Another option is working in relevant government agencies and ministries as consultants on issues related to international development programs, applied technologies, environmental problems, or resource security. The path to a Ph.D. is also open.

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Contact

Dr. Cornelia Klose

Program coordination

trinat@biologie.uni-freiburg.de