You should have a general interest in the natural sciences, especially molecular biology, microbiology, and chemistry. Knowledge from advanced courses taken in school is helpful in this regard, but not a requirement. As you will undertake a range of practical laboratory work, you should enjoy conducting experiments independently.

Much of the specialist literature is written in English. Therefore, your English skills should be good enough to read and understand these texts.

The first five semesters of the six-semester degree program are clearly structured with a series of modules that build on each other. As a result, you won’t be able to select a specialization until the 6th academic semester. That semester is then exclusively reserved for the research-oriented modules; one dedicated to project work and the other to your bachelor’s thesis. Both research modules are, generally speaking, connected to the fields at the core of the degree program (biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences).

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Given the tight structure of the degree program, a stay abroad is best suited for the sixth semester when you are undertaking the project work.

Internships

Research internships can be undertaken within the university in the subjects of cellular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics. The sixth semester is dedicated to completing project work (research internship).

Even voluntary internships are a good way to learn about a career field.

Company-based, non-university internships in a variety of fields can help you determine which careers or industries are of interest to you. This will help you shape your career path, but also mold your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

With a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biotechnology, you will possess fundamental understanding and skills in fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, and biotechnology. Moreover, you will have acquired a fundamental understanding of molecular biotechnical research.

You will have the essential skills and knowledge to take on an entry-level position in this field. Those looking to earn an intermediate or high-level position in this field (position of responsibility within a laboratory, scientific research) are generally advised to acquire a master’s degree or doctorate.

Typical professional fields for graduates of the bachelor’s degree program include:

• Lab work in biotechnical or chemical/pharmaceutical research
• Fundamental biotechnical lab research
• Biotechnical production, analytics, and documentation
• Involvement in the development of procedures or processes
• Process validation
• Sales and documentation (chemicals, equipment, pharmaceuticals, consumables)
• Work for agencies and administration (such as approval agencies, trade controls, chemical safety, genetic engineering monitoring, etc.)

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.