Industrial biotechnology
Note: This degree program will be renamed “Biotechnology” in the winter semester 2026/2027!
Are you fascinated by the possibilities for making use of biological processes in technology? You will learn about this type of technology in our bachelor's degree program. Working with us, for example, you will manufacture pharmaceutical products and a wide range of substances used in everyday life. We will teach you all you need to know about biotechnology for your future career in business, development, and research.
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
You will bring one of the following educational backgrounds:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Specialized university entrance qualification
- Advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife)
- Professional qualification (Case-by-case examination)
German language level: C1
1. Semester
- Food biotechnology
- Introduction to business administration
- English for technologists
- Differential and integral calculation
- General chemistry
- Experimental physics – mechanics
2. Semester
- Fundamentals of Biotechnology
- Probability Theory and Statistics
- Experimental Physics - Electrodynamics
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
3. Semester
- Chemical analysis practical
- Fundamentals of microbiology
- Fundamentals of industrial engineering
- Fundamentals of process engineering
- Biochemistry and law
- Technical drawing and machine elements
4. Semester
- Fermentation and processing
- Bioprocess development
- Biochemical practical
- Applied microbiology and industrial hygiene
- Process engineering
5. Semester
- Biotechnological processes
- Cell culture and plant engineering
- Quality management for life science technologies
6. Semester
- Applied project
- Bachelor thesis
You can gain knowledge in all major areas of biotechnology, such as:
- Red biotechnology: biotechnological production of pharmaceuticals
- White biotechnology: the biotechnological use of cells and enzymes for the industrial production of fine chemicals and mass-produced goods
- Green biotechnology: the biotechnological use of plants (and plant cells)
- Gray biotechnology: biotechnological processes for environmental protection, such as wastewater treatment
As a graduate of our bachelor’s degree program, you will have a wide range of specialized technical expertise. You will
- understand biological and biochemical processes in microorganisms, as well as in plant and animal cell cultures, and be able to use these to produce different substances
- be able to create favorable growth conditions for cells and plan, monitor, and manage the technical processes required for this purpose
- handle different bioreactors confidently, and be familiar with all laboratory techniques, analyses, and product preparations
- gain insight into process optimization via computer simulations
After completing your degree, you will be a biotechnology engineer.
Your bachelor's degree in Industrial Biotechnology provides you with career prospects in many areas, such as:
- Research and development
- Biotechnological production
- Process management and optimization
- Quality management and product controlling
- System construction and laboratory device development
- Purchasing, marketing, sales, product management
- Environmental technology
- Patents, official agencies, science journalism and adjacent areas in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries
We maintain an extensive network of companies both in Germany and abroad. You benefit directly from this: you can use our corporate contacts to write your thesis in a practical setting at a national or international partner company. Alternatively, we offer you the exciting opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects right here in our lab.
During your degree program, you will gain exciting insight into current research and development work. Our application-oriented topics include, for example:
- Optimizing the production of cancer medications with cell cultures
- Using wood waste materials for biotechnological culture media
- Selecting the optimal cultivation conditions for algae via model-supported test planning
- Manufacturing biodegradable composite materials out of wood chips and mushroom spawn
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to zero hunger
- directly to good health and well-being
- directly to clean water and sanitation
- directly to affordable and clean energy
- directly to industry, innovation and infrastructure
- directly to sustainable cities and communities
- directly to responsible consumption and production
- directly to climate action
Studying at Innovation Campus Lemgo
At the Innovation Campus in Lemgo, you’ll study at one of the most exciting technology hubs in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here you’ll find state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, as well as science-to-business factories. Take, for example, the Centrum Industrial IT, where companies from across the OWL region have established branches. Or the Smart Factory OWL, which demonstrates data and AI management. At the Future Food Factory OWL—unique in Europe—similar activities take place, this time focused on food production. New Work and knowledge transfer converge at InnovationSPIN. Here, TH OWL, the district administration, and the skilled trades demonstrate transparent collaboration and a spirit that fosters innovation. In addition to the Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, the campus is also home to two vocational colleges as well as the Bundesliga handball club TBV Lemgo-Lippe. And best of all: the campus features student housing just a short walk from the university and downtown.
Information
- Application and Enrollment
- Dates and Deadlines
- Tuition
- FAQs on Application and Enrollment
- Study Plan
- Module Handbook
Only the information contained in the currently valid examination regulations for the program, as published in the official bulletin, is authoritative and legally binding. You can find the official bulletins here.
Voices from academia, teaching, and professional practice
Caroline Lonza, Industrial Biotechnology student:
“What I particularly liked about studying in Lemgo was the practical focus, the excellent support, and the application-oriented internships.”
Benedikt Teva, Industrial Biotechnology student:
“I particularly appreciated the excellent guidance, the small working groups, the practical teaching, as well as the good contacts and diverse opportunities to write a thesis in industry.”
Professor Dr.-Ing. Björn Frahm, Industrial Biotechnology:
“I would have always wanted a program structured like this with this curriculum back then.”
Tim Merck, Industrial Biotechnology graduate:
“I was able to build many close connections that still endure today. At first, I was skeptical about the size and reputation of the university, especially regarding future career opportunities. I was quickly proven wrong and felt very comfortable at the university. I would choose TH OWL over a larger university any day. A clear plus for TH OWL: The university addresses the wishes and ‘concerns’ of individual students.”
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advisory Service answers questions about studying at the university
- Offers for study orientation
- Get to know your faculty!
- Click here to go to the subject-specific student advisory service of the faculty
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- Information on the enrollment procedure is available from the Enrollment Office
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is there for you!
Still unanswered questions?
Our Student Service Center will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about application and enrollment:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
E-mail: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.