The Master studies course Molecular Biotechnology is a consecutive course of studies for the Bachelor degrees in Molecular Biotechnology, Biology and Molecular Biology at Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz (JGU) or equivalent courses of studies at other universities.
The Master's program in Molecular Biotechnology is offered in English only.
Information on the Bachelor degree program "Molekulare Biotechnologie" (in German language) can be found here.
The aim of the Molecular Biotechnology Master's program is to train a new generation of biotechnologists who have in-depth knowledge and skills in the fields of biochemistry, microbiology and physiology. This interdisciplinary program, which is carried out jointly by the fields of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Biology, includes a master’s degree program and a previous bachelor’s degree program.
While "technology-oriented biotechnology" is generally characterized by technical content and methods of process engineering, the molecular biotechnology course at JGU has a different approach. The term "biotechnology" means primarily the identification, further development, use and application of processes and components in and from microorganisms.
Particular attention is paid to the identification and characterization of pharmaceutically active substances from microorganisms and their biosynthetic pathways. Identified lead structures are used for drug development in the areas of disease therapy and plant protection.
The master's program in molecular biotechnology thus lays the foundations for later interdisciplinary work in a research-oriented environment. It is therefore interesting for people who have a broad interest in chemical, biological and biotechnological issues and who see their strengths in the life sciences.
Due to their extensive training, molecular biotechnologists are able to implement interdisciplinary approaches. Depending on the focus, they compete with biochemists, biologists and other biotechnologists when starting their careers.
Employment opportunities are mainly in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (research, analysis, process development, production, application technology, marketing, patenting, documentation), at universities and research institutions and in public administration.
It is expected that most of the graduates of the Master's program in Molecular Biotechnology will pursue a doctorate. There is a wide range of doctoral opportunities at the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Chemistry, Pharmacy, Geography and Earth Sciences, the University Medical Center and at affiliated research centers such as the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research or the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry as well as the "Institut für Biotechnologie und Wirkstoff-Forschung".
Responsible for Studies course/Recognition of certificates: Prof. Dr. Eckhard Thines/Prof. Dr. Ralf Heermann
Fachstudienberatung: Dr. Günther Ochs
Prüfungsamt: Dr. Peter Schubert