Biotechnology – (M.Sc.)

The program is research-oriented and taught by an international faculty, engaged in research covering a wide range of topics. Students benefit from a high staff-to-student ratio, world-class research and teaching facilities and excellent equipment and infrastructure. The curriculum includes within 2-3 semester compulsory courses in two core subject areas: Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical production. In addition, students select optional courses from a broad spectrum of advanced topics in chemical and bioengineering, process engineering, as well as topics from fluid dynamics, environmental sciences, energy and related areas. The program requirements also include a research project and a Master's thesis of 16 weeks' duration.

Knowledge
Graduates in Biotechnology will:

* command sound knowledge of the fundamental principles and state-of-the-art methods of biotechnology, in particular in the areas of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, bioreactor design, process control, up- and downstream processing, metabolic engineering of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems, in-silica mod¬eling of cellular processes, design of protein therapeutics, gene therapy and tissue engineering,
* have advanced knowledge of some specific areas of biotechnology by having carried out at least one research project and a master thesis,
* have an understanding of the most important research issues in their field of study,
* command knowledge of the basics of chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biology, safety and environmental aspects, and of some key elements in economy and management and in social sciences, be aware of connections of biotechnology with these disciplines, and be able to engage in interdisciplinary work.

Competence
Graduates in Biotechnology will be able to apply their theoretical knowledge. In particular, they will be able to:

* engineer and exploit therapeutic cell phenotypes,
* manage molecular cell interventions to foster therapeutic advances,
* conceive and apply therapies for untreatable pathologies,
* conceive tissue engineering and gene therapy concepts from a biopharmaceutical manufacturing perspective,
* cover advances in diagnostics,
* interface with other life science experts in areas of therapeutic relevance,
* design and develop new, and optimize existing biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes using different prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell systems,
* conceive and develop in-silica models for the simulation and understanding of physiologic processes,
* conceive and evaluate economically the feasibility of the production process of a given protein therapeutic or small-molecule drug.

General skills
Graduates in Biotechnology will:

* be thoroughly familiar with common methods and paradigms of scientifically based activities, i.e. understand the role of formal models and results from the life sciences and engineering in exploring and designing technical and molecular systems,
* be able to apply methods and techniques that they have acquired to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, to solve problems and to carry out projects,
* be able to evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data, in order to make judgments and to contribute to solutions of complex issues,
* have an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity, and limitations of knowledge,
* have an awareness of their need to update their knowledge and skills, and have the ability and readiness needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or academic nature,
* be able to work in a team and in the context of larger projects,
* be able to communicate information; ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non specialist audiences,
* have awareness of possible ethical; safety, societal, environmental, and economic implications of their discipline, and of the role of sustainable development with its effect on society.