What to expect in the Food Science and Biotechnology program

Food science and biotechnology is part of the field of life sciences. Food consists of natural raw materials of plant, animal, and also microbiological origin. It involves the conversion of these biological materials (e.g., cereals or milk) into high-quality foods including specialty foods or dietary products. Flavors and colorants are also used to make the food tasty, safe, and appealing. In addition to the production of "traditional" foods, there is also a focus on the development of modern products (e.g., protein drinks or vegan alternatives).

The program combines biochemical, microbiological, and engineering science, but also economic contents and is thus strongly interdisciplinary. On the one hand, you will deal with the reactions that take place during the processing of natural raw materials, and on the other hand with the technical processes used in industrial food production. Sensor technology as well as data analysis (e.g., machine learning and AI) for process optimization, product development, and quality assurance also play an important role. You will also learn to consider legal, economic, and ecological aspects.

You will deal with the following questions, among others: How can new processes/technologies be used to reduce CO2 emissions in food production? How do reduced-fat foods become creamier and more flavorful? Which technologies are best suited for developing vegan alternatives to meat and dairy products without additives?

Acquiring scientific and analytical methodological competence is also an important part of your studies so you can identify problems independently in your future profession, work on them scientifically, and develop approaches to solutions.

• In comparison: All degree programs of the Faculty of Natural Sciences
  

In the 1st - 3rd semester you will learn basic science skills in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. These basics are essential in order to be able to understand the subject-specific content later on. Here, you will work on practical topics in the laboratory right from the start. You will also gain initial insights into food biotechnology and technologies. Contents include biochemical reactions as well as microbial, molecular biological, and analytical methods for technical treatment processes of natural substances, as well as the technical procedures for processing them.

Starting with the 4th semester, you can customize your studies and choose courses according to your interests. This allows you to create an individual profile. You also have the opportunity to integrate an internship into your studies. You can specialize and deepen your knowledge in a specific area (e.g., in food informatics, technologies of vegan alternatives or dairy, grain, or biotechnology) or you can take a broad approach and take courses from a wide variety of areas. For this you choose 5 courses from the semi-elective area and 6 courses from the free elective area.

At the end of your studies, you will write your Bachelor’s thesis. You pick experimental work in a department that has a laboratory or technical center focus, depending on your interests and inclinations.

You want to know more?

Detailed information about the course and structure of the degree program can be downloaded here:

Curriculum

• Module descriptions
• Info about the internship

Before you begin your studies, it is helpful to double-check whether the Food Science and Biotechnology program is right for you. To apply, you must first meet formal criteria:

(I) University entrance qualification
(II) Study orientation test

In addition, the degree program should fit your interests and personality. The best way to check whether this is the case is to look at the information above. For a better understanding of the degree program, our graphic shows you which school subjects are in this program. Have the study contents aroused your interest?

Here is another brief overview of the most important interests and skills you should bring with you:

• Wide-ranging fields of interest, willingness to learn, and curiosity about science and technology.
• Enjoy experimental as well as hands-on work in the laboratory and on technical equipment.
• Good knowledge of scientific basics and aptitude in chemistry, biology, math, and physics: Don't worry, if there are gaps in your knowledge, pre-courses are offered and tutorials are conducted.
  
  

• With this degree program, you will be well prepared for the future. Healthy and sustainable food is becoming increasingly important to consumers.
• The combination of different disciplines makes this degree program diverse and gives you the freedom to specialize according to your interests, strengths, and future plans.
• You can organize your studies individually and flexibly. 35% of the study content can be freely chosen. You can follow through with your studies with an integrated internship and semester abroad, or you can take time off to gain more practical experience or to travel.
• You will learn from leading experts in food science. The University of Hohenheim is Germany's No. 1 in Food Sciences in several rankings.
• We have an excellent network and maintain close contacts with industrial companies and research institutions. This offers numerous opportunities to gain practical experience, e.g. by working on research projects, practicing in the lab, or participating in field trips.