Overview of study courses

The interdisciplinary biological-geoscientifical approach enables alumni to control stability and sustainability of natural systems in the environment. Thus, this course of studies is predestined to provide a basis for a master course, which qualifies for occupations within research fields, e. g. at universities and research institutes.

Additionally, the industry shows a growing interest in biologically and geoscientifically educated students. The bigger part of the daily business of engineers' offices is the decontamination of past pollution. Here, the intention is to employ alumni with an appropriate qualification rather than the respective experts. Even greater companies find interdisciplinary approaches linked to the specialisation in environmentally relevant fields attractive. The chances for alumni to start a professional career even within the private enterprise, can thus be estimated very positively.

Microbiologists perform research on the biological mechanisms of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, algae or filamentous fungi and their role in element cycles. The knowledge can be applied in medicine, environment protection, nutrition or agronomy and forestry.

In Science and Development, microbiologists thus find an attractive area working with other disciplines (biological subdisciplines, chemistry, medicine, pharmacy or biotechnology) using recent advances in genome and proteome analyses or working with genetically modified organisms. Main input from research on microbes is necessary to application in biotech for the production and formulation of pharmaceuticals like antibiotics or vaccines, for the treatment of waste waters and soil contamination, or for the improvement of nutrient supply with pure cultures of microorganisms and the investigation of their potential.

Within the Pharmaceutical Industry or in Biotech Companies, microbiology alumni thus are highly welcome.

In Industry Concerning Nutrition (e.g. breweries, wine making, milk processing, meat and sausage or fish processing, in vegetable or fruit industry, or starch production) microbiological safety is of high importance for the production process and quality control as well as optimizing technological processing.

Chemical Industry (like with production of plant protection agents or disinfectants) applies microbiological research.

In Medical Diagnosis or Food Safety, identification of microbes is essential. Here, microbiologists are involved in producing concepts for therapy or protection.

Other potential jobs for microbiologists are with Public Administration or with Education at universities, schools etc.