Bio- & Food Technology bachelor's program

Before studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering

While studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering

After studying Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Overview

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Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Major in Biotechnology

Major in Food Technology

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Study Abroad

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Internship

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RAUCH Fruchtsäfte

Novartis/Sandoz

Biotech, Biodata & Pharma

Food Tech & Science

Are you interested in natural sciences and technology? Would you like to contribute to sustainability goals and help society in providing innovative medication, healthy foods or environmentally relevant technologies? If this sounds like something you are interested in, then this study program might be the perfect fit for you. It offers a wide range of opportunities in the development and manufacturing of products for health, nutrition and environmental protection. The high level of interdisciplinarity and practical relevance will prepare you for a career in the industry.

The degree program Biotechnology & Food Engineering at MCI

Welcome to MCI - The Entrepreneurial School®

Campus Tour at the MCI

The Bachelor's study program in Biotechnology & Food Engineering at MCI is aimed at motivated individuals who are interested in natural sciences and the conversion of raw materials into food or medicines and who want to make these available to society. Biotechnology and food technology are among the key industries of the 21st century, whose major scientific and technical advances are crucial for the sustainable development of society.

Students can specialize in either food technology or biotechnology. Biotechnology focuses on new, rapidly developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The second major, Food Technology, examines how processing technologies, new raw materials and analytics ensure the supply of high-quality food.

The entire course deals with environmentally friendly and efficient processes for health, food and the related areas of renewable raw materials; renewable energies and environmental technologies. Graduates are offered a wide array of exciting career prospects in this field. The entire program deals with the question of how technologies enable the development of environmentally friendly and efficient processes in the health and food sector as well as in the related fields of renewable raw materials, renewable energies and environmental technology. Graduates are offered a wealth of exciting career opportunities in this field.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Griesbeck Head of Department & Studies

Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.

+43 512 2070 - 3800

Why not study at the top?

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is one of the most successful universities in the German-speaking region and Europe. Renowned business experts teach in small groups, distinguished lecturers ensure academic quality in all areas, and the dedicated MCI team supports students in their endeavors such as internships, research, and stays abroad.

Applications for studies are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. In the interests of your further planning, we recommend that you submit your application early.

Applications for several degree programs at MCI in parallel are possible and welcome, as long as the motivation for the chosen studies can be conclusively demonstrated.

Dates & Deadlines

Application deadline	Interview
Nov 17, 2024	Dec 2 - 4, 2024
Feb 2, 2025	Feb 17 - 19, 2025
Apr 6, 2025	Apr 22 - 24, 2025
May 18, 2025	Jun 2 - 4, 2025

Prerequisites

Generally, admission to the program is available to the following persons:

Individuals with a university entrance qualification for a social, business or legal sciences study program (e.g. school-leaving exam, appropriate university entrance equivalency exam etc.)

Individuals without a university entrance qualification, but with relevant professional qualification, provided that one of the following requirements is fulfilled:

school-leaving certificate from a relevant vocational secondary school
completion of a dual education course with a relevant apprenticeship

Applicants without a university entrance qualification with relevant professional qualifications and applicants with a German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Advanced technical college entrance qualification) must also take additional examinations in the following subjects: German, English (B2), Mathematics and Physics in order to fulfill the admission requirements. The level of the examinations corresponds to those of the university entrance qualification examination for natural science subject groups.

Persons in their last year at school wishing to apply for a place on the program before taking their final exams must include their most current school report with their application. Successful applicants must subsequently submit their school-leaving examination certificate before the start of the first semester.

Procedures

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

Preparation (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry)

We offer a course in Basic Mathematics & Science to complement the curriculum and provide the best possible introduction to this study program. If you feel that you are not completely familiar with the secondary school material or have not been studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry intensively for a long time, these pre-science basics are ideal for refreshing the fundamentals and then solving exercises independently during your studies to achieve optimum learning success.

Scope: 1 hour per week per semester (corresponds to 15 teaching units) in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (of which approx. 2/3 in class and 1/3 asynchronously via our learning platform)

Period: in the last two weeks of September

Costs: EUR 75,-

Contact for content-related inquiries

The Biotechnology & Food Engineering study program combines science and technology with the applications of biotechnology and food technology. Thanks to the close cooperation with numerous corporate and research partners, the program has an enormous practical relevance and prepares students excellently for a wide range of tasks in development, production, analysis and quality control in the areas of health, nutrition and environmental protection. From the 4th semester onwards, students can then specialize in biotechnologyor food technology. Students spend a large part of their studies in the laboratory in order to put the theory they have learned directly into practice.

The Biotechnology major with a focus on Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics deals with the development, production and analysis of biopharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, vaccines, enzymes or therapeutic antibodies, which make a significant contribution to healthcare. In addition, bioinformatics is an integral part of this field of study, for example the analysis of genome sequences, AI-based structural predictions of proteins or the evaluation of data from high-throughput biomedical experiments.

The food technology field of study focuses on the development, production and quality of food. Together with experts from the food industry, students research product knowledge, sensory analysis and hygiene and acquire essential skills to sustainably improve food production. Aspects of nutritional physiology round off this comprehensive overview of food technology and enable students to contribute to society's food security in the future.

Module Overview

Subject	%
Fundamentals: Mathematics & natural science	28,89%
Fundamentals: Engineering	12,78%
Special subjects: Biotechnology & Food engineering	15,56%
Elective subjects: Biotechnology & Food engineering	15%
Academic work / R&D / internship	16,67%
Business & Management / english & key competences	11,11%

Time Model

The Bachelor program Biotechnology & Food Technology is a full-time degree program. In full-time studies, lectures and seminars are held on weekdays, with blocked units allowing for an intensive immersion into individual topics.

The classes usually take place from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:15 and / or from 13:00 to 16:15. In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays.

Academic Degree

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, in short BSc or B.Sc. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Bachelor diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant. MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI).

Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

Study Cooperation

The cooperation offers MCI students the opportunity to apply for integrative study cooperation positions at RAUCH Fruchtsäfte. The selected students will complete their professional internship at RAUCH Fruchtsäfte during the lecture-free period between the 4th and 5th semesters and then write their Bachelor's thesis there in the 6th semester. In addition to the content-related dimension of the support, the students receive a monthly payment from the end of the 4th semester until the end of their bachelor's degree. Interested students will receive further information on the cooperation and the application process during their studies.

The cooperation agreement with Novartis/Sandoz offers students of the bachelor's degree program "Biotechnology & Food Engineering" the opportunity to apply for the attractive cooperation positions of the global corporation at the end of the third semester. There, the selected students do their professional internship during the lecture-free period between the fourth and fifth semesters and write their bachelor thesis in the sixth semester. Students receive a monthly salary from the end of the fourth semester until the end of their bachelor's degree.

Scholarships

Dr. Schär is a South Tyrolean family business founded in 1982. The Dr. Schär group specializes in the development, production and sales of innovative foods for special dietary needs. To promote talented students in the fields of food technology, Dr. Schär provides two MCI students per year with a EUR 500.— scholarship.

Course-specific scholarships and grants

Interdisciplinary Electives

Our interdisciplinary electives provide you with the opportunity to tailor your academic journey to your own interests and goals.

Interdisciplinary electives are cross-curricular courses on current trends and developments.

They allow you to discuss topics from different perspectives and interact with students and faculty from other disciplines.

During your studies you have the unique chance to choose such a course from a wide range of topics within the following focus areas:

Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Sustainability
Digitalization
Globalization
Society

The electives offer the opportunity to deepen your own interests and broaden your horizons. Join us as we enter a world of learning, exploration, and growth! Read more.

The biotechnology major with focus on pharmaceutical biotechnology and bioinformatics deals with the development, production and analysis of biopharmaceutical products, such as antibiotics, vaccines, enzymes or therapeutic antibodies, which make an essential contribution to health care. In addition, bioinformatics forms an integral part of this major, including analysis of genome sequences, AI-based structural predictions of proteins or the evaluation of data from high-throughput biomedical experiments.

Curriculum and Courses

Fundamentals: Mathematics & Natural Science

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Mathematics I	3 \| 4
Mathematics II		3 \| 4
Physics & Biostatistics	4 \| 6
Biophysics & Thermodynamics		6 \| 8
General chemistry	4 \| 5
Anorganic & analytical chemistry	4 \| 5
Organic chemistry		4 \| 6
Fundamentals of biology / Introduction to bio- & food technology	4 \| 6
Microbiology & Molecular cell biology I		6 \| 8

Semester Credit Units| ECTS Credits

Fundamentals: Engineering

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Electives Biotechnology

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Molecular biology & bioinformatics				7 \| 9
Pharma biotech					7 \| 9
Biodata Science					5 \| 5
Project Biotech, Biodata & Pharma					3 \| 4

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Academic work / R&D / Internship

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Bachelor thesis & Bachelor seminar						2 I 15
Internship						\| 15

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Business & Management / English & Key components

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
General Management	4 I 4	4 I 4	8 I 4	4 \| 4	4 I 4

Semester Credit Units| ECTS Credits

Overview recognition of courses for student representatives

The food technology major focuses on the development, production and quality of food. Together with experts from the food industry, students explore commodity science, sensory analysis and hygiene, and gain essential skills to sustainably improve food production. Aspects of nutritional physiology complete this comprehensive overview of food technology, enabling students to contribute to society’s food security in the future.

Curriculum and Courses

Fundamentals: Mathematics & Natural Science

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Mathematics I	3 \| 4
Mathematics II		3 \| 4
Physics & Biostatistics	4 \| 6
Biophysics & Thermodynamics		6 \| 8
General chemistry	4 \| 5
Anorganic & analytical chemistry	4 \| 5
Organic chemistry		4 \| 6
Fundamentals of biology / Introduction to bio- & food technology	4 \| 6
Microbiology & Molecular cell biology I		6 \| 8

Semester Credit Units| ECTS Credits

Fundamentals: Engineering

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Electives Foot Technology

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Food production & analytics				7 \| 9
Merchandise knowledge & sensory systems					4 \| 4
Quality assurance & hygiene					4 \| 5
Beverage- & food technology					4 \| 5
Project Food Tech & Science					3 \| 4

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Academic work / R&D / Internship

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
Bachelor thesis & Bachelor seminar						2 I 15
Internship						\| 15

Semester Credit Units | ECTS Credits

Business & Management / English & Key components

Semester	1	2	3	4	5	6
General Management	4 I 4	4 I 4	8 I 4	4 \| 4	4 I 4

Semester Credit Units| ECTS Credits

Overview recognition of courses for student representatives

One of the most essential components of MCI study programs is their international orientation. This is reflected not only in the curriculum and assigned projects, but also in the backgrounds of our faculty and students. The program also includes the opportunity for students to spend the 5th semester abroad at one of MCI’s many partner institutions.

at our partner universities around the world.

Copyright https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelph#/media/File:McCrae_House_Guelph_tac.jpg | TheGiantVermin | CC: by - Namensnennung

Kanada

University of Guelph, Ontario

Copyright https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagreb#/media/File:St._Mark%C2%B4s_square_as_seen_from_the_Lotr%C5%A1%C4%8Dak_Tower_(13023688244).jpg | Jorge Láscar | CC: by - Namensnennung

Kroatien

University of Zagreb

Copyright https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9oul#/media/File:Seoul-Cityscape-03.jpg | Deiaemeth | CC: by-sa - Namensnennung, Weitergabe unter gleichen Bedingungen

Korea, Republik

Sogang University

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At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones in regards to research and studies at MCI. Not only our students but also our partners benefit from this cooperative work.

Food Science & Bio-Technology

Innovations from the fields of food technology, biotechnology, functional & convenience foods and bioengineering will have a decisive impact on future viability. The growing demand in this area offers the opportunity to expand research activities in a targeted manner. The central topic here is the solution of current questions that arise along the value chain, from the production of plant raw materials and algae to technological utilization and product characterization. Novel approaches from engineering and natural sciences are used.

Agricultural Raw Materials & Algae Biotechnology
Molecular Biotechnology & Bioengineering
Food Production & Product Analysis

Research Priorities

At MCI, each program of study requires students to complete an integrative internship of at least 13 weeks at a national or international company. Students receive support from the respective department in organizing this internship and are supervised in coordination with the company.

This picture shows three people wearing a laboratory coat and protective goggles. Together they look at an evaluation on the computer.

Our department and the MCI Career Center regularly provide up-to-date information about internship positions and the situation on the labor market in general.

As part of practice-oriented projects, students are provided with the opportunity to work with local and international businesses. This allows them to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and in collaboration with the project team. Their theoretical knowledge is further deepened by a mandatory internship of several weeks duration.

Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.

During their studies, students have the opportunity to apply for a study cooperation. The bachelor's study program in Biotechnology- & Food Engineering has ongoing cooperation agreements with RAUCH Fruchtsäfte, Novartis and Sandoz. As part of their 15-month contract, students complete an internship and write their Bachelor's thesis at the company while completing their studies at MCI.

The Bachelor's thesis, which concludes the Biotechnology & Food Engineering study program, can be completed in companies and research institutions from numerous industries, which also reflect the diverse professional fields:

Biomedical research and development
Pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics
Chemical industry
Agriculture, fertilizer & fodder industries
Apparatus & plant engineering for biotechnological applications
Measuring, testing and analysis
Environmental engineering
Public infrastructure, associations and interest groups
International co-operations and organizations
Consulting, free-lancing

BA Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Matthias Häffner

PhD Student, University of California, Santa Barbara

BA Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Hilal Yamaner

Process/Project Engineer for Biotechnological Plants, VTU Engineering Switzerland AG

Read all

The MCI offers a number of internationally oriented Master's courses. The master programs in Biotechnology and Food Technology & Nutrition are aimed directly at the graduates of this bachelor program. The completion of a master's degree qualifies for the relevant doctoral studies.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Griesbeck Head of Department & Studies

Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.

+43 512 2070 - 3800

A large number of applicants for this degree program have also shown interest in the following Bachelor programs. It is possible to apply for several degree programs at the same time if you give us a conclusive explanation.

Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering

Biotechnology & Food Engineering

Starting Ahead in Your Bachelor’s Degree

Recognition of prior learning in the bachelor's program Biotechnology & Food Engineering

MCI Graduate Receives WK Tirol Research Award

Innovative master's thesis recognized by Economic Chamber Tyrol | Analysis of plasmid DNA for cutting-edge gene and cell therapies as well as mRNA vaccines

New Electives in the Master's in Food Technology & Nutrition

Choice between "Cosmetics production" and "Food supplements" from the first semester

Fundamentals of process engineering I

Chemical process engineering

Thermodynamics & analytics

Thermal process engineering

Mechanical process engineering

How do I specialise in „Biotech, Biodata & Pharma“ or „Food Tech & Science“?

All students in the bachelor’s in Biotechnology & Food Engineering program attend the same courses in the first three semesters. The specialization subjects take place in the 4th semester to the extent of 9 ECTS and in the 5th semester to the extent of 18 ECTS. Students make this choice in the 3rd semester.

Do I have to choose an area of specialisation already at the beginning of my studies?

No. In the first three semesters, students have the opportunity to gain an impression of both directions. Only then is the choice of specialization made. Detailed information is provided at the beginning of the degree course and at specific information events. If students are unable to make a decision, we will be happy to advise them and allocate them if necessary.

Am I able to attend courses from both areas of specialisation?

No. Unfortunately, it is not possible to attend or mix courses from both specializations, as some of them take place in parallel.

What is the tuition fee?

For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is EUR 363,36 per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:

EU citizens,
EEA and Swiss citizens, and
non-EU citizens who, according to § 2 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act, are subject to § 1 of the Regulation on Eligible Groups of Persons (see Federal Law Gazette II No. 340/2013, in its current version).

For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:

Bachelor’s programs: 7,000 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee
Master’s programs: 7,000 euros / semester plus compulsory Austrian National Union of Students membership fee

Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.

Is it possible to study abroad?

Yes, it is possible to complete the fifth semester at one of the numerous partner universities or to spend the sixth semester abroad as part of an internship in order to write the bachelor's thesis. If someone does not wish to go abroad, they attend the regular courses at MCI together with incoming students from the partner universities. For this reason, courses at MCI are taught entirely in English in the fifth semester.

Are there any areas of specialisation in my study program? Are there any electives in my studies?

Apart from the choice of specialization within the studyprogram ("Biotech, Biodata & Pharma" or "Food Tech & Science"), there is also a free elective module in the 5th semester, which can be selected from a wide range of courses offered at the MCI. In addition, numerous courses, optional subjects and language courses can also be taken at the MCI outside of the curriculum. But that's not all: the semester abroad with its numerous partner universities (all of which have slightly different focuses), the professional internship and the final thesis allow students to choose and organize their studies and make them an individual experience.

Does this program include lectures in English?

Yes. The fifth semester is officially deemed an international semester. All courses attended during this semester are held in English. MCI also regularly invites international experts and guest lecturers to give talks and presentations in English.

When does laboratory work begin in this program?

Our students work in the laboratory as from the first semester. This is to allow you to immediately apply your newly acquired theoretical knowledge to practice.

Do we get our own laboratory spot?

Yes. Each year, only as many students as we can accommodate are admitted to MCI study programs. This is to ensure that all our students have their own laboratory place, and to avoid any delays in your studies due to a lack of study space.

When do I have to complete my internship?

The mandatory twelve-week internship is to be completed during semester breaks between the fourth and sixth semesters. It is also possible to split the internship time and visit several companies to get a taste of different professions. Should you have completed a relevant internship or gained professional experience already prior to the fourth semester, our department will consider the possibility of recognition for this.