Food Science and  
Biotechnology

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 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 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.

Always in balance: Theory and practice 

Knowledge isn’t everything! You must also be able to apply what you have learned in practice. Although the focus of a university program is on imparting theoretical knowledge and the latest research results, especially in this hands-on degree program you will get enough insights into practice. Thus, the beer is brewed here itself, the bread is baked, bratwursts and ice cream are made and tasted.

Gaining practical experience

Internships offer a good opportunity to gain insight into companies and fields of activity. They give you orientation and work experience for later career entry. In this degree program, it is possible to integrate an industrial internship lasting 4 - 12 weeks. The time investment in an internship is worthwhile and makes your career entry easier. Of course we will support you with the administrative aspects, internship search, and application process.

Acquiring new skills

To be successful in a profession, more is needed than just theoretical knowledge. Soft skills, consisting of personal, social, and methodological competences, also play an important role. We offer you an extensive range of further training: Language skills, project management, communication and presentation techniques, IT and media skills, personal development, and techniques for studying and working. In addition, you can acquire practice-relevant business management skills with IBQ training. This way you can improve these skills during your studies in an easy and cost-effective way. 

Practical elements for students
Continuing education program F.I.T.

Learning from practice

We maintain close contacts with business from start-ups to international companies, research institutes as well as the alumni association and regularly have lecturers and guest speakers at the university. Former students report on their everyday working life and provide insights into professional fields. Direct insights into practice are also provided by excursions to companies (e.g., Rittersport, Schwarzwaldmilch, and Vetter Pharma).

Learning languages, understanding cultures

Would you like to study and research abroad? Then take advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. It is guaranteed to be once in a lifetime experience. During this time, you will not only broaden your horizons, but also develop and educate yourself. This is an opportunity to consolidate your language skills and gain intercultural competence. We have over 80 partner universities in Europe and all over the world. A semester abroad also offers you advantages when looking for a job. This is because many international companies prefer applicants who have already studied and lived abroad.

Stays abroad

Gaining experience with start-ups

The “Innovation Greenhouse” is all about sustainable business creation, from idea development and evaluation to the founding and subsequent growth of the company. Here you have the opportunity to staff an exciting start-up or receive support for your own ideas or the company you have founded yourself. 

Innovation Greenhouse

Researching during your studies

Research-based learning is a wonderful opportunity to apply learned methods and skills in practice, to test your own ideas, and to find solutions to problems. You are offered a unique variety of technical projects in which you can gain practical experience in the laboratory, e.g. in bioprocess engineering, grain technology, or dairy science. In addition, you can make your own products under real production conditions in our model plants, the research and teaching dairy and distillery.

In the project “Humboldt reloaded,” you will go through all stages of a real research project, from the preparation of the current state of research and the selection of methods for your own research to data analysis and presentation. 

Humboldt reloaded project: Students develop a new kind of cheese for grilling