Biomolecular Engineering (BME)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Interdisciplinary and applied studies

Biomolecular Engineering – Molecular Biotechnology is a cross-sectional discipline of the natural sciences. It assumes a central position in the field of molecular biosciences because it transfers theoretical knowledge about chemical and biological processes into practice with the help of engineering principles.

On the one hand, new chemical methods, techniques and syntheses are developed to study biological processes in molecular detail. On the other hand, molecular biological methods are used to design biomolecules and specifically modify biological systems. The bachelor's degree programme Biomolecular Engineering (BME) offers in-depth research-based training in organic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biosciences. The focus is on the design of molecules and microorganisms for biotechnological application.

Picture: Katrin Binner

One programme – two departments

The Bachelor's degree programme is a joint offer of the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. You can find more information about the Department of Chemistry here.

Department of Chemistry

The focus of the Bachelor's degree programme Biomolecular Engineering (BME) is a broad basic education in the subjects of molecular biology and chemistry. The courses are modular in structure. For the undergraduate degree, they include the courses offered by the departments of chemistry and biology. In in-depth laboratory practicals, you learn to apply your theoretical knowledge and solve research problems. In addition, you will acquire basic knowledge in mathematics and physics. Building on this scientific foundation, you will learn early on to develop solutions for technical and scientific challenges of a chemical, biochemical, structural biological, bioanalytical and biotechnological nature.

The 5th and 6th semesters offer you the opportunity to choose from a catalogue of mandatory elective modules. The courses offered are topically linked to the work of the research labs at the departments of biology and chemistry. You select two modules from the range of mandatory elective modules. These courses are offered as 3-week block courses.

With the Bachelor's thesis, you enter into research yourself. Your thesis can be completed in the research labs at the department as well as in external institutions or with industry partners.

Applications for the first semester of the Bachelor's degree programme BME are only possible for the winter semester. In the summer semester, only applications for higher semesters can be accepted. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 July, the deadline for the summer semester is 15 January (cut-off deadlines)

Application for the Bachelor's degree programme BME is only possible online via the central application portals TUCaN or movein of the TU Darmstadt. The application documents must be submitted to the central student service. Application documents will not be processed unless complete.

The following documents are required for the application:

  • proof of a higher education entrance qualification
  • letter of motivation
  • curriculum vitae
  • certificates for extracurricular qualifications
  • contact details (e-mail, telephone)
  • proof of insurance from health insurance company

Detailed information on the entry examination procedure can be found in the Regulations for the Bachelor's Programme in Biomolecular Engineering.

The entrance examination is carried out by a panel. It consists of lecturers of the Bachelor's Programme in Biomolecular Engineering. Members of the student representative committee of the Department of Biology assist the panel in an advisory capacity. The entrance examination includes two stages.

Stage 1:

During the first stage of the selection process, the overall grade of the higher education entrance qualification as well as the half-year grades of the subjects German, Mathematics, English and up to three natural sciences continued in the Abitur are taken into account. In addition, up to 30 points can be obtained through extracurricular qualifications. A score is calculated from the available grades and any extracurricular qualifications (the exact calculation can be found in the Regulations of the Bachelor's degree programme BME). Applicants who achieve a score of 225 or higher are considered suitable.

Stage 2:

Applicants who do not achieve a score of 225 points but who submitted a promising application based on subject-specific qualifications (certificates of apprenticeship, etc.), will be invited to an entrance interview. In the 20-minute interview with two members of the panel, the motivation of the applicants and their suitability for the degree programme are discussed. The appointments are made by the offices of student affairs of the departments of biology and chemistry. The interview date cannot be changed. The invitation to the entrance interview is sent electronically. Therefore, please take care to enter a correct e-mail address and check your e-mail account regularly (spam folder, unknown sender, etc.).

Downloads (German documents only!)

Modulhandbuch des Studiengangs BME B.Sc. (PDF file) (opens in new tab)

Ordnung des Studiengangs BME B.Sc. (PDF file) (opens in new tab)

Studienplanschema BME B.Sc. (PDF file) (opens in new tab)

Zulassungsverfahren zum Studiengang BME B.Sc. (PDF file) (opens in new tab)

These documents will help you plan your studies. Here you will find all information, module descriptions and examination regulations. The overview “Studienplan” is a recommendation for the time schedule and the distribution of modules. For individual studies, there may be good reasons to deviate from this recommendation. In this case, the team at the Office for Student Affairs is there to assist you. Individual changes to the study plan can be discussed at an early stage in a personal meeting.