FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer
Head of Degree Programs Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnological Quality Management, Bioprocess Engineering
+43 1 606 68 77-3601
michael.maurer@fh-campuswien.ac.at
Frequently searched
The unique characteristics of the living cell are what make the process technologies different from others. Bioprocess technology makes it possible to transfer biotechnological methods to technical applications in the industry. Procedures that are already established in the laboratory must be optimized so that they work well for industrial production on a large scale. In addition to process technology know-how, this also requires knowledge about biotechnology, biopharmaceutical technology and laboratory practice. Quality management and quality assurance provide important parameters.
Diplom-Ingenieur (DI) comparable to Master of Science in Engineering (MSc)
tuition fee / semester
€ 363,361
+ ÖH premium + contribution2
Application winter semester 2023/24
1st January to 31th May 2023
18
1 Tuition fees for students from third countries € 727,- per semester
2 for additional study expenses (currently up to € 83,- depending on degree program and year)
New study location from winter semester 2022/23: The Department of Applied Life Sciences will move to the new building at Favoritenstraße 222, 1100 Vienna in the summer of 2022.
You have basic know-how in process technology and natural sciences. You are a process-oriented, system-related and analytical thinker. Innovation excites you. You want to strengthen your research skills in order to further develop and optimize process technologies. You enjoy working on projects in a team and would like to take on management responsibilities. Average English skills are expected. Language of instruction is German
Sharing is good, however, not your lab space, please. You are guaranteed your own.
What you learn here is crucial to solving global problems.
Going abroad for an internship or a job: this is the next logical step when studying with us.
Do you still have questions about the study?
Make an appointment with Elisabeth Holzmann (Secretary's office) elisabeth.holzmann@fh-campuswien.ac.at for a a personal consultation via Zoom.
Regulation for the admission of third country citizens (PDF 233 KB)
Information for applicants with non-Austrian (school) certificates (PDF 145 KB)
There are 18 places available in the master’s degree program in Bioprocess Technology each year. The ratio of places to applicants is currently around 1:1,5.
To apply you will require the following documents:
Please note:
It is not possible to save incomplete online applications. You must complete your application in one session. Your application will be valid as soon as you upload all of the required documents and certificates. In the event that some documents (e.g. references) are not available at the time you apply, you may submit these later via email, mail or in person by no later than the start of the degree program.
The admission procedure consists of a written test and an interview with the admission committee.
The study places are awarded at the latest in mid-July based on this ranking. The process as a whole and all test and assessment results from the admission procedure are documented in a transparent and verifiable manner.
Written test and interview
May and June
Planned start of the first semester
Mid of August
Your education and research benefit from our close partnerships with well-known biotech companies as well as the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) and the Vienna Institute of Biotechnology (VIBT), who share the campus with us. The partnership enables you to take advantage of the BOKU's excellent infrastructure. In addition to the laboratories, this includes an industrial pilot plant with which it is possible in a preliminary stage to research production processes on a laboratory scale. Furthermore, numerous R&D projects in the degree program offer you the opportunity to work with cutting-edge applications and to make valuable contacts for your future career. Practical relevance is also guaranteed at our Campus Lecture evenings, which are open to all and feature contributions from prominent experts.
Bioprocess technology makes it possible to transfer biotechnological methods to technical applications in the industry. Microorganisms, animal cells or other biological materials can be used in a variety of technical applications to produce individual products, to develop test kits or to plan production plants. A bio-industrial pilot plant at our campus provides us the unique opportunity of being able to develop biotechnological production processes on a laboratory scale and transfer them to the pilot scale in order to precisely research their scalability.
The simulation of the production processes on a pilot scale helps determine deviations in each process step and develop process parameters for the commercial evaluation of the production processes. The results benefit teaching, research and the industry. For example, we use the facility together with the multi-technology company 3M to evaluate the latest filtration systems and applications for the production of medicinal products.
The degree program focuses on process technology, biotechnology, biopharmaceutical technology and practical laboratory experience.
Lector: Dipl.-Ing. Werner Seiler
Construction of various simple control circuits and comparison of different control strategies.
Each student builds her own control circuit using an Arduino starter kit, puts them into operation and studies their behaviour.
Participation and protocol, final discussion.
Experiments with an Arduino starter kit and a laptop.
German
Lector: DI Mag. Wolfgang Gabauer, Dr. Katharina Ludwig
Overview on the biogas technology for energy recovery from renewable resources in combination with Algae technology for the development of biorefinery concepts.
A focus will be put on process regulation and application fields for both technologies.
written exam
presentation
Lector: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Richard Biener
introduction to control theory
Controllers (PID-control, two-position control, cascade control,…)
requirement to control loops (performance, stability)
control design, determination of controller paameters
control of bioreactors (temperature, pH, pO2)
practical design of flow and level control
written exam
lecture
exercises
practical training
German
Lector: Hon.-Prof. Univ.-Doz. DI Dr. Rudolf Friedrich Bliem, FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer
After the introduction, where the basic concepts and principles of bioprocess engineering are explained, the main bioreactor types and operation modes are presented. In the following section the kinetics of bioprocesses together with the underlying equations and graphs are outlined. Heat and mass transfer correlations, which are essential to be familiar with - especially for the design of bioreactors, are dealt in the following section. The characterization of various bioreactor types including enzyme reactors as weell as the upscaling principles are main topics of this lecture. Finally the basics of the sterilization technology and the design of SIP procedures are elucidated.
The understanding as well as the benefit of the presented model equations for the particular unit operations are shown by some selected examples.
Two written intermediate exams and a final test.
The teaching is based on the following concept:
First the scientific principles involved in a specific unit operation within biochemical engineering together with their practical application are elucidated. After a thorough discussion on the limitations of the respective Mathematical Model its practical value is shown by some examples.
Lector: O.Univ.-Prof. Mag.pharm. Dr. Helmut Viernstein
The course addresses the technology of manufacturing formulations for the parenteral application as well as methods of quality control according to the rules of the European and international pharmacopeia. In this context, well established formulations and innovative products will be presented and special biopharmacutical aspects will be discussed.
written examination
lecture
German
Lector: Dr. MMag. Agnes Bugajska-Schretter, DI (FH) DI Dr. Juan Antonio Hernandez Bort
This course mainly presents biological and biotechnological manufactured products with the focus on application of innovative drugs (monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, gene therapy and cellular therapies) without overlooking the importance of plasma-derived products. Fundamentals of drug development also from a regulatory and economic point of view, including clinical development and the associated challenges and aspects of tolerability and effectiveness in selected diseases (including so-called orphan diseases) are discussed. The aim is to gain an understanding of “patient-tailored” approaches compared with historical, less unspecific treatments using examples from oncology. With in-depth examples of individual innovative therapeutic agents such as AAV9-based gene therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors for tumor diseases and others, a holistic view is to be given from the perspective of developers and manufacturers on the one hand, but also patients. Basics of genetics and immunology with regard to their application in the context of modern, biological therapeutic approaches and vaccines are outlined. The relevance for practical use is considered from an economic, medical point of view, but also from the point of view of the health system payers (key players in the biotech industry, vaccination programs, biotech companies, licensing authorities, etc.). An outlook for activities in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry is given.
Final exam
Lecture
German
Lector: DI Dr. Hans Marx
Terminology; overview regarding the market situation
- Biotechnological processes for the production of biobased materials and/or their monomeric precursors:
Feedstocks for fermentation and their availability;
Chemical derivatisation/synthesis of bioplastics; processing and moulding (especially thermoplastic moulding, e.g. extrusion and injection moulding); examples for applied moulding processes
Presentations
lecture and practice
German
Lector: Mag.rer.nat. Bettina Stidl, Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Paul Surer
1. Part
basic concepts of differential and integral calculus
solution of differential equation
linear differential equations
2.Part
Tutorial
participation, exercises.
lecture
Lector: Dr. Reinhard Preiss
Anwendung spezieller Verfahren der Risikoanalyse:
Fehlerbaumanalyse
Ereignisbaumanalyse und Layer of Protection Analyse
HACCP
SWIFT (Structured What-If) Analysis, Checklisten
written exam (risk Analysis examples)
Presentation of techniques, common acquirement of working examples.
Lector: DI(FH) Robert Schwarz
The course covers the foundation of validation, regulatory requirements and guidelines, equipment qualification (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ), risk analysis, method validation, process validation, cleaning validation and sterilization/sanitization validation. Focusing of the preparation of associated documentation through validation projects will be included in practical detail.
Concurrent performance assessment via blended learning tasks and permanent review of content already bespoken incl. solving examples to demonstrate the ability to apply the content practically.
If after the last lesson before the written final exam (or the final due date for the BL excercises) less than 60 % of the required performance were provided in addition, following directly the written final exam an oral examination has to be performed. This will be communicated the students affected in an appropriate manner (via Moodle, by mail).
1st test date: Written final exam (multiple choice, formulated questions and calculation examples).
Generally, further dates (not exam attempts!) are conducted as oral exams.
The test modality will be announced with the test date.
Weighting of the final grade:
Final Exam 75% and blended learning tasks 25% (each part must be completed with a positive grade)
Lecture (as distance learning via Zoom) and blended learning
The lecture slides and additionally the comments of the lecturer during the lecture are the basis of the course content. Those will be additionally completed with the content (documents, videos, podcasts, internet links, ...) for the blended learning tasks.
The sum of this all is relevant for the blended learning tasks (i.e. permanent progress check) and the written final exam.
German-English
Lector: Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl-Ing. Dr. Senad Novalin
1 Thermodynamics
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Change in State
1.3 The First Law of Thermodynamics
1.4 Thermal calculations
1.5 The Second Law of Thermodynamics
1.6 Work - Fluid Systems
1.7 Exergy
1.8 Heat Transfer
2 Technical Heat Transfer
Written examination
Lecture
Lector: Dr. Reinhard Preiss
Basic considerations in Risk Management
Terminology in the field of risk analysis;
Typical fields of application and legal aspects;
Process safety incidents;
Risk assessment (qualitativ, quantitive, semi-quantitative);
Analysis methodologies:
FMEA
HAZOP
Fault Tree Analysis (Basics)
written exam
Presentation, common acquirement of working examples.
German
Lector: DI (FH) Sandra Leupold, DI Dr. Karl Metzger, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc
Cleaning of surfaces, that are touched by products
Matrices of processes and tools
Analysis and planning of cleaning validation
Exercise example for cleaning and cleaning validation at a fermenter or a similar processing unit
Continous assessments throughout the course
After an introductory course concerning theory and experience of cleaning, as well as the regulatory framework, an exercise course with a fermentation equipment is following.
German-English
Lector: DI DR. Karin Ahrer, Dipl.-Ing. Tamara De Zuani, BSc, Prof. Dr. Florian Krammer, Prof. Mag. rer. nat. Karl Rumbold, PhD
Role of natural IgM antibodies in immune surveillance
Structure and function of natural IgM antibodies
Manufacturing platforms for IgM antibodies
Quality management of natural IgMs
? why are natural IgM antibodies not in use for immuno-therapeutic applications ?
Large scale production processes from sugar, starch and bioethanol
productionequipment (dryer, evaporation stations, ...)
Enzyme applications
Written exam at the end of the course.
Lecture and exercises. The focus lies on independent problem solving.
German-English
Lector: DI Dr. Nico Lingg, Dr. Monika Müller, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc, Dipl.Ing. Esther Plattner
General aspects of Downstreamprocessing in the environement of a biotechnology production Unit operations of DSP (Centrifugation, precipitation, filtration, ultrafiltration, chromatographic methods). Dimensional analysis of unit operation with simple models.
Written examination
Lecture with sample calculation
German
Lector: Prof.Dr. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Buyel, Msc, DI Simon Haidinger
Schemes / set up of down stream processes for recombinant proteins
Process design and dimensioning
Written exam about theoretical background and calculation of processes
Interactive Lecture with presented process calculations
Optional homework
German
Lector: Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl-Ing. Dr. Senad Novalin
1 Introduction Thermodynamic Processes
1.1 Cycles
1.2 Two-Phase Systems - Steam
2 Refrigeration
3 Technical Energy Systems
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The Heat Pump
3.3 Renewable Energy
Written examination
Lecture
German
Lector: Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Birgit Wiltschi
Module 1. Overview and review of enzyme technology and definition of technical terms
Module 2. Biochemical basics: structure and function of proteins
Module 3. Enzyme production (fermentation, purification and formulation)
Module 4. Enzyme modifications (aims, genetic engineering, immobilisation techniques)
Module 5. Enzyme kinetics (reaction mechanisms and catalytic constants)
Module 6. Biochemical reaction engineering (reactors, process control)
Module 7. Enzymes in industry (bulk- and fine chemicals, antibiotics)
Module 8. Enzymes in analytical applications (diagnostics, enzyme assays, biosensors)
Module 9. Questions and preparation for the examination
Written exam
The written exam of enzyme technology consists of 6 questions (including 1 calculation example) covering all presented topics, the information on the slide scripts and the calculated examples. The maximum number of achievable points is 100 (the number of points for an individual question is indicated on the questionaire). Correlation of points ad grades: 93+ points: sehr gut (1); 85+ points: gut (2); 75+ points: befriedigend (3); 60+ points: genügend (4); below 60 points: nicht genügend (5).
Lecture, brainstorming and discussion. Case studies and calculations will be worked out together.
Questions are appreciated at any time. A slide scripts for each lecture will uploaded approx. 1 week before the lecture. Please prepare before the lecture for maximum benefit.
German
Lector: Atefeh Ebrahimian, MSc, DI Dr. Karl Metzger, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc, Ing. Wolfgang Steindl-Kratochvil
The bioprocess laboratory involves the production process. It consists of designing the process to harvesting and filtration.
The students will learn the production of the “Green Fluorescent Protein” with E. coli.
report and presentation
Practical course
German-English
Lector: Mag. Theresa Balber, Mag. Dr. Cecile Philippe, Andreas Schirmbrand, Assoc.Prof. Priv.Doz. Mag. Dr. Stefan Tögel, O.Univ.-Prof. Mag.pharm. Dr. Helmut Viernstein
The course comprises the manufacturing of well established application forms, e.g. granules, pellets, tablets, capsules or parenterals and inhalants as well as the production and development of innovative products. In addition, biopharmaceutical aspects of the enhancement of efficacy of drugs will be discussed. A main topic of the practical course is the quality control according to the rules of the European Pharmacopoeia.
written examination
lecture and practical course
German-English
Lector: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Alexandra Posekany
General topics of statistics:
exploratory data analysis
basics of statistical inference (hypothesis testing)
statistical modeling, selection of models
CAUTION: applied example are done in the Tutorium alongside this lecture due to time restraints. Attending the tutorium is highly recommended.
Homework, in class Participation, final examination
Applied practice with "R"
German
Lector: Dr. Reinhard Ilk
Logic and objectives of statistical comparison studies, basic inferential statistics and experimental designs, possible errors in the statistical data assessment, sample size determination, interpretation of P-values, r-squares and residuals, basic variance decomposition methods, regression, etc.
Test mode:
Exercises to be performed within the lecture sequence. Written test after lecture is finished. The test will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions and application examples with open questions. Working with the software will be part of the exercises, but not part of the test!
The grading is based to each one-third on the performance of the exercise and the two parts of the written test. Attendance and contribution is recognized whenever the evaluation decision is marginal. In case the test is failed, the repeat test will always be held as an oral exam.
Lecture with embedded practical exercises. The content will be taught in training locations enabling access to statistics software provided. Work on exercise examples can be done on individual time management.
German
Lector: Mag. Dr. Andreas Franz, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc
This course is held in German. The description is therefore also restricted to German.
This course is held in German. The description is therefore also restricted to German.
This course is held in German. The description is therefore also restricted to German.
German
Lector: DI Josef Kriegl
Plant Engineering: Phases of Engineering and Construction of facilities. Explanation of enginering issues and engineering steps. Arrangement of equipments, utilities and site function for ideal material and personal flows, by taking the cleanroom classifications unter consiteration. Dimensioning of rooms sizes and definition of quality standards of rooms. Listing of necessary site functions for utilities.
Mechanical Process Design: Basic needs and quality standards for equipments, pipes, valves and instruments (design, form, materials)
written examination after the course
Lecture
German
Lector: DI(FH) Robert Schwarz
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) forms a quality framework for the production of pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. Plant Hygiene represents a central pillar of GMP, both in the way of general principles for avoiding adventious product contamination and through specific forms of implementation and instruments.
Concurrent performance assessment via permanent review of content already bespoken incl. solving examples to demonstrate the ability to apply the content practically.
1st test date: Written final exam (multiple choice, formulated questions and calculation examples).
Generally, further dates (not exam attempts!) are conducted as oral exams.
The test modality will be announced with the test date.
Weighting of the final grade:
Final Exam 100%; blended learning tasks (in principle voluntary; can improve the overall grade, but cannot compensate a negative exam grade)
Lecture (WS21/22 as distance learning via Zoom) and blended learning
The lecture slides and additionally the comments of the lecturer during the lecture are the basis of the course content. Those will be additionally completed with the content (documents, videos, podcasts, internet links, ...) for the blended learning tasks.
The sum of this all is relevant for the final exam.
German-English
Lector: Hon.-Prof. Univ.-Doz. DI Dr. Rudolf Friedrich Bliem
This course willl convey concepts and requirements for biological safety, as well as occupational health and safety, as covered in EN 45000.
In this context the course will include a discussion of biological risk, followed by related and required measures measures as defined by the risk classes and the austrian VbA.
Final Exam
Lectured Course
German-English
Lector: Mag. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Martin Pfeffer, Mag. Karin Pfeffer
"hands-on" priciples in business administration
Development of a business plan
preparation & presentation of a business plan
lecture, Workshop
German
Lector: Ing. Michael Geissler, MSc., FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc
Brewing at a Craft Beer Brewery:
> Recipe design
> Scale up 50L -> 10hL and comparison
> QA/QC of brewing process
> Filling - KEGs and bottles
> Marketing
Protocol
practical course
Lector: Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Gottfried Himmler
The Entrepreneur
How do new things develop?
Recipies for success?
What is an enterprise?
Systems theory perspective
What is management?
Entrepreneur versus Manager:
Tasks
Character
The idea
The Business Model
The Business Plan
The ideal Leader.
Basics of Management.
Tasks of Managers.
Management Tools.
Oral
Lecture & Workshop
German
Lector: Dr.rer.nat. Christoph Metzner
Short introduction: Products, expression systems, markets
Metabolic Engineering: Aims, Prerequisites, Methods
Optimising Product or Production?
Focus Biomedicine: Antibody – Vaccine - Gene therapy vector
Examples from recent publications
Bottlenecks in Production/Upscaling
Mini seminar on Metabolic Engineering on a real-life example: „ Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Protein Production for VLP vaccines – Assessing different strategies“
Final Exam
Lecture - e-learning - mini-seminar - discussion
German-English
Lector: Atefeh Ebrahimian, MSc, Ing. DI (FH) Dr. Harald Kühnel, MSc, Laurentius Orsolic, BSc
Introduction to eukaryotic (mammalian) cell culture
Basic Methods: Thawing, Splitting, Seeding, Harvesting, Freezing,
Transfection methods: Co-precipitation and lipofection
Influence of e.g. different plasmid backbones or different host cell lines on product
Analysis: Fluorometric, cytotoxicity, protein content (specific vs. total)
Continuous assessment of course work/protocol
Lecture, experimentation, discussion
German-English
Lector: Dipl.-Ing. Anatol Dietl, Mag. iur. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Dr. Michael Stadler
Protective rights; Reading patent documents; scope of protection; novelty, state of the art; inventive step; further requirements of patentability; patent application procedure; international patent laws and treatys; patent licensing;
written tests at the beginning of the lecture units; homework problem
Lecture
German
Lector: Dr. Reinhard Ilk
Structure of statistical designs for more than two factors, differences between individual designs with regard to extent, output and results of various experimental designs. Analysis of experiments by using t-statistics and the General Linear Model (GLM).
Test mode:
Exercises to be performed within the lecture sequence. Written test after lecture is finished. The test will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions and application examples with open questions. Working with the software will be part of the exercises, but not part of the test!
The grading is based to each one-third on the performance of the exercise and the two parts of the written test. Attendance and contribution is recognized whenever the evaluation decision is marginal. In case the test is failed, the repeat test will always be held as an oral exam.
Lecture with embedded practical exercises. The content will be taught in training locations enabling access to statistics software provided. Work on exercise examples can be done on individual time management.
Lector: DI Josef Kriegl
In addition to the different tasks involved in the project management of biotechnological plants, which include process engineering as well as supply engineering and buildings, topics such as fast track, sustainability or risk prevention are decisive factors for the success of projects.
written exam
Lecture
Lector: Ing. Harald Lepuschitz, BSc MSc, Ing. Walter Lintner
Water, Potable Water, Purified Water, Methodes of Purification, Maintenance, Equipment for measuring parameters
Attendance and active participation
lecture with slides, lecture notes
Lector: Hon.-Prof. Univ.-Doz. DI Dr. Rudolf Friedrich Bliem
Terms and overview of processes for microbial inactivation
Processes of moist heat inactivation, as well as chemical and thermal disinfection
Predictive calculation models
written exam
Lectured course
German-English
Lector: FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer
Preparation for the master´s degree examination
Presentation with assessment of the master´s degree thesis and general examination
-
German
Lector: FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer
The content of this course is the writing of a diploma thesis.
The "written diploma thesis" constitutes the result of the quality of the works conducted. For this reason, the assessment is based on the quality of the research as well a on the written presentation.
The diploma thesis has to be written in consultation with the FH supervisor and beforehand has to be approved by the head of the academic section.
German
Lector: Ing. DI (FH) Dr. Harald Kühnel, MSc, FH-Prof. DI Dr. Michael Maurer
In this class each student has to give a scientific presentation of his or her diploma thesis as preparation for the diploma examination
- What has to be considered when presenting scientific work?
- Give and receive feedback.
Assessment of the given presentation (structure, slide deck, presentation style, timing).
Presentation
German
Semester dates
Winter semester: Mid of August to end of January
Summer semester: Beginning of February to mid of July
Number of teaching weeks:
20 per semester
Times
6.00 p.m.-9.20 p.m. (ca. four times from Mon to Fri), Sat ca every two weeks from 8.30 a.m. (all day)
Language of instruction
German
As a graduate of this program, a wide range of professional fields and career opportunities are open to you. Find out where your path can lead you.
Bioprocess technology experts with a strong basis in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) are particularly sought after. Your professional spectrum will extend from the planning, development and implementation of biotechnological production processes all the way to the operation of biotechnological plants. You will find a career in the following occupational fields:
We work closely with numerous industrial companies, universities such as the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) and other research institutes. This guarantees you strong contacts for internships, employment or participation in research and development activities. You can find information about our cooperation activities and much more at Campusnetzwerk.It’s well worth visiting the site as it may direct you to a new job or interesting event held by our cooperation partners!
Head of Degree Programs Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biotechnological Quality Management, Bioprocess Engineering
+43 1 606 68 77-3601
michael.maurer@fh-campuswien.ac.at
Favoritenstraße 222, E.3.22
1100 Vienna
+43 1 606 68 77-3600
+43 1 606 68 77-3609
bioengineering@fh-campuswien.ac.at
Office hours during semester
Mo to Thur, 4.30 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.
Availability by phone
Mo to Thur, 10.00 a.m. to 6.15 p.m
Fr, 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m