Molecular Biotechnology

The English-language Master's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology is unique in Austria: the emphases of the Master´s degree program are molecular medicine, human genetics, drug discovery and immunology. You will investigate the causes of diseases at the cellular level and learn how to develop new treatments and therapies for them. You will learn about the hot topics of big data, personalized data analysis and data security. The degree program is part of a large national and international network at university level.

Department

Applied Life Sciences

Topic

Technologies

Highlights

English-language degree program with focus in cancer research, immunology, drug discovery, human genetics and stem cells
R&D-Projects in cooperation with Universities and Companies: allergy research, cell-based test systems and cellular signaling pathways

Facts

Final degree: Master of Science in Natural Sciences (MSc)

Duration of course: 4 Semesters

Organisational form: full-time

tuition fee per semester € 363,36¹ + ÖH premium + contribution²

ECTS: 120 ECTS

Language of instruction: English

Application winter semester 2023/24 1^st January to 26^th March 2023

Study places: 40

¹ Tuition fees for students from third countries € 727,- per semester

²for 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.

Perspectives

All videos

Internship at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Florian Kabinger completed the English Master program Molecular Biotechnology in 2020. Equipped with the Austrian Marshall Plan Scholarship, he went abroad to do his internship at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). And he will continue his top-class education.

3:21

Before the studies

Your interest in breaking new ground in the development of vaccines and other medicines or in areas such as stem cell research and a desire to take on management responsibilities are excellent prerequisites for studying in this degree program. You want to be at the forefront of developing new technologies. You are not interested in a routine job, but want major challenges in research and development. You are a very curious individual who wants to examine things in fine detail and to this end you have the necessary patience to undertake the required steps in order to reach your goals. You know that you can achieve a lot on your own, but in a team you can achieve everything. English as the language of life sciences is part of your everyday working life.

Why you should study with us

Study place = lab place

Sharing is good, however, not your lab space, please. You are guaranteed your own.

Highly sought-after knowledge

What you learn here is crucial to solving global problems.

International network

Going abroad for an internship or a job: this is the next logical step when studying with us.

Bachelor’s certificate, Diploma certificate or equivalent certificate from abroad
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent similar qualification from an institute of higher education with a total of 180 ECTS credits in the disciplines of molecular biology, biology with a focus on genetics and/or microbiology, biotechnology, pharmacy, medicine, food biotechnology or biomedical sciences with at least:
- 30 ECTS credits in Biology, where at least 20 ECTS credits must be in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, genomics and/or biotechnology and at least 10 of these ECTS credits must be in biological labs/practical courses during the degree program, 15 ECTS credits in chemistry (general, analytical, physical, organic, bioorganic, biochemistry), and 6 ECTS credits in mathematics, statistics, informatics.
  - In order to assess whether you have the required ECTS credits for the Master’s degree program Molecular Biotechnology, please complete the linked table, also add existing or missing credits as part of the application - please click HERE to fill out the table to open the file (PDF 1,1 MB)
  - If the applicant graduated from an education system, which does not use the ECTS credit system, it is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate ECTS-equivalence.
  - If you meet the admission requirements and if the ECTS credits are only slightly below the required number, it will be decided on a case-by-case basis whether the additional ECTS credits can be compensated by additional examinations in order to allow admission to the degree program.
- Equivalent certificate from abroad - Equivalence is determined by international agreements, validation or in individual cases a decision by the head of the academic section.

Information for applicants with non-Austrian (school) certificates (PDF 145 KB)

Regulation for the admission of third country citizens (PDF 233 KB)

English language proficiency at CEFR level C1
- The program is conducted entirely in English
- Students who have obtained their higher education entrance qualification and Bachelor's degree in the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not require proof of their English language skills.
- Students who speak English as their first language must prove their nationality, place of birth and length of stay in a country with English as their official language.
- All other students must provide written proof of their English proficiency, e.g. by a currently valid certification of one of the following tests:
  - Test of English for International Communication (IELTS) 7-9
  - Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
  - Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)
  - Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) 880-990
  - Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test (TOEFLiBT ) 110-120
  - UNICERT (III)
The tests must be passed on application and the IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL scores must be valid.

There are 40 places available in the Master’s degree program in Molecular Biotechnology each year. The ratio of places to applicants is currently around 1:4.5.

For organizational reasons, we recommend that applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland complete their application by end of February 2023 at the latest.

To apply you will require the following documents:

Letter of motivation
Curriculum Vitae
Birth certificate or equivalent
Passport/proof of citizenship
Bachelor's certificate/Diploma certificate/equivalent certificate from abroad/proof of matriculation^{3 4}
Transcript(s) of records⁴
Written proof of your English skills (for applicants outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland)
A completed table with the relevant ECTS credits from your previous studies: Biology (30, of which 20 are in biology theory and 10 are in biology labs/practical courses), Chemistry (15), Mathematics (6) - please click HERE to complete the table with relevant ECTS credits to open the file (PDF 1,1 MB)

³ If you have not completed your studies at the time of application, please upload the current proof of matriculation and submit the graduation certificates on time.

⁴ Please note the regulations for international certificates - click HERE (PDF 145 KB) for more information

Please note:

It is not possible to save incomplete online applications. You must complete your application in one session. Your online application will be accepted once you have uploaded all required documents. After completing your online application, you will receive an automatically generated reply e-mail with the application form. To consider your application as complete, please return the signed application form to biotechnologie@fh-campuswien.ac.at.

If the application documents are fully provided and meet the admission requirements, you will be invited to participate in the first part of the admission procedure. The first part is a written admission test on the computer on site, where your knowledge of biology, molecular biology, cell biology, English, etc. on Life Science Bachelor’s level, as well as cognitive questions are tested.

For the written admission test, which takes place at the main location of the FH Campus Wien, your personal presence in Vienna is required.

After positive completion of the written admission test, you will be invited to the second part of the admission procedure, which is planned as an online interview. You will have the opportunity to present your motivation, your studies and your professional and scientific goals, as well as to answer knowledge questions at Life Science Bachelor’s level. The interview will be conducted with an online meeting tool.

The test and the interview are scored and ranked.

Criteria
The criteria for acceptance are based solely on performance. The geographical origin of the applicant has no influence on the decision. The admission requirements must be met in all cases. Applicants are evaluated according to the following system:
- Written test 60%
- Interview 40%

The committee, consisting of the head of the degree program and representatives of the teaching staff, awards places to the applicants who score highest in the admission procedure. The admission procedure as a whole, including tests and assessment results, are documented in a transparent and verifiable manner.

Waiting list
If you are not offered a place in the degree program but your score is considered good in comparison to others, you will be placed on the waiting list. This means that if another person declines their offer of a study place for the upcoming winter semester, applicants from the waiting list will be contacted. This can happen at short notice and no deadline can be determined in advance. You will be informed immediately if you are offered a spot in the degree program.
Rejection by the degree program
If you receive a rejection after the admission process, you can reapply for the next winter semester as soon as the application window is open again. You will then have to reapply online, submit all the necessary documents and go through the entire admission procedure again.
Acceptance of the study place
You will be informed via e-mail about the opportunity of receiving a place in the degree program. Attached to that you will find your training contract and a number of regulations. You need to return the signed contract in time (clearly stated in the e-mail) to secure and accept your place in the degree program. The accounting department will forward you the invoice for the tuition fee separately. This may take a few days. The timetable for the respective degree program is expected to be online one to two weeks BEFORE the beginning of each semester. All other study-relevant information will either be sent to you via e-mail, or you will receive it at the beginning of the academic year.
Cancellation from the applicant’s side
If you are unable or unwilling to accept your place in the degree program, please inform the Secretary's Office at biotechnologie@fh-campuswien.ac.at as soon as possible. Your place will then be allocated to the next person on the waiting list. Cancellations or withdrawal from the training contract will only be accepted in writing.

Written admission test: expectedly calendar week 16, 2023
Interviews: expectedly calendar weeks 20/21, 2023

During the studies

You will be able to study and conduct research in state of the art lecture halls and laboratories. In addition, your education and research benefit from our close partnerships with the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna. We have built a strong international network that provides you with the opportunity to study or conduct research at prestigious universities such as the King's College in London or the Stockholm University in Sweden. Numerous R&D projects in the degree program’s labs offer you the opportunity to participate in application-oriented practical research and to make valuable contacts for your future career.

The Molecular Biotechnology Section is active in medical and pharmaceutical research. Your education benefits from the results of our already established research priorities cellular signaling pathways and immunology. In allergy research, we focus on food allergies as well as the pathological mechanisms of inhalational allergies, such as pollen allergies, with the help of epithelial cell culture systems. Thus, the degree program is not only a strong foundation for medical and pharmaceutical research, but also for a doctoral program at a university.

This English language Master’s degree program, which is unique in Austria, offers you a balanced mix of molecular-biological subjects as well as key transversal skills.
You will acquire knowledge und practical skills in the fields of molecular medicine and drug discovery.
You will follow the main steps of modern drug development, from the first screening until the drug is approved.
The degree program focuses on the following subjects: immunology, neurobiology, stem cells, pathology, as well as signaling pathways, pharmacology, and data analysis.
You will improve your employment prospects with practical vocational auxiliary qualifications. You will learn more about innovation and the clinical development of drugs and will be able to move among the different cultures in the biotech industry. You will learn about bioethics as well as entrepreneurship and strategic business management.
During your studies, you will refine your English, the international language of applied life sciences. In addition, you will learn interdisciplinary skills that are required in research and in management.
The entire 4th semester of your studies is reserved for the research project, which you can undertake nationally or internationally. The studies will culminate in the Master’s thesis, comprising the results of the research project.

Assessment methods

Final exam
Evaluation of group results (a complete business-plan plus a BP presentation). In addition, individual interviews with students about their results facilitates quality assurance respectively control at an individual level. (Group work)

Teaching methods

Student-centred methods: project work in fixed groups, presentations, partly: flipped class-room approach, debates, discussions, written tasks.

2.5 SWS

3 ECTS

Electives 1 (1 ECTS of your choice)

Drug Discovery SE

1 SWS

1 ECTS

Molecular Immunology SE

1 SWS

1 ECTS

RNA SE

1 SWS

1 ECTS

Electives 2 (2 ECTS of your choice)

Therapeutic Strategies VO

1 SWS

2 ECTS

Lecture contents

Therapeutic strategies based on signal transduction pathways in health and disease provides a detailed view of the underlying molecular biology of selected diseases and novel treatment modalities with a particular focus on oncology. Clinical failures and validity of targets, Extracellular signaling (endocrine – paracrine – autocrine; Multitype) - Mechanisms of signal transduction and the determination of the fate of a cell - Intracellular signal-transduction (signaling by phosphorylation and GTP-binding) - PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 signaling in immune cells - Molecular mechanisms of EMT - Ligand-binding and effector specificity of receptor proteins - Acetylcholine: Same signal can lead to different effects in cells of different tissues - Hormones: Small lipophilic molecules and their intracellular receptors; hydrophilic and lipophilic hormones and their cell-surface receptors - Hormone receptors (retinoid-x-receptor; PR, GR, AR and ER receptors) - Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease - Nuclear receptors - Prostaglandin (PG) Biosynthesis (COX1, 2; COX inhibitors) - Prostaglandin signal-transduction pathways - Insect and snake venom (PLA2) - Prostaglandins in breast cancer and endometriosis (autocrine and paracrine actions of PEG2 and PEF2a - Biphasic activation of FGF-9 by PGE2 - Phagocytic ability of macrophages and PEG2 - StAR aromatase and aromatase inhibitors - G protein-coupled receptors - Ion-channel receptors - Tyrosine kinase-linked receptors - Receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity - EGFR (mechanisms of EGFR dysregulation - Therapeutic concepts, types of biomarkers - Molecular mechanisms of oncogene addiction and clinical resistance - Compensatory pathways in oncogenic kinase signaling and resistance to targeted therapies (EGFR, BRAF, SMO) - Dual-specificity phosphatases: Critical regulators with diverse cellular targets - The hedgehog and Hippo pathway in development and disease - Fusion proteins of ALK and their contribution to tumorigenesis - Tyrosine kinase-linked receptors - Mechanisms to die: Immunogenic cell death (ICD).

Assessment methods

Final exam
Written exam and a short oral presentation (5 minutes, FlipChart) + feedback

Teaching methods

Oral presentations with PowerPoint slides, printed handouts will be provided (if requested), short presentations by students on selected topics (FlipChart); see also Assessment Methods.

2 SWS

2 ECTS

Lecture contents

During the "hands on" laboratory every student excises a band containg a protein out of a 4-20% SDS-PAGE (Tris/Glycine) gradient gel. Purification, reduction and alkylation of Cysteines, o/n digestion with Trypsin, next day spotting onto a MALDI target, and generation of a PMF mass spectrum with MALDI-TOF and MSMS spectra of the most intense peptides. Subsequently identification of the protein with database search algorithms.
The theoretical part provides an introduction into the basic principles of proteomics: sample preparation & fractionation (1D and 2D GE, HPLC, CE, SCX RP and affinity chromatography, difficulty of contamination e.g. keratins, SDS, salts). Explanation of the principles of mass spectrometry: ion sources (MALDI, ESI), types of mass spectrometers (TOF, quadrupole, ion trap, FT ICR) and the respective combinations e.g. MALDI-TOF/TOF etc. Resolution R and mass accuracy dm/m (ppm). Improvement of the latter by delayed extraction & reflectron for MALDI-TOF. Isotopic distribution, single and multiple charged ions (ESI). PMF (peptide mass fingerprinting), principles of data base analysis of mass spectra. Collision induced dissociation CID, MS/MS analysis and de novo sequencing.
In addition, an introduction into the methods of quantitative proteomics as well as the analysis of post-translational modifications will be included, as well as an introduction into the application of mass spectrometry (and other technologies) to further analytical questions in addition to proteomics, e.g. metabolomics, lipidomics, drug development and environmental research.
Finally, students present an exposé with their own concepts how to tackle a specific analytical question, using the methodology discussed in the course.

Assessment methods

Continuous assessment
Active course participation, results of written test and/or oral examination, evaluation of laboratory report and exposé on potential research project using mass spectrometry

Teaching methods

Wet laboratory work, tutorial on all theoretical contents, video material, data analysis on computer, critical evaluation of data.

The Strategic Business Management course is built on four pillars.
I) Leadership and Management of enterprises/projects for Industry and/or Academia
The major drivers for modern business management are addressed (innovation, globalisation, market dynamic, etc.). From there, the difference of management and leadership will be explained. Build on fundamentals of systemic thinking, reflected for the background of complexity, innovation and change, the differences of working “on a system” (leadership) and working “in a system” (management) will be explained and discussed. Pros/Cons will be elaborated for different environments. The different traditional management styles will be enhanced by leadership approaches and mapped to leading people (individuals) and organisations (teams) in a dynamic branch.
II) Strategic Thinking – Strategy Development (Strategic Concepts – from Vision/Mission to Strategy) and its Elements in a Holistic Approach
A company's identity through vision, mission and corporate culture as framework for its strategy is the baseline of this chapter. A vision and its important function for organisations and its individuals as initial impulse for orientation and order, as success driving function for alignment and motivation will be explored. The effectiveness of visions in the sense of positioning, top down implementation, targets and continuous communication is analysed. The Porter Model is explained and used to show different strategy types (e.g. product market Strategies (Ansoff), competitive strategies, development strategies).
III) The Operational Perspective of Business Management – Strategy Implementation (Management-system, Framework and Indicators)
The importance, characteristics and elements of management systems are explained and elaborated by analysing different models such as Balanced Scorecard, EFQM Model and/or ISO 9001:2015. It is shown, how a set of policies, processes and its alignment to the organization is targeted to achieve company´s objectives.
IV) Adopted Company – A capstone project, where students apply the learning outcomes by analysing all elements learned in I-III
The strategic analysis of a selected, “adopted” company builds the final capstone of the lecture course. Students analyse all relevant elements of a company (vision, mission, values/culture, strategic approach and goals related research, product portfolio, human resources, market, sales, etc.) and derive strategic recommendations for the company to successfully mature its market position.
The entire course content will be critically addressed by future requirements as well as trends and developments in biotechnology business areas.

Assessment methods

Continuous assessment
Evaluation of group results (results of “adopted company” analyses and suggestions). In addition, individual interviews with students about their results facilitates quality assurance respectively control at an individual level.

Teaching methods

Student-centered methods: project work in fixed groups, presentations, partly: flipped class-room approach, debates, discussions, written tasks

Language

Master Exam AP

0 SWS

2 ECTS

Master Thesis MT

0 SWS

28 ECTS

Semester dates

Winter semester 2022/23: 5th September 2022 to 4th February 2023³
Summer semester 2023: 13th Februar 2023 to 28th July 2023³

³ depending on the lab courses

Number of teaching weeks
18 per semester

Choosing Electives
Electives can only take place when enough students register for them. An admission procedure may take place if the number of interested students exceed the course limit.

Times
Mon. to Fri. all day; some vocational subjects also held on Sat.

Curriculum until 2019
Expiring Curriculum

After graduation

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.

As a graduate, you will mainly be engaged in research and development in your future employment. You can undertake a life science PhD at an Austrian or international university. You are qualified to lead lab or research groups. In addition, you have the entrepreneurial expertise to set up your own start-up. You will work in the following industries and sectors:

Industry (Pharma, Biotech, Medtech, Food industry, etc.)
Medical research (e.g. tumor biology, vaccine development, degenerative diseases)
Research and development departments of established pharmaceutical (life science) companies as well as biotech start-ups
Universities, non-university research establishments (e.g.: The Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austrian Institute of Technology, etc.) and Universities of Applied Sciences

Analytical laboratories in the industry and clinics
Veterinary research and development
Government agencies

Studying made easy

Funding & Scholarships

More information here

Time abroad

Expertise, language skills, broadening horizons

Fish jumps out of fishbowl into another fishbowl

Open Lectures

Find out more, in German

Center for academic writing

Intensive German course

Start-up Service

Doctoral Service

Validation

Accessibility

queer @ FH Campus Wien

Networking with graduates and organizations

We work closely with numerous biotech companies, universities, such as the University of Vienna, and research institutes and have a strong international network. This guarantees you strong contacts for a semester abroad, participation in research and development activities or your professional career. 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!

Contact

Head of Degree Program

FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Beatrix Kuen-Krismer

Head of Department Applied Life Sciences, Head of Degree Programs Molecular Biotechnology
+43 1 606 68 77-3501
bea.kuen@fh-campuswien.ac.at

Secretary's office

Elisabeth Hablas

Favoritenstraße 222, F.3.23
1100 Vienna
+43 1 606 68 77-3500
+43 1 606 68 77-3509
biotechnologie@fh-campuswien.ac.at

Main campus Favoriten (Google Maps)

Office hours
Mon. to Thurs., 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Fri., 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Information on application and admission
biotechnologie@fh-campuswien.ac.at

Information: Application and Admission

Mag.^a Janina Agis-Blei
Assistance
Favoritenstraße 222, F.3.21
1100 Wien
+43 1 606 68 77-3505
+43 1 606 68 77-3509
biotechnologie@fh-campuswien.ac.at

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Folder Applied Life Sciences
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Master

Molecular Biotechnology