Biotechnology and Enzyme Technology

44B0034

Bachelor

German

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

Biotechnology is defined as the integrated application of natural sciences and engineering with the aim of making technical use of organisms, cells, parts thereof and molecular analogues. Biotechnology, as an interdisciplinary science combining process engineering and biology, is looking for solutions for a wide variety of applications: many ubiquitous processes in the technical, pharmaceutical, diagnostic or food technology sectors are biotechnological. In this, Enzymes play an important role as catalysts of biochemical processes.

This module is intended to provide an overview of various enzyme-guided biotechnological processes and to convey the molecular basis of enzyme reactions. Various enzyme reactions are carried out, evaluated and interpreted by the students in a laboratory course.

Lectures with exercises

1. History and areas of modern biotechnology
2. Enzymes - structure, function, classification
3. Practical enzymology
4. Enzyme kinetics
5. Regulation of enzyme activity
6. Enzyme technology methods
7. Production of enzymes
8. Enzyme markets and key players

Practical course on enzyme kinetics

Presentations on biotechnological processes

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination and Field work / Experimental work or
• oral exam or
• Project Report, written

Standard form of examination (alternative forms of examination may be selected by the examiner and announced at the start of the event):

• Exam, 2 hours (70 %)
• Experimental work (30 %)

Experimental work as a 1-day laboratory internship that investigates a hypothesis from the context of the course (evaluation and presentation of the results in form of a presentation, approx. 30 minutes) + exam 2 hours (0.3 +0.7)

Basic knowledge in biology and biochemistry.

The students are given an overview of various topics in biotechnology. The structure and mode of action of enzymes is taught.

After completing the module, students have in-depth knowledge of enzyme technology and its application in various areas of biotechnology.

The students know and understand essential methods of biotechnology and enzyme technology and can evaluate their possible uses. You are able to calculate conversions and reaction rates of uninhibited and inhibited enzyme reactions.

Students can explain biotechnological processes and classify them economically.

Students can check enzymatic reactions in the laboratory, evaluate them scientifically and interpret them critically.

The students can calculate kinetic parameters from measured laboratory values ​​and classify and interpret them.

Students can present enzyme-supported biotechnological processes as well as their own work results orally and in writing in a clearly structured form.

The students can calculate enzyme activities, critically evaluate kinetics and relate them so that conclusions can be drawn about the application of the respective enzymes.

The module follows on from previous basic modules in biology, biochemistry and microbiology.

The module also prepares you for further modules from various subject areas (such as molecular biological analysis methods, biotechnological protein production, functional foods, etc.).

• Food Production Engineering and Business B.Eng. (01.09.2025)

• Bioengineering in the Food Industry B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

• Dirks-Hofmeister, Mareike

• Dirks-Hofmeister, Mareike

Dr. Christine Leufken