Life Science and International Health Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

All modules are taught in English.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Life Science and International Health at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) combines foundational natural sciences with international public health. It prepares students for careers in research, development, and healthcare systems, while providing a solid foundation for advanced Master's programmes.

The programme combines a broad foundation in biophysics, chemistry, and data science with specialised training in biological subjects such as cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. Additionally, it covers international public health to equip students with the skills to address global health challenges.

The programme spans six semesters with a total of 180 credit points (CP). It consists of mandatory and elective modules, practical laboratory phases, and a mobility window in the final semester.

The programme places a strong emphasis on practical experience. Starting from the second semester, regular laboratory internships prepare students for the demands of research and development. The Bachelor's Research Competence module serves as the practical component of the Bachelor's thesis, where students investigate a research hypothesis experimentally and generate scientific data.

Core competencies taught in the programme:

• Natural science foundations: Biomedical data science, biochemistry, microbiology, and organic chemistry
• Biological specialisation: Cell biology, molecular biology, genetic engineering
• Public health: Health promotion, disease prevention, international health systems, and legal frameworks
• Practical skills: Laboratory work, scientific research, and experimental methods

Goals of the programme:

• Enable independent research and development
• Plan and conduct experiments
• Coordinate production processes and quality assurance (e.g. GMP in pharmaceuticals)
• Build and optimise healthcare systems for disease prevention and health promotion
• Prepare for advanced Master's programmes in biotechnology, biomedicine, or public health

EU and non-EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
Applicants with a German higher education entry qualification can apply until 26 September prior to the beginning of the programme.

Semester one: Teaching basic biomedical knowledge

Overall aim: Students are equipped with fundamental knowledge in natural sciences, general biology, health systems, and biomedical data and information sciences.

Description: Students acquire the basics for working in a laboratory environment and managing laboratory data.

Semester two: Introduction to laboratory work

Overall aim: Students develop basic laboratory skills and deepen theoretical knowledge in microbiology and organic chemistry.

Description: Students begin hands-on laboratory work using foundational knowledge. This includes mastering common laboratory equipment (e.g. pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, pH meters) and techniques such as preparing buffers, solutions, and safely handling chemicals. Additionally, students study ecology and economics within public health.

Semester three: Start of research-oriented laboratory work

Overall aim: Students are introduced to research-oriented laboratory practices, focusing on cultivating bacterial or microalgae cultures to produce specific products (e.g. nutrients, pharmaceutical ingredients).

Description: Students acquire practical experience, generate laboratory data, and produce material for subsequent analysis. Preparatory courses in biochemistry and basics in theoretical medicine, alongside an Introduction to Scientific Work module, teach students how to interpret scientific publications and data.

Semester four: Continuation of laboratory work

Overall aim: Students advance research by analysing products developed in the third semester while expanding their knowledge of life science and international health.

Description: Students analyse their laboratory products, deepen understanding of international health systems, and explore legal aspects of healthcare, such as bringing active ingredients to market. Elective courses from the FÜS module catalogue and optional German language courses provide opportunities for customisation.

Semester five: Completion of continuous laboratory work

Overall aim: Students apply laboratory results to eukaryotic test systems and explore biological phenomena such as immunological reactions and ageing processes.

Description: Students study molecular biotechnology in society, gaining insights into the interaction between molecular biology and fields like medicine, forensics, politics, and ethics. Three compulsory elective modules allow students to specialise and prepare for Master’s degree accreditation.

Semester six: Scientific work on an independent topic

Overall aim: Learning is culminated with a final thesis based on independent scientific work.

Description: Under supervision, students apply their technical and methodological expertise to an experimental research question, summarising their findings in a comprehensive thesis. The work is presented and professionally discussed in a concluding colloquium.

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• Enhancing international perspective: incorporating global viewpoints into course materials
• Utilising international case studies: analysing case studies from various nations
• Hosting guest lectures: welcoming international experts for presentations
• Offering study abroad programmes: providing students with opportunities to study abroad and participate in a double-degree programme
• Cultivating a multicultural environment: promoting diversity among students and faculty
• Tackling global challenges: addressing worldwide issues in academic work and research
• Promoting cultural competence: encouraging understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures
• Facilitating global networking: creating platforms for students to connect with peers globally
• Organising field trips: arranging visits to local and international locations relevant to the curriculum
• Teaching cross-cultural communication skills: developing proficiency in effective communication across diverse cultures
• Fostering global awareness: inspiring recognition of worldwide trends and advancements

The programme includes a mobility window in the sixth semester, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's thesis abroad or participate in international internships. This fosters intercultural competence and prepares students for a global career.

No tuition fees

Apart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a fee each semester (winter semester 2024/25: 373.80 EUR). This covers costs for the student services organisation and the student council as well as the semester ticket.

Studies abroad often have different types of expenses from the ones you know from your home country. You are responsible for covering your own living expenses. Accommodation and other essential living expenses will amount to around 780 to 1,000 EUR per month. Of course, this amount depends entirely on individual lifestyle. The following list gives you an idea of some fixed and variable costs that you should take into account for your stay in Germany.
Monthly costs:

• rent (including utilities): 250 to 450 EUR
• groceries: approx. 160 to 180 EUR
• health insurance, medical fees, medication: approx. 145 EUR
• miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 170 to 220 EUR

Total: 780 to 1,000 EUR

The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.

Higher education entrance qualification

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Subject-related higher education entrance qualification
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
• Higher education degree qualifying for entry into a profession
• Master Craftsman's Diploma
• Early school leaving certificate and suitable vocational training with at least two years' work experience
• A comparable higher education entrance qualification

Proof of English language skills (see below)

Proof of English language proficiency

• TOEFL (internet based 79 points)
• IELTS (min. 6.0)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (min. B)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (min. C)
• UNIcert (level II)

Applicants with a higher education entrance qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain including Northern Ireland or the United States of America do not have to submit a separate proof of English language skills. Applicants who completed a secondary level degree in English in Germany or in one of the above mentioned countries are also exempted from presenting a formal English language certificate.

Applicants who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification in Germany or at a German school abroad can also submit a certificate of higher education entrance qualification, which shows English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proof is provided, for example, by presenting an A-level certificate with corresponding confirmation from the school or by providing a document issued by the Ministry of Education in the respective federal state confirming that the required level of English (minimum of B2/CEFR) has been achieved.

German language skills are not required for admission to this study programme.

EU and non-EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
Applicants with a German higher education entry qualification can apply until 26 September prior to the beginning of the programme.

Studying at BTU is mostly free of (tuition) fees. Because of this, there are only limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The International Relations Office is nonetheless pleased to be able to award a limited number of scholarships to international students already enrolled at BTU. You can find more information on BTU scholarship opportunities on our websites: https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/help-advice-on-all-aspects-of-studying/scholarships-1.

There are job opportunities both in town and on campus. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is high, it is not always easy to find a part-time job and you will need at least basic German skills for many of the available jobs. Students from non-European countries are allowed to work either 120 whole days or 240 half days annually. The 120-day rule is not affected by mandatory internships or student assistance jobs at university. Students from EU member countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work without restrictions during their studies in Germany.

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is a university with three locations where numerous student dormitories are provided. Students can choose between different room types. The room capacities in our dormitories are limited, thus we recommend to apply as early as you receive your admission letter for an apartment in the dormitories.

In Germany, it is also very common for students to live alone or with friends. If three or more people share an apartment together, this is called a "WG" in German ("Wohngemeinschaft", which means a shared flat). A comprehensive list on student accommodation and housing options at BTU's three locations can be found on our websites, as well as a video about how students live in both Cottbus and Senftenberg.

The BTU Career Center (https://www.b-tu.de/en/careercenter) offers extensive support to international students and graduates, ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into the job market. We help students on their journey to a successful career path by offering seminars, workshops and career advisory services to ensure that students succeed in their job application processes and land great positions.

Our offers include:

• BTU Job Market: online job board for students
• BTU Campus-X-Change and BTU Matching Day: annual job fair and online recruiting event to connect students with employers
• FIT@BTU: a DAAD-funded project that helps students make the transition to a successful career
• Start up your Career in Brandenburg: a project co-financed by the EU and Brandenburg, with the aim of preparing international students for the Brandenburg job market

BTU offers a wide range of support during your preparation for your stay in Germany, your first days on campus and throughout your whole study programme.

Among others, the International Relations Office offers the following services:

• Welcome and Registration Point to offer support during the start of the semester
• Onboarding Info Sessions to inform about important topics regarding the preparation for your studies
• Different excursions and events to take part in and get to know the area

Located on three campuses and with over 70 study programmes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a broad spectrum of market-oriented programmes as well as traditional degree programmes.

From the natural sciences and engineering to economics, cultural studies, and even health sciences, BTU offers a wide range of courses. Our 21 study programmes taught exclusively in English are very popular among both German and international students from all over the world.

BTU is partnered with over 220 universities throughout the world, which provides students with a multitude of excellent opportunities to spend part of their time studying or conducting research abroad. Furthermore, in cooperation with our international partner universities, BTU offers a wide range of double degree and joint degree programmes.

Cottbus is located in the northeast of Germany, between the country’s capital, Berlin (100 km), and Dresden (120 km). With a population of approx. 100,000 inhabitants, Cottbus is the second largest city after Potsdam in the federal state of Brandenburg. The Polish border is only approx. 30 km away. The location of Cottbus offers a convenient starting point for trips into the picturesque region of Lower Lusatia. The landscape of Lower Lusatia is characterised by the Spreewald with its small canals and waterways as well as by the Slavonic minority called Sorbs or Wends. Their language, similar to Polish, is still used and spoken in Lower Lusatia. For this reason, many of the road signs and informational boards in Cottbus and the surrounding region are written in both Sorbian and German. 

Cottbus gained importance as a trade centre in the 12th century. Parts of the original city wall from the 14th century as well as the beautiful townhouses around the old market square are proof of the city’s early splendour. Additionally, the city is characterised by buildings from the "Wilhelminian" times of rapid industrial growth in Germany, which occurred towards the end of the 19th century. The city that first rose to prominence with its cloth and linen weaving industry soon evolved into a growing centre of brown coal mining. Today, Cottbus is in the midst of a structural transformation. BTU supports this development with its engagement in the Lausitz Science Park megaproject, which aims to build an appealing innovation landscape.

Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatia Lake District. Former excavation and mining pits have been flooded in order to create the largest artificial lake system in Europe, with a total of 23 large lakes. The water sports area "Senftenberger See", with its water surface of 1,300 hectares, offers exceptional sailing and surfing opportunities, and it is suitable for all kinds of water sports. Senftenberg has thus become a tourist attraction within the region.