BSc in Biochemical Engineering

1. Name of the bachelor’s programme: Biochemical Engineering

2. The level of qualification that can be obtained in the programme and the designation of the qualification in the diploma:

• level of qualification: bachelor degree (baccalaureus, bachelor; abbreviated: BSc-)
• qualification: Biochemical Engineer

3. Field of Study: Technology

4. Training period: 7 semesters

5. Number of credits required to obtain a bachelor’s degree: 210 credits

• orientation of the programme: balanced (40-60%)
• credit value assigned to the thesis: 15 credits
• minimum credit value for optional subjects: 10 credits

6. The field of study classification according to the unified classification system for training areas qualifications: 524/0711

7. Training objectives and professional competencies of the bachelor’s programme

The aim of the program is to train bioengineers who are capable of managing broadly interpreted biotechnological systems and the personnel operating them, performing analytical tests, in-process and final quality control, as well as understanding technical documentation in at least one foreign language. Upon completion of the program, bioengineers will be able to participate in the development and design of technological systems, the creation of new processes and products, and carry out specific research tasks in accordance with labor market demands. They will also be prepared to continue their studies at the master’s level.

7.1. Professional competencies to be acquired

7.1.1. The Biochemical Engineer’s

a) knowledge

• Has knowledge of the structure and functioning of biological systems and the possibilities for their regulation.
• Has knowledge of the fundamental principles of chemical, biochemical, and microbiological processes and the analytical methods based on them.
• Has knowledge of modern molecular biology principles, techniques, and their interrelationships.
• Has knowledge of the principles, interrelations, and procedures of general and bioindustrial unit operations.
• Has knowledge of broadly interpreted biotechnological operations, their equipment, and their control.
• Has knowledge of the main products of the biological and biotechnological industries, manufacturing technologies, and design principles.
• Has knowledge of the fundamental expectations and requirements related to occupational safety, fire protection, safety engineering, environmental protection, and biosafety regulations relevant to the field.
• Has knowledge of the basics, scope, and requirements of quality assurance, information technology, legal, economic, and management fields closely related to the discipline.
• Has knowledge of learning, knowledge acquisition, and data collection methods in the field of bioengineering, their ethical limitations, and problem-solving techniques.
• Has knowledge of the principles and interrelations of environmental protection and environmental technologies, as well as the main principles of environmental regulation.

b) competencies

• Is capable of the safe and environmentally conscious operation of biological, biotechnological, and microbiological systems, as well as performing services and commercial tasks related to the field.
• Is capable of carrying out laboratory, pilot-scale, and industrial biotechnological tasks, acquiring new analytical methods and methodologies, and addressing occupational safety tasks.
• Possesses adequate manual skills for laboratory practical activities.
• Is able to apply calculation, biometric, and modeling methods related to the field, and to use computer skills and databases.
• Is capable of using and processing professional databases and scientific literature.
• Is capable of independently carrying out laboratory or technological subprocesses.
• Is capable of identifying emerging problems and making decisions to solve them.
• Is capable of managing and supervising broadly interpreted biotechnological production processes, with due consideration of quality assurance and quality control elements.
• Is capable of performing partial tasks in the development and design of technological systems, in the development of new processes and products, and in research in biological and related sciences.
• Is capable of performing more complex tasks and applying knowledge in practice within the professional field corresponding to the chosen specialization.
• Is capable of solving biotechnological and bioindustrial occupational safety tasks.
• Is capable of understanding technical documentation in at least one foreign language.
• Is capable of cooperating and communicating effectively with professionals from other fields (e.g., engineers of other disciplines, lawyers, IT specialists, managers, etc.).
• Is capable of learning about and understanding new, previously unknown processes, products, and systems.

c) attitudes

• Strives to ensure that self-education and continuing professional development in the field of bioengineering are continuous and aligned with professional goals.
• Is open to learning about, accepting, and credibly disseminating professional and technological developments and innovations in the fields of biotechnology and bioindustry.
• Shows interest in new knowledge, methods, and tools related to the bioindustrial and biotechnological fields.
• Complies with regulations specifically important to biotechnology-related work, particularly those concerning biosafety and labor law.
• Strives to ensure that task execution and managerial decisions are carried out with consideration of the opinions of supervised colleagues, preferably through cooperation.
• Possesses adequate perseverance and tolerance for monotonous tasks required for practical activities.
• Demands high-quality work from oneself and expects the same from colleagues.
• Is sensitive to micro- and macro-environmental considerations.

d) autonomy and responsibilities

• Takes responsibility for own decisions and for subordinates, and exercises responsible leadership and self-management.
• Is characterized by initiative, personal responsibility, and decision-making ability.
• Is capable of reconciling personal motivation with teamwork.
• Is able to autonomously interpret comprehensive professional issues in the field of biotechnology.
• Strives for law-abiding conduct and compliance with ethical and bioethical standards.
• Requires and supports the continuous monitoring of effectiveness and safety.

8. Characteristics of the programme

8.1. Professional characteristics

8.1.1. Disciples and scientific fields leading to the professional qualification on which the major is built:

• Natural sciences knowledge [mathematics (at least 12 credits), physics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology]: 40–50 credits;
• Economic and human sciences knowledge (micro- and macroeconomics, management and entrepreneurship, business law): 16–30 credits;
• Bioengineering professional knowledge (operation of biological systems, applications of physical chemistry and materials science, measurement and control engineering, mechanical engineering and unit operations, technology): 70–103 credits.

8.1.2. Taking the elective specializations into account and in accordance with the requirements of the bioengineering profession, specialized knowledge may be acquired in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare, food technology, specialized analytical methods, and environmental protection. The specialization recommended by the training institution comprises 40–60 credits within the overall program.

8.2. Requirements for internship

An internship is an organized professional practice lasting at least six weeks at a professional training facility. The internship is a criterion requirement.