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Deutsch Who is the Master's Programme in Construction Bionics Suitable For?
The Master's programme in Construction Bionics is designed for engineers from the fields of mechanical engineering, mechatronics, materials science, as well as related technical disciplines. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in biology and an interest in interdisciplinary development processes also benefit from this course of study. The programme is aimed at professionals with a technical or scientific background who wish to systematically transfer biological principles into technical innovations – for example, in product development, design, or research and development.
Required Formal Qualifications
To be admitted to the Master's programme in Construction Bionics, you must have a relevant bachelor's or diploma degree. The following degrees are primarily accepted:
- Degree (Bachelor/Higher Education Diploma) in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, materials science, or a comparable technical field of study
- Alternatively: Degree in biology
- Completion of at least 210 ECTS credits in the initial degree programme
If your initial degree programme comprises fewer than 210 ECTS credits, you can make up the missing credits in two so-called harmonisation semesters. These take place alongside the first two master's semesters.
On a personal level, you should be willing to learn independently and flexibly, as the majority of the programme is offered in a distance learning format. Advantages include:
- Interest in scientific questions and interdisciplinary work between biology and technology
- Analytical thinking, creativity, and the ability to explore unconventional solutions
- Good self-organisation, as additional attendance phases (approx. three times per semester in Saarbrücken) and extensive self-study must be managed
- Basic knowledge of technical fundamentals or biological knowledge according to the initial degree
What content is the focus of the Master’s programme in Construction Bionics?
In the Master’s programme in Construction Bionics, you will learn how to purposefully utilise biological principles for the development of technical products. You will receive a comprehensive introduction to the interface between biology and engineering. The curriculum is practice-oriented and equips you with competencies in the following areas:
- General biology and its application to technical systems
- Physiology for engineers, to technically understand biological functions
- Fundamentals of bionic product development, including methods for innovation search
- Form optimisation and design based on models from nature
- Evolution strategies and bionic materials for efficient constructions
- Locomotion, to transfer movement principles from biology to technology
- Bionic specialised subjects and application-related elective modules
- Project work in the field of construction bionics for practical application of learned material
- Bionic solution finding based on real development tasks
- Final thesis (Master thesis) with scientific specialisation and colloquium
For graduates with fewer than 210 ECTS credits from their first degree, there are supplementary harmonisation semesters covering contents such as CAD, modern calculation methods, technical elective subjects and research projects.
How is the course progression designed in the distance learning programme?
The Master’s distance learning programme is designed over six semesters. The first four semesters consist of theory modules, while the last two semesters are reserved for the Master thesis. The learning process primarily takes place through self-study using digital study letters and web-based learning modules, which are made available on the learning platform. Additionally, around three on-site events per semester take place at the University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics (HTW) of Saarland in Saarbrücken. The practical component is reinforced through projects and application-oriented modules. For participants with fewer prior study achievements, so-called harmonisation semesters are offered in parallel with the first two semesters to ensure seamless access to the regular Master modules.
What career prospects open up after the Master’s in Construction Bionics?
With a Master’s degree in Construction Bionics, you qualify for demanding positions at the interface between development, research and engineering. Typical fields of work include:
- Innovation management and product development in industry
- Technical sales and consulting for bionic solutions
- Research and development in medium-sized and large companies
- Project management for bionically inspired construction projects
- Careers in the public service (higher civil service)
- Consulting, expert appraisal or continuing education in the field of technology and biology
The degree “Master of Engineering” entitles you, under the conditions of the doctoral regulations, also to pursue a doctorate and thus opens paths into academic research and development.
What costs must you expect for the Master’s programme and what financing options exist?
The tuition fees amount to €2,034 per semester for semesters 1 to 4, so the total costs come to €8,136. The semesters for completing the Master thesis as well as any harmonisation semesters are free of charge; however, the social contribution to the university is payable each semester. Various financing options exist, for example through educational funds, scholarships or support from employers. The costs of the programme are generally tax-deductible provided they are professionally related.
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