Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioressourcen / Crop Biomass and Bioresources (B.Sc.)

Replacing fossil fuels, conserving resources: the Bachelor’s in Crop Biomass and Bioresources at JLU combines biological knowledge with technological solutions.

Titelbild — Foto: Jamras Lamyai/123rf.com

Overview

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Renewable Raw Materials and Bio-resources, you will learn how fossil raw materials can be replaced by renewable ones. You examine the value of biological resources such as plants, soils and microorganisms, and combine this knowledge with technological solutions. The extensive links between many different disciplines make the degree programme particularly varied.

Applying for admission

Start of studies

Winter semester

Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semesters

Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Language of instruction

German

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Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

Packaging made of cellulose, computer screens made of sugar, clothes made of coffee grounds... just as exciting as it sounds, such innovative, bio-based products are also important. Fossil raw materials such as crude oil, coal or gas are finite and place a heavy burden on the environment. How can we reduce the use of fossil raw materials and replace them with more environmentally friendly, renewable raw materials? How can we produce food, clothes, raw and building materials or medicines from plants or animals? Which plants (e.g. rape, maize) are suitable for energy production? How can we use the residues that are produced? What possibilities are there to process as many components of a plant as possible?

This is precisely what the bioeconomy, also called the biobased economy, is concerned with. It is characterised by a sustainable form of economic activity by using natural resources such as plants, animals or microorganisms. Products and processes from the bioeconomy thus combine environmental protection with economic interest. In this way, we can create prosperity while conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. You will gain the necessary knowledge for this in the Bachelor's degree programme "Crop Biomass and Bioresources".

What will I learn?

In addition to a broad technical basic knowledge in agriculture, the degree programme also provides students with practice-oriented knowledge in the subject areas of bioresources and renewable raw materials. Students understand the value of biological resources (soil, water, plants, animals, microorganisms), use their natural properties and link this biological knowledge with technological solutions.

If you want to make an important contribution to environmental protection and the developments of the future, this is the right place for you!

What skills and interests should I have?

In addition to the formal entry requirements (see application), we expect an interest in natural sciences, a certain down-to-earth attitude and an interest in technological issues. Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and biology is advantageous. JLU offers preliminary courses in which you can refresh your knowledge before starting your studies. This way you are optimally prepared for your studies.

How is the programme structured?

The programme consists of 17 core modules (compulsory modules) and 11 profile modules (elective modules). Each module has a scope of 6 CP (4 hours per week for one semester) and concludes with a course-related examination. The grades achieved in the individual module examinations result in the final degree grade. In addition, the programme includes a Bachelor's thesis, which is equivalent to 2 modules. This proves that you are capable of independently writing a scientific paper.

Individual profile

The development of an individual profile plays a major role in the degree programme. Our students decide for themselves whether they want to acquire a broad all-round knowledge or prefer to specialise, whether their studies are more practice-oriented or scientific and theoretical. They can choose profile modules from the complete range of courses offered by the Department 09 or even from other departments at JLU.

Practical relevance

In addition to choosing practice-oriented modules, students have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain a first insight into professional life. Module BP 144 "Professional Internship" corresponds to 12 CP and can be chosen as a profile module in all Bachelor's degree programmes of Faculty 09. In this way, students familiarise themselves with the professional world and get suggestions for the individual organisation of their further studies. The Internship Office maintains a database of suitable companies and institutions and supports students in their search for a suitable internship.

Course of studies

1st semester	2nd semester	3rd semester
Biology	Introductory chemical internship	Crop production
Economics & Business Administration I	Biochemistry I	Plant Nutrition
Mathematics and Statistics	Bioeconomy	Phytomedicine
Basics of ecology and soil science	Natural Products Research	Insects as a source of protein
Genetics	Bioresources	Breeding for renewable resources and bioenergy

4th semester	5th semester	6th semester
Sustainability Communication	Profile module 4	Profile module 9
Renewable raw materials	Profile module 5	Profile module 10
Profile module 1	Profile module 6	Profile module 11
Profile module 2	Profile module 7	Bachelor's thesis
Profile module 3	Profile module 8	Bachelor's thesis

Possible focus areas

Broad all-round knowledge or specialisation - both are possible. Our students have it in their hands, they put together their studies according to their individual inclinations from the whole range of our offer. From a selection of over 80 modules, students can choose profile modules from the following topics, for example:

Renewable raw materials and bioresources
Plant cultivation and plant breeding
Plant Nutrition
Soil science and soil protection
Organic Farming
Market Studies
Business Administration
Agricultural, food and environmental policy
Insect Biotechnology
Resource Management
Bioinformatics
Communication and extension

Modules from other research fields of the department can also be chosen, e.g. landscape planning, soil microbiology, landscape, water and material balance and consumption.
The exact names and descriptions of the profile modules can be found in the Special Regulations.

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Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

Further Degree Programmes offered by Faculty 09:

Additionally, Faculty 09 at JLU offers further Master's degrees.

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

The bachelor's degree programme in Renewable Raw Materials and Bioresources opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the practical production and processing of bio-based raw materials. The sustainable bioeconomy is a growing sector - the demand for qualified specialists is high and continues to increase.
In addition to a direct career start in industry, research or administration, a scientific career with exciting links, spin-offs or funding from industry is also possible.
Possible employers include

Energy producers and energy suppliers
Companies in the food, chemical or pharmaceutical industry
Plant cultivation and plant breeding companies
Professional associations and authorities in the bioeconomy sector
Ministries at federal and state level
Offices for agriculture and land development
Management consultancies with a focus on bioresources
Universities and non-university research institutions
Federal institutes and agricultural research institutes (e.g. JKI, IPK)
International centres for agricultural research (e.g. IRRI, CIMMYT, IFPRI)

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Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin).

An A2 level of English is necessary, since the majority of scientific literature is written in English. Formal proof is not required.

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

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👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioressourcen (PDF in German)

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 28 September 2007.

Where can I find more information about the faculty?

Links

Faculty 09 – Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management
Faculty's Deanery
Faculty's examination office
Student representatives Faculty 09

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 09

Agrarwissenschaften / Agricultural Sciences
Environmental Sciences (taught in English)

Ernährungswissenschaften / Nutritional Sciences

Global Food Systems (taught in English)
Ökotrophologie / Nutritional Sciences and Home Economics

Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioressourcen / Crop Biomass and Bioresources
Umweltmanagement / Environmental Management

Is this course right for me?

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies: