Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Program Overview

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Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Programme Overview

The Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology is aimed at discovering the biochemical and molecular foundations that determine the functioning of living organisms. Students will also become experts in the production of biotechnological products and drugs with applications across various areas with the aim of improving human health and life.

Key Information

• Years: 4 academic years
• Credits: 240 ECTS credits
• Start: September 2025
• Timetable: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 2:30 pm
• Recommended secondary school baccalaureate electives: Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Degree: Official degree
• Languages: First academic year in Spanish. Other years, trilingual: Spanish, Catalan, and English depending on the language skills of the students and faculty.

Objectives and Competences

• Objectives: Biotechnology and Bioengineering studies at IQS focus on the areas of health, industry, and research.
• Competences:
  • Learning about and understanding an area of study that starts from the foundation of general secondary education.
  • Knowing how to apply your knowledge to your work and career in a professional way.
  • Having the ability to compile and interpret relevant data to make judgments.
  • Understanding how to convey information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
  • Developing learning skills that are essential for taking on further studies.
  • Possessing the ability to communicate in English, which you will achieve thanks to the trilingual courses you will take in the IQS Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology.
  • Being able to work on a team alongside other biotechnologists and researchers.
  • Being able to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Being able to assess the impact of your professional activity on the sustainable development of society.
  • Being able to incorporate ethical reasoning to work in a professional environment in a responsible manner.
  • Being able to incorporate contemporary aspects related to the exercise of your profession.
  • Being able to understand and apply basic knowledge of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology as they apply to the field of Biotechnology.
  • Being able to understand and use general knowledge of Computer Science, Economics, Technical English, Ethics, and Management to apply in the field of Biotechnology.
  • Being able to understand and apply advanced knowledge of Biosciences and Engineering to perform activities in the field of Biotechnology.
  • Being able to use tools, systems, or processes to achieve the requirements established in the activities to be carried out in the field of Biotechnology.
  • Being able to design processes and experiments to achieve the requirements established in the activity to be carried out.
  • Being able to integrate Biotechnology knowledge and tools to apply them to the different industrial sectors that use, develop, or produce biotechnological products or processes.
  • Being able to analyse, integrate, and interpret data and information in the field of Biosciences.
  • Being able to assess risks in the use of chemical and biological substances.

Curriculum

• First year:
  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • Applied Mathematics I
  • Fundamentals of Physics
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Software Applications
  • Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • Plant and Animal Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Laboratory 1+2 (Chemistry and Biology)
  • Applied Statistics
• Second year:
  • Fundamentals of Process Engineering
  • Organic Biological Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structure and Function of Biomolecules
  • Biochemical Analysis and Bioassays
  • Laboratory 3 (Biochemistry)
  • Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Bioreactors
  • Metabolism and Regulation
  • Business Management and Economics
  • Applied Mathematics II
  • Laboratory 4 (Molecular Biology)
• Third year:
  • Bioinformatics
  • Protein Engineering
  • Separation and Purification Processes
  • Molecular Physiology
  • Ethics
  • Laboratory 5 (Bioreactors and Bioprocesses)
  • Oral and Written Communication
  • Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics
  • Advanced Experimental Techniques
  • Therapeutic Targets and Pharmacology
  • Cell Cultures
  • Immunology
  • Laboratory 6 (Biotechnologies for Health)
• Fourth year:
  • Biocatalysis and Biotransformation
  • Biomedical and Biomaterial Technologies
  • Elective 1
  • Elective 2
  • Elective 3
  • Integrated Laboratory
  • Bioenterprise Creation and Entrepreneurship
  • Interdisciplinary Seminars
  • Elective 4
  • Internship
  • Final Degree Project

Electives

• Bioprocess Engineering Track:
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Biotechnological Products and Drugs
  • Simulation and Analysis of Bioprocesses
• Biotechnology for Health Track:
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Track:
  • Structural Determination
  • Biotechnological Products and Drugs
  • Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry Track:
  • Structural Determination
  • Biotechnological Products and Drugs
  • Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management

Final Degree Project

The Final Degree Project (TFG) consists of students individually conducting a project in which there will be elements of research or innovative industrial application, representing an approach to professional practice. The project will be carried out under the supervision of a professor from within the degree, with the student joining a research team. With the same academic guarantees and always under the supervision of a professor from within the degree, the TFG may also be conducted at other institutions such as other national or foreign universities, public or private research centres, industries, or companies in the chemical or biotechnological sectors. The TFG culminates by drafting a report then presenting and defending it before a jury.

Career Opportunities

• Join biotechnology companies across a wide range of sectors: Industrial Biotechnology, Agroindustry, Environment, Energy, Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Diagnostics, Biomedicine, and more.
• Join R&D&i teams to apply biotechnological tools for the development and application of products and services that use organisms or their biological components.
• Launch a career within government or the field of teaching.
• Continue with postgraduate studies: master’s and doctoral degrees.

In-Company Internship

As part of the curriculum of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology, all students conduct internships within research centres or in-company internships within the sector equivalent to six credit hours. IQS Career Services gives advice and helps students find and carry out their internships.

Leadership Team

• Jordi Díaz Ferrero, PhD
• Marta Guerra Rebollo, PhD

Faculty

• Andrés Seoane Fernández, PhD
• Antoni Planas Sauter, PhD
• Benjamí Oller Salvia, PhD
• Carles Bofill Bonet, PhD
• Carlos Eduardo Semino, PhD
• Cristina Fornaguera Puigvert, PhD
• David Sánchez García, PhD
• Francesc de Paula Martori Adrian, PhD
• Francesc Xavier Guix Ràfols, PhD
• Gloria Nieva Esteve, PhD
• Guillermo Muñoz Sánchez
• Horacio Moreno Manzano, PhD
• Javier Fernández García, PhD
• Jordi Teixidó Closa, PhD
• Jordi Cuadros Margarit, PhD
• Jordi Duran Castells, PhD
• Judith Báguena Polo, PhD
• Laura Fernández Ruano, PhD
• Llorenç Puig Puig, PhD
• M. del Mar Guitert Catasús, PhD
• M. Josefa Blanco Roca, PhD
• Magda Faijes Simona, PhD
• Marc Carnicer Heras, PhD
• Margalida Artigues Cladera, PhD
• Maria Auset Vallejo, PhD
• Maria-Cristina Marinescu, PhD
• Marta Guerra Rebollo, PhD
• Martí Lecina Veciana, PhD
• Meritxell Sáez Cornellana, PhD
• Norma Fàbregas Vallvé, PhD
• Núria Oliva Jorge, PhD
• Pablo Leivar Rico, PhD
• Raimon Puig de la Bellacasa Cazorla, PhD
• Robert Texidó Bartés, PhD
• Roger Bresolí Obach, PhD
• Roger Estrada Tejedor, PhD
• Xavier Biarnés Fontal, PhD
• Yeray Asensio Ramírez, PhD

External Faculty

• Marcel·lí Carbó Banús
• Teresa Pellicer Moya

Admissions Process

• Online pre-registration
• Admissions test
• Admission confirmation
• Pre-enrolment
• Enrolment

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Academic Excellence
• Financial Aid
• International Students

Contact

• Via Augusta, 390
• 08017 Barcelona, España

Legal Notice

• Cookies Policy
• Data Privacy Policy

Copyright

• 2025 IQS Barcelona

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology at IQS is a four-year program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that govern the functioning of living organisms. The program focuses on discovering the biochemical and molecular foundations that determine the functioning of living organisms. Students will also become experts in the production of biotechnological products and drugs with applications across various areas with the aim of improving human health and life.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Discover the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that determine the functioning of cells, tissues, and living beings.
• Develop expertise in the industrial production of biotechnological products to detect and cure diseases, develop medical devices, and improve human health and life.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• The program spans four academic years.
• It consists of 240 ECTS credits.
• The program starts in September 2024.
• The timetable is Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.

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Course Schedule:

• First Year:
• General Chemistry I (6 ECTS)
• General Chemistry II (6 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics I (7 ECTS)
• Fundamentals of Physics (6 ECTS)
• Cell Biology and Genetics (6 ECTS)
• Software Applications (4 ECTS)
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics (5 ECTS)
• Plant and Animal Biology (4 ECTS)
• Microbiology (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 1+2 (Chemistry and Biology) (6 ECTS)
• Applied Statistics (5 ECTS)
• Second Year:
• Fundamentals of Process Engineering (6 ECTS)
• Organic Biological Chemistry (5 ECTS)
• Molecular Biology (5 ECTS)
• Structure and Function of Biomolecules (5 ECTS)
• Biochemical Analysis and Bioassays (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 3 (Biochemistry) (4 ECTS)
• Bioreactors (5 ECTS)
• Metabolism and Regulation (5 ECTS)
• Business Management and Economics (5 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics II (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 4 (Molecular Biology) (4 ECTS)
• Third Year:
• Bioinformatics (6 ECTS)
• Protein Engineering (5 ECTS)
• Separation and Purification Processes (5 ECTS)
• Molecular Physiology (5 ECTS)
• Ethics (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 5 (Bioreactors and Bioprocesses) (4 ECTS)
• Oral and Written Communication (3 ECTS)
• Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics (5 ECTS)
• Advanced Experimental Techniques (5 ECTS)
• Therapeutic Targets and Pharmacology (5 ECTS)
• Cell Cultures (4 ECTS)
• Immunology (4 ECTS)
• Laboratory 6 (Biotechnologies for Health) (4 ECTS)
• Fourth Year:
• Biocatalysis and Biotransformation (5 ECTS)
• Biomedical and Biomaterial Technologies (5 ECTS)
• Elective 1 (5 ECTS)
• Elective 2 (5 ECTS)
• Elective 3 (5 ECTS)
• Integrated Laboratory (5 ECTS)
• Bioenterprise Creation and Entrepreneurship (4 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinary Seminars (3 ECTS)
• Elective 4 (5 ECTS)
• Internship (6 ECTS)
• Final Degree Project (12 ECTS)

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Modules:

• Electives:
• Bioprocess Engineering Track:
• Plant Biotechnology
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Simulation and Analysis of Bioprocesses
• Biotechnology for Health Track:
• Plant Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Track:
• Structural Determination
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry Track:
• Structural Determination
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management
• Final Degree Project:
• The Final Degree Project (TFG) involves students conducting an individual research project or innovative industrial application.
• The project is supervised by a professor from the degree program.
• Students can conduct the TFG at IQS or other institutions like universities, research centers, or companies in the chemical or biotechnological sectors.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• The program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and project-based learning.
• Students engage in up to three hours of laboratory work per day from the first year onwards.
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified professors with expertise in biotechnology and related fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes practical learning through extensive laboratory work and internships.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Biotechnology companies across various sectors: Industrial Biotechnology, Agroindustry, Environment, Energy, Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Diagnostics, Biomedicine, and more.
• Government or teaching positions.
• Opportunities:
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the biotechnology field.
• IQS Career Services offers guidance and support to students in finding internships and jobs.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology are well-prepared to contribute to the advancement of biotechnology and its applications in various industries.

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Other:

• Recommended Secondary School Baccalaureate Electives: Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Languages: The first academic year is taught in Spanish.
Subsequent years are trilingual: Spanish, Catalan, and English, depending on the language skills of students and faculty.
• Facilities: IQS provides students with access to over 8,700 m2 of laboratories and workshops equipped with the latest technologies.
• Internships: All students are required to complete an internship in a research center or company in the biotechnology sector.
• Leadership Team: The program is led by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members.
• Quality and Accreditations: The Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology has been accredited by AQU Catalunya, ensuring the quality of the program.