Nature is the model: Materials science of the future
Car chassis with bio-inspired lightweight wheels and hinges that work as seamlessly as the exoskeleton of a crab. Or optical lenses made from renewable raw materials that are as anti-reflective as the eyes of moths. Understanding how nature works and translating this knowledge into new materials and products is the cornerstone of bionics. Learn from nature today to develop the materials and technologies of tomorrow!
In addition to scientific basics, the degree program in "Materials Science and Bionics" provides you with solid technical know-how. You will learn how materials are created that set new standards in terms of lightweight construction, sustainability, performance, and functionality. To this end, we combine the following disciplines:
- Materials Science
- Bionics
- Engineering sciences
- Lightweight construction
- Optics and photonics
- Polymer sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
After graduating, you will therefore be in a position to help shape the development of innovative materials and products of the future.
Study plan
In the first four semesters, you will become familiar with the basics of natural sciences and engineering and learn about the structural and functional analogies to nature. The program covers subjects like
- Bionics
- Biomechanics
- Biology
- General, inorganic, and organic chemistry
- Applied mathematics
- Technical mechanics
- Design engineering and CAD
- Instrumental analysis and measurement technology
- Technical optics
- Lighting technology
In the third semester, you will gain initial insights into the three mandatory elective profiles: "Lightweight construction and bionics", "Photonics and bionics", and "Bio-inspired materials and polymers" that you can later major in.
You can use the fifth semester as an internship semester or for an exchange semester. That way, you can work on real projects at companies, universities, or research institutes and experience tasks for which you, as an up-and-coming scientific engineer, will share joint responsibility.
“Materials science and bionics”: What can I do with it?
With a bachelor's degree in "Materials Science and Bionics", you can either start a master's program or go straight into practice - e.g., as a scientist or engineer in research and industry. You will be in demand in areas such as automotive, aviation, mechanical engineering, medical technology, micro and nanotechnology, materials and plastics development, energy technology, lighting/optics, and bioeconomics.
Your career opportunities in a nutshell
What jobs can you do?
- Materials developer
- Bionic engineer
- Materials tester
- Product developer
- Laboratory manager
- Quality engineer
- Process engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Technical consultant in the field of materials
- and more
In which industries can you work?
- Automotive and aviation industry
- Medical technology and biotechnology
- Mechanical engineering and manufacturing technology
- Materials and polymer industry
- Environmental technology and sustainable production
- Research and development at universities and institutes
- Energy and resource technologies
- and many more
What tasks can you expect?
- Development of new materials and material-based products
- Analysis and testing of materials for properties and performance
- Design of technical solutions using biological principles
- Optimization of production processes and material use
- Conducting tests and evaluating experimental data
- Collaboration in interdisciplinary research teams
- and much more
Where do our alumni work today?
- Porsche AG
- WEAG Future Energies AG
- Infineon Technologies
- Scharkon Lichtkonzepte
- Start-ups, e.g., Palprint
- Research institutions and public service, e.g., City of Bielefeld
- and more
You want to study "Materials Science and Bionics"? Here you can find all information about the Application and enrollment.
Do you have any questions? Get in touch with us!
Mandatory elective profiles
- Overview of the mandatory elective modules
-
Lightweight construction and bionics
If you major in "Lightweight construction and bionics", you will focus more intensely on the development of new materials, specifically bionic materials that set new standards for strength, lightweight construction, functionalization, and sustainability. This study program will teach you the relevant manufacturing processes and methods of material testing along with the special aspects involved in using such materials for construction. That puts the following topics on the curriculum:
- Bionics: Structures and lightweight construction in nature and technology, biomaterials, and bioplastics
- Lightweight construction: Production of bio-inspired lightweight structures, model construction, and FEM simulation
- Material analysis and characterization: Material and component testing, micro- and nanotechnology, surface technology
- Sustainability: Environmental technology and quality management
Person responsible for specializations: Prof. Dmitrij Tikhomirov
-
Photonics and bionics
Sustainable, resource-conserving optical components made from biopolymers, foldable displays, material structuring using lasers, and modern measurement and sensor technology. If you decide to major in "Photonics and Bionics", you will concentrate more intensely on the development of optical systems and components for holographic imaging, safety technology, medical diagnostics, and material analysis along with lighting technologies and lighting designs—all subjects that open up completely new and creative possibilities for the use of light. The following topics will be on your curriculum:
- Bionics: Bionics and optics design, biomimetic materials and processes, biomimetic micro-/nano-optics
- Applied photonics: Lighting technology and lighting systems, biological aspects of lighting, technical micro-/nano-optics
- Materials: Photonic materials, technical micro- and nano-optical components
- Micro- and nanotechnology, surface technology, optical characterization
-
Bio-inspired materials and polymers
Anti-fogging surfaces, functional and responsive materials that are fire-and flame-resistant and made from renewable raw materials—innovative, sustainable materials and substances form the basis for future technologies. If you decide to specialize in “Bio-inspired materials and polymers”, you will work intensely on the development of polymers and bionic materials with customized properties that set new standards for functionalization, fire resistance, and sustainability. The following practice-related topics will be on the curriculum:
- Bionics: Biomaterials and biomineralization, bioplastics, biomimetic materials and processes
- Macromolecular chemistry and plastics technology: Functional macromolecular materials and their processing, synthesis and characterization of polymers
- Polymer design: Development of sustainable, functionally optimized plastic formulations and additives
- Material analysis and characterization: Micro- and nanotechnology, quality and data management
Person responsible for specializations: Prof. Dr. Helge Fabritius & Prof. Dr. Sabine Fuchs
