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Biotechnology

Home >Study Programs >Biotechnology
Course ID
BTC
Cycles
3 years
Credits
180
Semesters
6

Biotechnology is reshaping genetic engineering, medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and industrial innovation. The Bachelor in Biotechnology at Western Balkans University offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary education that equips you with the tools to lead scientific breakthroughs and technological development in the life sciences.

Why Choose This Program?

·         Hands-On Laboratory Experience – Learn by doing in modern labs equipped for molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and cell culture.
·         International Outlook – Benefit from Erasmus+ mobility, global academic collaborations, and access to EU research networks.
·         Innovation-Driven Learning – Engage in real-world research projects, entrepreneurial initiatives, and product development from your first year.
·         Mentorship by Leading Scientists – Learn from experienced researchers and industry professionals with national and international credentials.
·         Excellent Career Preparation – Graduate ready to succeed in biotech industries, clinical labs, environmental agencies, or advanced academic programs worldwide.

What Does WBU Offer?

Top-Quality Academic Staff – Our program is led by academics and researchers with PhDs in biotechnology, biochemistry, and molecular life sciences. With a faculty of which over 90% hold scientific degrees and extensive international experience, students benefit from mentorship, research collaboration, and guidance for career development.

Accredited, EU-Aligned Curriculum – This fully accredited program follows the Bologna Charter and EU standards. The curriculum blends theoretical rigor with intensive lab practice, covering key areas such as genetic engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology, biopharmaceuticals, and environmental biotechnology.

State-of-the-Art Laboratories – Train in specialized facilities including the Molecular Biology Lab, Biochemistry Lab, Cell Culture Lab, and Bioinformatics Suite. Gain proficiency in cutting-edge tools such as PCR, ELISA, microbe systems, and genome analysis platforms.

Research and Innovation Hub 

Students are actively involved in scientific projects, conferences, and competitions, developing innovations in agriculture, health, and environmental protection. 

Recent student projects include:

·         Exploring the impact of nanomaterials on bacterial growth dynamics
·         Classification of Microbial Communities from Metagenomic Data
·         Comparative Evaluation of Lateral Flow Assay and ELISA for Interleukin-6 Detection in Sepsis Diagnosis
·         Exploring CRISPR-Cas technology for gene editing in crop improvement. Case study: enhancing drought resistance in wheat
·         Nanoparticles' as novel tools to treat cancers

Mobility and International Collaboration 

Expand your academic and professional horizons through Erasmus+ exchanges with partner universities such as:
·         University of Salerno (Italy)
·         University of St. Kliment Ohridski (North Macedonia)
·         G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy)
·         Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (Italy)

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

WBU offers competitive merit-based and need-based scholarships. Biotechnology students have benefited from:
·         Excellence Scholarships
·         Institutional and Partner-Sponsored Scholarships
·         "New Perspectives" Innovation Awards

Career Support and Certification Guidance 

Receive personalized coaching for national and international job placement, professional certification (e.g., EU biotech licenses), and graduate studies. Our Career Office supports students in preparing CVs, applications, and networking with employers.

What Will You Study?

Year 1

Foundations in cell biology, general chemistry, microbiology, biophysics, cytogenetics, introduction to programming and basic laboratory techniques.Develop academic writing, scientific reasoning, and lab safety skills.

Year 2

In-depth training in plant and animal tissue culture techniques, molecular biology, immunology-virology, bioinformatics, omics and animal biotechnology.

Year 3

Advanced courses in genetic engineering, pharmaceutical biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, tissue engineering, medical biotechnology and project management.Conclude with an independent thesis and capstone biotech innovation project.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates are qualified for careers in:

·         Biotech and Pharma Companies
·         Clinical and Genetic Diagnostics Laboratories
·         Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology Firms
·         Research and Development Centers
·         Start-ups and Bio-innovation Hubs
·         Graduate Programs in Europe and Worldwide

Location Advantage

Based in Tirana, one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the region, WBU offers students direct access to industry networks, science parks, and international policy dialogues in the Western Balkans and beyond.

Language of Studies The program is offered fully in English, with the option for bilingual Albanian support in the first year.

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Study Program Curriculum

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 101 Introduction to Biotechnology Mandatory English A 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5
2 BTC 103 Cell Biology Mandatory English A 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
3 BTC 105 General Chemistry Mandatory English A 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
4 BTC 107 Biophysics Mandatory English A 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
5 BTC 109 Mathematics Mandatory English A 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5
6 BTC 111 Foreign Language – English I/German I/Italian I Mandatory English / German / Italian D 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 102 Microbiology and Microbial Genetics Mandatory English A 30 30 15 0 65 3 5
2 BTC 104 Cytology - Cytogenetics Mandatory English C 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
3 BTC 106 Organic Chemistry Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
4 BTC 108 Introduction to Programming Mandatory English D 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
5 BTC 110 Biostatistics Mandatory English B 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5
6 BTC 112 Foreign Language – English II/German II/Italian II Mandatory English II/German II/Italian II D 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 201 Biochemistry and Secondary Metabolism Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
2 BTC 203 Plant and Animal Tissue Culture Techniques and Applications Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
3 BTC 205 Molecular Biology Mandatory English C 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
4 BTC 207 Plant Biotechnology Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
5 BTC 209 Immunology - Virology Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
6 BTC 211 Biotechnology - Social, Legal and Ethical Issues Mandatory English A 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 202 Animal Biotechnology Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
2 BTC 204 Ecology and Environmental Biotechnology Mandatory English C 45 15 0 0 90 3.5 6
3 BTC 206 Human Anatomy and Physiology Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 65 3 5
4 BTC 208 Bioinformatics Mandatory English B 30 15 30 0 75 3.5 6
5 BTC 210 Omics Technologies Mandatory English B 30 15 0 0 80 2.5 5
6 BTC 212/BTC 214 Nanobiotechnology/Waste Treatment Technologies Elective English C 30 0 0 0 45 2 3

Semester 1

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 301 Food Biotechnology Mandatory English B 30 15 30 0 75 3.5 6
2 BTC 303 Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Mandatory English B 30 0 15 0 105 2.5 6
3 BTC 305 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 115 3 7
4 BTC 307 Genetic Engineering Mandatory English B 45 15 15 0 75 4 6
5 BTC 309/BTC 311 Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology/Genes and Genomics Elective English C 30 15 0 0 80 2.5 5

Semester 2

No. Subject Code Subject Course Type Language Course Group Lecture Seminar Laboratory Practice Individual Work Credit ECTS
1 BTC 300 Medical Biotechnology - Regenerative Medicine Mandatory English B 30 15 15 0 90 3 6
2 BTC 302 Energy and Biomass -Bioprocess Mandatory English B 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5
3 BTC 304 Industrial Biotechnology Mandatory English B 45 15 0 0 65 3.5 5
4 BTC 320 Professional Practice Mandatory English D 0 15 0 60 100 2.5 7
5 BTC 350 Thesis / Final Exam Mandatory English E 0 15 0 0 160 0.5 7