This course trains Master’s students in scientific reasoning and research proposal writing in cell biology, biochemistry, and life sciences. With a supervisor, students develop a research overview, identify testable questions, and design an experimental strategy. Workshops cover critical reasoning, generative AI, writing, and presentation skills, culminating in proposal submission and defense.

This course will focus on molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying cellular biochemistry, providing advanced insights into the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the complex regulation of their interactions. Particular emphasis will be on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes.

The course can be taken alone or in combination with the spring course “A Problem Based Approach to Cellular Biochemistry”. During this seminar style course, students will explore research topics in cellular biochemistry focused on the structure, function and regulation of selected cell components. In the best case, student efforts can be aligned with an ongoing or future research project.

This Master level course delves into the emerging field of biomolecular condensates - membrane-less organelles in cells. Using interdisciplinary concepts from biology, chemistry, biophysics, and soft matter, we will explore the biological properties of these condensates, their functions in health and disease, and their potentiol as new biomimetic materials for various applications.