The colloquium “Challenges in Plant Sciences” is a core class of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center's PhD program. The colloquium introduces participants to the broad spectrum of plant sciences within the network. The course offers the opportunity to approach interdisciplinary topics in the field of plant sciences.

The lecture provides an introduction to the basics of biochemistry and molecular biology as well as evolutionary principles. The focus is on bacteria and archaea under consideration of universal concepts.

The lecture provides an introduction to the function and regulations of cells.

Structure, function, genetics of prokaryotic microorganisms and fungi.

Bacterial cell biology, molecular genetics, gene regulation, growth physiology, metabolism (Bacteria and Archaea), natural products, microbial interactions

The lecture course aims at providing an advanced understanding of the physiology and metabolism of microorganisms. Emphasis is on processes that are specific to bacteria and archaea and that contribute to the widespread occurrence of prokaryotes. Applied aspects of microbial biochemistry will be pointed out as well as research fields of current scientific interest.

Basic types of bacterial nutrition and energy conversion. Degradation of carbon sources in aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Chemolithotrophic metabolism. Metabolism of sulfur and nitrogen compounds.

Advanced lecture class providing a broad overview on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.

Teaching of basic knowledge in microbiology with main focus on the topics: Prokaryotic Diversity, Microbial Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Genetics, Microbial Growth, Metabolic Diversity, Phylogeny and Taxonomy, as well as applied aspects of Biotechnology and the Interaction of Humans and Microbes.

Advanced lecture class providing a broad overview on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.

Seminars by invited speakers covering selected topics in microbiology.Students enrolled in this seminar series for course credit will take in-person quizzes immediately after each seminar, and submit summary essays every three weeks.

Laboratory course. Research projects in the area of plant microbiomes are conducted in small teams. They address current topics related to plant microbiomes, including microbial community assembly, microbial interactions, plant protection and plant immunity.

The focus of this laboratory course is on current research topics related to metabolic engineering and the general understanding of metabolism, particularly in relation to one carbon metabolism. Projects will be carried out in small teams.