The lecture course Biology II, together with the course Biology I of the previous winter semester, is a basic introductory course into biology for students of materials sciences, of chemistry and of chemical engineering.

The lecture course Biology II is a basic introductory course into biology for students who need to pass this course for admission to their MSc curriculum.

The course is a literature seminar or "journal club". Each Friday a student, or a member of the Stoffel Lab in the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, will present a comprehensive presentation of a recent paper published in a top ranking international peer reviewed journal that relates to metabolism and disease.

Discussion of normal structure and function of the endocrine systems, their interaction with the autonomic nervous system and their role in metabolism. In addition, pathophysiological and clinical aspects, diagnostics and therapeutic concepts of the most important endocrine diseases and related metabolic disorders as well as respective preventive measures are adressed.

This 1st year Laboratory course introduces the student to the entire range of classical and modern molecular biosciences. During this course (Praktikum GL BioI) the students will do three praktikum days in:- Biochemistry- Cell Biology I- Microbiology- Plant Anantomy & Ecology(total of 12 experiments)Each experiment takes one full day.

The lecture conveys the fundamental concepts underlying multicellularity with an emphasis on the molecular basis of multicellular biological systems and their functional integration into coherent wholes. The structural and functional specialization in multicellular organisms will be discussed by highlighting common and specific functions in fungi, plants, and animals (including humans).

Modern genetic analysis in the genomic area, including key model systems and aspects of quantitative genetics.

Organisms have to control their growth in accordance with environmental conditions. Interestingly, the pathways regulating growth often also affect aging. This course focuses on the analysis of growth regulation in yeast, Drosophila, and mammalian cells and on its connection to aging. The participants will perform experiments to study insulin/TOR signaling as a key regulator of growth and aging.

Introduction to the physiological and biochemical action of insulin signaling and its role in the fasted/feeding response and in obesity and diabetes.

This course covers aspects of RNA biology related to the functions of non-coding RNAs as well as their use as drugs to treat diseases.

Introduction to experimental and computational methods of systems biology. By using baker’s yeast as a thread through the series, we focus on global methods for analysis of and interference with biological functions. Illustrative applications to other organisms will highlight medical and biotechnological aspects.

Insights into pathophysiological aspects of selected metabolic disorders in man. One focus will be on diabetes and/or obesity.