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.

The goal of the course is to give deep insights on the molecular events responsible for the physiology of the cell.

The course introduces students to the central facts and concepts of biochemistry and covers topics ranging from the structure, physicochemical properties and function of biomolecules; enzymes and their function; human metabolism and its regulation to signal transduction and motor proteins.

The school (1.9. - 12.9.2008) will discuss the recent progress and challenges in biological and medical imaging. Cutting edge techniques using a wide range of imaging mechanisms will be put in the context of selected biomedical problems. In particular, multimodal and multiscale imaging methods as well as supporting technologies such as computer aided image analysis and modeling will be discussed.

The course will introduce students to key concepts and laboratory research within the broad field of "Genome stability".

The cell interior is densely packed with macromolecules that self-organize through liquid-liquid phase separation and polymerization. In this interdisciplinary block course, we look at different experimental and theoretical approaches that investigate the fundamental principles of these interactions, how they are regulated and how they influence cell functions and properties of the cell interior.

Introduction to the principles and molecular mechanisms of cell polarity, using the three model systems S. cerevisiae (yeast), S. pombe (fission yeast) and mammalian epithelial cells.

Concepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into structure, function and regulation of individual cell components. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cell division & growth, and cell migration.

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.

Amino acids; structure of proteins; folding; dynamics and evolution; protein purification; sugars and polysaccharides; lipids and membranes. Enzymatic catalysis. Metabolism; Gene expression and propagation of genetic information; structure of DNA; ; transcription; protein biosynthesis; DNA replication. Gene technology; production of recombinant proteins

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

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.

Students will learn about biochemical approaches to analyze cellular functions. The course consists of practical projects in small groups, lectures and literature discussions. The course concludes with the presentation of results at a poster session.

Application of current experimental strategies to study the dynamics of complex and highly regulated cellular processes.

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