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551-0366-00L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL

Cell Matters: Material and Physical Properties of the Cell

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Yves Barral, Prof. Dr. Frédéric Allain, Prof. Dr. Matthias Peter, Prof. Dr. Karsten Weis, Prof. Dr. Gabriel Neurohr, Prof. Dr. Thomas Michaels
Number of participants limited to 20. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:04

Abstract

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.

Objective

Students will learn about current research focused on the fundamental principles that drive self-organization of the cell interior. Students will learn to connect theoretical knowledge with practical research by designing, performing and analysing experiments at the interface of bioliogy and physics.

Content

Students will spend most of their time working on research questions in one of the participating groups. This can involve experiments, theoretical work, data analysis and interpretation. In addition, students will discuss their work in the form of a poster at the end of the block course. This practical work will be complemented with lectures that give a broader insight into key concepts in the field and the broader research performed in the participating groups.

Resources

Lecture Notes

none

Literature

Documentation and recommended literature will be provided at the beginning and during the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The student's performance will be assessed based on their paraticipation in the labs (50%). Student presence is therefore mandatory for all of the course. In addition, presentation of a poster describing the project at the end of the course will be evaluated (50%).Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course.Cancellation: if you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failled".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Cell Matters: Material and Physical Properties of the Cell
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 4th quarter of the spring semester.
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPM D 7.2)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPM D 7.2)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPM D 7.2)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPM D 7.2)
100 h semesterly

Offered In