Molecular Biotechnology

• Understanding the importance of biotechnology

• Onboarding

• Motivation and goal setting

• Building a strong foundation in key skills

• Career exploration and networking

• Ethical considerations and emerging trends

• Part of a wBecoming part of a community of practice

• Students are able to reflect on their motivation for their studies and develop strategies for self-motivation and for dealing with setbacks.

• Students are able to classify and actively promote the importance of teamwork and a sense of community.

• Students are able to grasp the rapid development of biotechnological research and innovation as well as the adaptability of research to social challenges and are thus motivated to make a contribution themselves.

• Students will be able to explore various career opportunities in biotechnology and recognize the importance of networking within and outside academia for their professional development.

• Students will be able to correctly display and record the use of AI in scientific work and correctly classify ethical and legal aspects of the use of artificial intelligence in biotechnology.

Lecture, individual and group work, practical implementation tasks, self-assessment through exercises for self-reflection and individual application, practical exercises with feedback and analysis

Continuous assessment: Performance assessment (e.g. presentation, discussion, written work, reflection)

• The Austrian Federal Constitution at a glance

• The administration

• Federalism and the European Union

• Trade law

• Reproductive medicine law

• Genetic engineering law

• Animal welfare law

• pharmaceutical law

In the general part of public law, students acquire basic knowledge of the fundamental principles of Austrian constitutional law, the structure of legislation, the types and principles of enforcement and the various possibilities of legal protection.

They deal intensively with the legal basis for the commencement, exercise and termination of a commercial activity. Topics such as the classification of trades, the requirements for exercising a trade (e.g. capacity to act under trade law, certificate of competence), the scope and loss of trade licenses and the role of tradespeople are covered. A special focus is placed on the law on business premises, including the definition of commercial business premises and licensing requirements.

Another focus is the topic of "biomedicine". Students analyze constitutional and statutory provisions of reproductive medicine law, organ transplantation law and the protection of life and discuss these in the context of ethical issues.

In the area of animal protection law, animal experimentation law and the central regulations of the Animal Protection Act are explained. In addition, students acquire knowledge of the main features of genetic engineering law, including regulations for work in closed systems, safety requirements and regulations on the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

• Students are able to explain the fundamental principles of Austrian constitutional and administrative law and analyze their significance in the context of European integration.

• Students are able to assess the legal requirements for the commencement, exercise and termination of a commercial activity and describe the procedures for the approval of operating facilities.

• Students are able to evaluate the legal foundations and specific regulations of genetic engineering law, animal protection law, reproductive medicine law and pharmaceutical law, explain their practical applicability and apply them to relevant issues.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam

The focus is on supporting students in their presentation confidence and self-organization and preparing them for presentation and discussion situations in everyday working life. In the first semester, presentation confidence and presentation techniques are trained and consolidated. The teaching objectives include refreshing, consolidating and deepening basic presentation skills. The main topics are authenticity, dramaturgy and differentiating between scientific and persuasive presentations. Personal style and goal-oriented presentation are continuously developed through implementation exercises with intensive feedback.

• Students are able to differentiate between presentations and speeches and develop target group-oriented dramaturgies for individual and group performances.

• Students are able to apply basic guidelines for visualization, media selection and design of presentations.

• Students are able to select and practically apply suitable tools for target group-oriented visualization.

• Students are able to realistically assess their own performance, evaluate presentations and give constructive oral or written feedback.

• Students are able to reflect on their skills and knowledge by analyzing themselves and others and to continuously expand them.

Lecture, individual and group work, practical implementation tasks, self-assessment through exercises for self-reflection and individual application, practical exercises with feedback and analysis

Continuous assessment: Performance and progress are assessed on an ongoing basis. The assessment is based on all written and oral work during the semester. Collaboration is also taken into account.

This lecture deals with the theoretical principles of wet chemical analysis of inorganic and organic samples. The focus is on preliminary samples and individual detections of anions, cations and inorganic salts, with particular attention to the specificity of the detection reactions, reaction equations and stoichiometry. Video visualizations clearly convey laboratory practice and prepare students for practical implementation. In addition, basic analysis methods for organic samples are developed. These include detection methods for functional groups as well as simple extraction and separation techniques, which are illustrated using selected organic compounds. In addition, the basic principles of wet-chemical quantitative analysis techniques are discussed. The aim of the course is to create a solid analytical basis for practical laboratory work.

• Students are able to explain how chemical reactions and separation processes work and to plan their professional implementation

• Students are able to recognize analytical questions, select suitable wet-chemical analysis methods and justify their use.

• Students are able to correctly apply qualitative and quantitative analysis methods in order to make well-founded statements about the composition of unknown samples.

• Students are able to interpret the data resulting from analysis procedures and critically scrutinize the results obtained.

• Students are able to document their knowledge of wet-chemical analysis methods in a structured and comprehensible manner and use it for future laboratory activities.

Presentational method, lecture with interactive intermediate exercises

Final exam: Final written examination

The laboratory training program is divided into several modules that build on each other and promote practice-oriented work and independent learning:

1. Fundamentals of laboratory technology/safety: introduction to basic chemical working techniques and elementary safety rules in the laboratory.

1. Qualitative analysis of liquid mixtures: Separation and qualitative analysis of inorganic anion and cation mixtures using wet-chemical analytical methods.

1. Qualitative analysis of solids: Identification of inorganic and organic salts based on previously acquired knowledge.

1. Quantitative analysis: Determination of content by dimensional analysis.

Record keeping:
The test results are documented by hand, focusing on a structured and precise presentation of the work processes and results.

• Students are able to safely apply basic chemical work techniques and independently implement essential safety rules in the laboratory. They can work safely and cleanly in the laboratory and have a sound knowledge of occupational safety, health and safety and the proper disposal of chemicals. They can actively recognize and avoid sources of danger in the laboratory.

• Students are able to qualitatively analyze mixtures of substances by separating and determining inorganic anion and cation mixtures using wet-chemical analytical methods.

• Students are able to qualitatively analyze and identify inorganic and organic salts by applying their previously acquired knowledge and methods.

• Students are able to carry out quantitative analyses and precisely determine the substance content of solutions using dimensional analysis methods.

• Students are able to document the test results and present the work processes and results clearly and precisely.

Mainly working methods

Final exam: Final examination, immanent examination character

Atomic structure: Structure of the atom, elementary particles, elements; isotopes; radioactive decay, (radioactive) displacement theorems, decay series.

Atomic models: Rutherford model, Bohr model, wave mechanical model.

Periodic table of the elements: periods and groups, main group elements and subgroup elements, electron configuration of the elements, general relationships of the periodic table.

Bonds (with special consideration of the resulting spatial structure): Metal bonding, Ionic bonding, Covalent bonding, Coordinative bonding; Intermolecular bonding forces; Acid-base concept.

Conservation laws and consequences: stoichiometry, energy and enthalpy, entropy, spontaneity of chemical reactions, redox reactions.

State forms of matter and their laws.

Chemical equilibrium, law of mass action, acids/bases in detail, pH value.

• Students will be able to understand and use chemical formulae and formulae representations in a targeted manner.

• Students are able to apply the basic concepts of the structure of substances, based on atomic structure and the different types of bonds, and derive elementary substance properties from them.

• Students are able to set up and interpret reaction equations (in particular: redox equations).

• Students are able to establish a bidirectional connection between nomenclature-compliant name and chemical structure (formula) for inorganic compounds and simple organic compounds.

• Students are able to establish a bidirectional connection between nomenclature-compliant name and chemical structure (formula) for inorganic compounds and simple organic compounds.

Lecture with active involvement of the students, homework for self-training of presented concepts

Final exam: Written final exam

Based on the question: "What is life?", physical laws and chemistry as the basis for life (biomolecules, energy production, metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis) are discussed first. Biomolecules such as proteins are discussed in detail. This is followed by Darwinian evolution, forces and mechanisms of evolution, speciation and the origin of life. Hierarchy of life, kinship of organisms, sequence comparisons at DNA and protein level. Milestones in the history of life on our planet are discussed, as well as the origin of eukaryotic cells and multicellular organisms.

• Students are able to explain the physical and chemical principles of life, including the properties of biomolecules, energy production, metabolism, respiration and photosynthesis

• Students will be able to describe the central concepts of Darwinian evolution, including the mechanisms of evolution, speciation and the origin of life

• Students are able to describe the hierarchy of life and explain its significance for the organization of biological systems.

• Students will be able to categorize the milestones in the history of life on earth, including the emergence of eukaryotic cells and multicellular organisms.

• Students are able to explain basic methods for analyzing relationships at the DNA and protein level.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam on the computer (multiple choice)

• Cells as the basic building blocks of life

• Common characteristics of cells

• Characteristics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• Presentation of simple microscopy specimens (prokaryotes, eukaryotes)

• Cells in selected animal tissues and plants

• Selected areas of plant anatomy

• Microscopic techniques

• Fluorescence microscopy

• Electron microscopy

• Students can explain why cells are regarded as the building blocks of life and describe the basic functions and properties of cells

• Students are able to describe the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

• Students know the organelles of eukaryotic cells and can describe their basic functions and properties.

• Students are able to describe the preparation of simple preparations for the microscopy of bacteria, mammalian tissues and cells, as well as plant tissues, and to analyze their microscopic images.

• Students are able to name various microscopic and biooptical methods, describe their basic functionality and explain their areas of application.

Presenting method, lecture with activating methods

Final exam: Written final exam

The lecture includes the following topics:
(1) Introduction to microbiology (definition of microorganisms; history of microbiology; influence of microorganisms)

(2) Microbial evolution and diversity (origin of life; phylogenetic tree of life; methods for determining evolutionary relationships; microbial diversity)

(3) Structure and function of microbial cells (overview and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells)

(4) Microorganisms and their natural environment (nutrients; environmental factors; habitats)

(5) Microbial metabolism

(6) Cultivation and growth of microorganisms

(7) Control of microbial growth (in vitro and in vivo applications)

(8) Interactions between microbes and humans (beneficial and harmful)

(9) Introduction to medical microbiology (epidemiology; microbial diseases; diagnostic microbiology.

• Students are able to define microorganisms and describe their influence on our ecosystem.

• Students are able to describe the structures and functions of microbial cells and understand how cellular differences affect the way microorganisms live.

• Students are able to describe microbial habitats and microbial metabolic pathways, they know how microorganisms grow and how to cultivate them, and can describe methods for measuring microbial growth.

• Students are able to describe various interactions between microbes and humans and have basic knowledge of medical microbiology.

• Students are able to describe important aspects of epidemiology, have an overview of microbial diseases and methods for their diagnosis and understand the potential of microbiology as a science.

The content of the lecture is taught using a Power Point presentation as part of frontal teaching.

Students always have the opportunity to ask questions during the course, which may be discussed with the plenum.
At the end of each chapter, the most important key messages of the topics presented are summarized in the form of take home messages and questions related to the topics covered in the teaching unit are presented, which are similar to the type of exam questions.

In addition, on selected days at the beginning of a teaching unit, students' learning progress is checked in the form of a quiz.

Some teaching units of the course are designed as distance learning. Here, students are asked to read articles on the subject of microbiology, the content of which is then also tested in the final examination.

Final exam: Final written examination at the end of the course

• Cooling the microscope and calibrating the measuring eyepiece
• Carrying out a plasmolysis (e.g. onion) and microscopic evaluation
• Staining and analysis for starch detection (e.g. potato, banana, wheat)
• Staining and analysis of cells of the oral mucosa
• Microscopic analysis of pond water
• Preparation and microscopy of chromoplasts in plant tissue (e.g. carrot)
• Preparation and microscopy of the plant cell wall (lignified, non-lignified; with staining)
• Preparation and microscopy of a leaf cross-section
• Microscopy of a human hair, as well as finished preparations (blood smear, mitosis stages of an onion, skin preparations, etc)

Documentation of all microscopic analyses and measurements using a measuring eyepiece or camera.

• Students are able to correctly calibrate a microscope and determine the ratios of measuring eyepiece to object.

• Students can carry out plasmolysis on plant cells and analyze the results microscopically.

• After successfully completing this course, students will be able to prepare water samples and carry out simple staining of plant and human samples and interpret the results.

• Students are able to microscope finished preparations with the correct resolution, carry out measurements of individual structures, assess their size ratios, take photos using a microscope camera and analyze the results.

• Through the documentation during the practical exercises and the subsequent work assignment, students are able to keep a laboratory journal correctly, describe biological observations, present a complex image in the best possible way and write a detailed caption.

Practical course, classroom teaching (preliminary discussion), distance learning

Continuous assessment: The overall grade results from the commitment during the internship, the assessment of the quality of the protocols to be prepared during the internship, as well as the submission of a work assignment.

The Molecular Biology and Genetics I course covers a wide range of fundamental topics in genetics and molecular biology. The course begins with an introduction to the field, including its history and relationship to other disciplines such as biochemistry and cell biology. The course also covers important discoveries that have expanded our understanding of the interactions of DNA, RNA and proteins. Students will learn about Mendelian inheritance, including the concepts of dominant and recessive alleles, segregation, and independent assortment. Building on this foundation, the course examines the central dogma of molecular biology that explains the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins. Students gain an in-depth understanding of DNA replication, including the role of key enzymes and the challenges of end replication. The course then compares and contrasts DNA and RNA and examines different types of RNA and their functions. Students will learn about the structure of the genome, how DNA is packaged into chromosomes, and the different types of chromatin. The course also covers DNA mutations and repair mechanisms, including different types of mutations and how cells correct errors in DNA. Finally, the course covers homologous recombination, site-specific recombination, transposable elements and V(D)J recombination.

• Students can explain the central dogma of molecular biology and outline the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

• Students can compare and contrast DNA and RNA and highlight their differences.

• Students can describe the structure of the genome and how DNA is packaged into chromosomes.

• Students can discuss DNA mutations and classify them into different types, and they can explain the causes of mutations.

• Students will be able to describe various DNA repair mechanisms, including base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination.

Presenting method with instructional videos

Final exam: Written final exam

Solutions: Concentration specifications, preparation of solutions and solution mixtures

pH value: acidic/basic solutions, buffer solutions

Quantitative analysis: From measured value to content specification - using the example of: Gravimetry, titration, photometry, chromatography

• Accuracy, correctness, precision, detection limit, limit of quantification

• Errors

• Calibration / Adjustment

• Evaluation and documentation of analysis results

The basic calculation operations are presented and discussed in detail using selected practical examples. A specific e-learning tool is provided for personal calculation training.

• Students are able to theoretically prepare solutions of various compounds (e.g. common salt, sulphuric acid, ethanol) taking into account the density and molecular weight.

• Students are able to determine stoichiometric figures using reaction equations and carry out conversion calculations for reactants and products.

• Students are able to analyze samples with unknown concentrations using external calibration and instrumental methods.

• Students are able to evaluate, assess and present quantitative results in a statistically correct manner.

Lecture with active involvement of the students

Homework and exercises (with e-learning tool "Chemical Calculation")

Final exam: Written final exam

Spatial and temporal homogeneity of exponential growth and decay.

Linear recursions, real and complex eigenvalue analysis, in this context calculations with vectors, matrices and determinants, solution methods of linear equation systems.

Concrete models from population dynamics: Leslie, Levkovich and predator-prey models.

Complementary to the solution behavior of linear recursions, the logistic growth equation, Cobweb and bifurcation diagrams.

• Students are able to systematically analyze multidimensional exponential models of growth and decay and to evaluate the theoretical and practical limits of exponential growth in a differentiated manner.

• Students will be able to qualitatively describe discrete-time linear growth models using real eigenvalue analysis and apply this knowledge to basic models of population dynamics, including Levkovich and Leslie models, and assess their implications.

• Students are able to carry out mathematical operations independently in the context of complex problems. This includes solving linear systems of equations using vector and matrix arithmetic, dealing with polynomials and analytically resolving recursions.

• Students will be able to precisely formulate simple non-linear growth models and apply these models to make predictions for basic chaotic systems and critically interpret the results.

• Students are able to model various growth models on the computer using suitable software tools. They acquire practical basic knowledge of GNU R and use this to model and analyze population dynamic scenarios.

Integrated online course

Continuous assessment: Immanent examination character. The course is assessed by regular short intermediate examinations and a final semester project. These are written. Possible questions are clarified in oral form.

• Basic concepts of ethics
•  Ethical theories
• Ethics in decision-making and reflection models
• Ethics in everyday life - personal and professional responsibility
• Insights into the ethics committee at FH Campus Wien
• New development trends and their ethical relevance 
• Ethical issues in relation to the professional field
•  current topics in (bio)ethics

• Students are able to understand and explain the central terms and concepts of ethics.

• Students are able to apply ethics to personal and professional responsibility and make ethically sound decisions in everyday life.

• Students are able to critically evaluate, discuss and reflect on important current topics in (bio)ethics, including new technological and social developments such as artificial intelligence, from an ethical perspective.

• Students are able to understand the functioning and purpose of an ethics committee, in particular by gaining insights into the ethics committee of FH Campus Wien.

Lecture with activating methods, group work, discussion, work assignments with (peer) feedback, presentation, reflection, blended learning

Continuous assessment: Immanent performance review

You will learn the basics of self-coaching and stress management techniques and become aware of personal perception and communication patterns. Methods of self-motivation, time management and stress reduction are tried out and reflected upon, and the effects of perception on behavior and communication are analyzed. In addition, practical experience in self-management for later professional life is gained through implementation tasks. Key topics are self-coaching and communication, self-coaching and self-motivation, stress and time management, perception and interpretation, communication analysis

• Students are able to apply their knowledge of the basics of self-management and develop individual techniques for self-organization.

• Students are able to analyze the interplay of perception and communication behavior in themselves and others and adapt it to the situation if necessary.

• Students are able to further develop their teamwork skills by working in changing groups for teamwork in professional life.

• Students are able to apply their self-organization and communication skills in teams.

• Students are able to apply their self-management skills in intercultural work contexts.

Lecture, individual and group work, practical implementation tasks, self-assessment through exercises for self-reflection and individual application, practical exercises with feedback and analysis

Continuous assessment: Performance and progress are assessed on an ongoing basis. The assessment is based on all written and oral work during the semester. Collaboration is also taken into account

Students are taught the physical, chemical and cellular principles of the composition and molecular structure of biomacromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and lipids). A special focus is placed on the importance of carbon for the chemistry of living organisms and on the important role of water for the structure and function of biomacromolecules. Amino acids and proteins, sugars and polysaccharides, as well as fatty acids and lipids are then examined in more detail. The chemistry of the covalently linked monomers (amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids) is always considered first and then the structure of the macromolecules and supramolecular complexes is described. Particular emphasis is placed on the following points: 1) that the unique structure of macromolecules determines their function, 2) that non-covalent interactions play a crucial role in the structure and function of macromolecules and 3) that monomers of polymeric macromolecules have a specific order that provides information on which the ordered state of life depends.

• Students are able to explain the physical, chemical and cellular principles of biochemistry.

• Students are able to describe the structures and properties of biomacromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and lipids).

• Students know the composition of the building blocks of biomacromolecules and can explain the interaction forces between the building blocks.

• Students are able to describe the structure and function of selected macromolecules.

• Students are able to explain the importance of macromolecules in the assembly and function of supramolecular complexes and organelles.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam, essay questions

1. atomic orbitals - hybridization of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes

2. bond types: Covalent bonding, Π-bonding, van der Waals bonding, hydrogen bonding

3. mesomers and inductive effects

4. classes of substances: Saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, haloalkanes, alcohols, phenols, ethers, sulphur compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, carbonic acid and derivatives, amines; trivial nomenclature of important alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, etc.

5. oxidations, reductions

6. stereoisomerism - mirror image isomerism: constitution, configuration, conformation; chirality, enantiomers, diastereomers, racemate cleavage of acidic or basic compounds; polarimetry, determination of optical purity

7. acid/base strength of organic compounds

8. reaction mechanisms: Nucleophilic substitution reactions on the total C atom, electrophilic substitution reactions on aromatic compounds, electrophilic and nucleophilic additions to C,C double bonds, condensations on the carbonyl group: acetals, cyanohydrins, reductions with sodium borohydride and lithium aluminum hydride, Grignard reactions, aldol and Knoevenagel condensations, Wittig and Mannich reactions, addition/elimination reactions on the carboxyl group, eliminations

• Students are able to identify the different types of bonds (covalent bonds, ?-bonds, van der Waals bonds, hydrogen bonds) and explain their properties.

• Students are able to recognize and draw the most important functional groups and substance classes (saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, halogenated alkanes, alcohols, phenols, ethers, sulphur compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, amines) and describe their chemical properties.

• Students will be able to apply the principles of stereochemistry, including the concepts of chirality, enantiomers, diastereomers and the determination of optical purity.

• Students are able to explain and apply the mechanisms of the most important reaction types in organic chemistry (nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic substitution, addition reactions, condensations).

• Students are able to evaluate the acid and base strength of organic compounds and analyze their influence on chemical reactions.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written, LV-related questions

Tasks of quantitative analysis and their basic measuring instruments (volumetric instruments and balances). Preparation of solutions taking stoichiometry into account. Methods of dimensional analysis (acid-base and redox titrations) including content determination. Instrumental methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of organic molecules (photometry, chromatography) as well as potentiometric methods (pH value, ion-selective electrodes) for the analysis of ions.

• Students are able to carry out basic analytical operations such as the preparation of solutions, gravimetry and titrations with precision

• Students are able to apply methods of dimensional analysis, including acid-base and redox titrations, to determine content.

• Students are able to use instrumental methods such as potentiometry, photometry and chromatography to analyze samples.

• Students are able to evaluate, assess and present the quantitative results of their analyses in a statistically correct manner.

• Students are able to explain the theoretical principles of quantitative analytical chemistry and apply them to practical problems.

Performing & activating methods

Final exam: Written final exam

The laboratory exercise includes the detection of covalently bound elements such as nitrogen, sulphur, halogen and others. Thermal analyses are also carried out. Refractometry is used to determine the refractive index of a pure liquid and the concentration of a sucrose solution. Photometry is used to determine the concentration of a compound (recording and interpretation of a UV spectrum/ calibration curve). The program also includes two potentiometric examples for quantitative determination. Another important part of the laboratory exercise is devoted to chromatography. Column chromatography is introduced. Drugs (sulfonamides, barbiturates) are identified using thin-layer chromatography. A mixture of organic molecules is also analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using high-performance liquid chromatography. Method validation is used in this context. Type of protocol: Results protocol to be filled out.

• Students are able to apply their practical knowledge of wet-chemical, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods of drug and pharmaceutical analysis.

• Students are able to apply the essential wet-chemical and spectroscopic techniques for testing the identity and purity of drugs.

• Students can use analytical measuring instruments (volumetric instruments and balances) for the respective application (e.g. preparation of calibration solutions, liquids, etc.).

• Students are able to analyze biologically relevant samples for functional groups and their content using wet chemical and instrumental methods

• The students have expertise in record keeping and documentation of results in quantitative analytical chemistry and can behave correctly in accordance with international safety guidelines and legal requirements when handling chemical substances and with regard to the disposal of waste products in the laboratory.

Practical implementation in the laboratory, activating methods, e-learning

Final exam: Verification through assessment of the analysis results

The lecture "Gene Expression", provides a detailed presentation of gene expression, including the processes of transcription and translation and their regulation. The course emphasizes the importance of model organisms such as E. coli, yeast and Drosophila for understanding these fundamental concepts. Beginning with an examination of transcription, the course covers the roles of RNA polymerases, promoters, and the three phases of transcription: initiation, elongation, and termination. It then moves on to RNA splicing, emphasizing the function of the spliceosome in removing introns and the effects of alternative splicing in generating different protein isoforms. The translation process is explained, focusing on ribosomes, tRNAs and the intricate mechanisms of polypeptide chain synthesis. The genetic code is also discussed, including its properties such as degeneracy and universality, and the effects of mutations on the coding sequence. Regulation of gene expression is another central theme of the course, covering both prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms. The course also discusses the role of regulatory proteins, enhancers, silencers and chromatin remodeling in the control of transcription. The course also introduces the concept of regulatory RNAs such as siRNAs and miRNAs and their effects on gene expression. Finally, the course provides a practical perspective by covering basic molecular biology methods, including PCR, sequencing and protein analysis techniques.

• Students will be able to describe the transcription process, including the roles of RNA polymerases, promoters and the three phases of transcription: initiation, elongation and termination.

• Students can explain the mechanism of RNA splicing, the function of the spliceosome and the concept of alternative splicing.

• Students are able to understand and describe the translation process, including the role of ribosomes, tRNAs and the steps involved in polypeptide synthesis.

• Students are able to analyze the genetic code, its degeneration, universality and the effects of mutations on the coding sequence.

• Students will be able to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms of gene regulation, including the role of regulatory proteins, enhancers, silencers, chromatin remodeling and regulatory RNAs.

Presenting method with instructional videos

Final exam: Written final exam

This lecture in the Bachelor's degree course in Molecular Biotechnology summarizes the most important principles and techniques of recombinant DNA technology. Biotechnology utilizes living organisms or their products for the benefit of humans, with modern applications ranging from antibiotic production to genome sequencing. A cornerstone of biotechnology is recombinant DNA technology, which enables the manipulation and creation of novel DNA combinations. This field relies heavily on gene cloning, a process that involves multiple steps including gene isolation, vector selection, restriction digestion, ligation, transformation and screening to generate numerous copies of a given gene. Plasmids, circular DNA molecules, serve as common vectors to carry the gene of interest. These vectors have an origin of replication (ori), a selectable marker (often an antibiotic resistance gene) and a multiple cloning site (MCS) for the insertion of foreign DNA. The essential enzymes for working with recombinant DNA include restriction enzymes for DNA cutting, ligases for joining DNA fragments and polymerases for DNA synthesis. Transformation, i.e. the introduction of plasmid DNA into bacterial cells, can be achieved by methods such as heat shock or electroporation. In addition to the cloning of genes, the lecture examines the expression of proteins from cloned genes using special expression vectors. These vectors use specific promoters to control gene expression and can contain markers for protein purification and identification. The lecture also discusses advanced cloning techniques such as PCR cloning and Gibson assembly. Cosmids, bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) will also be discussed.

• Students will be able to describe the basic concepts of biotechnology and recombinant DNA technology, including the definition of biotechnology, its historical development and the key principles of genetic engineering.

• The students are able to explain the steps of gene cloning.

• Students can identify, describe and explain the main features of common cloning vectors such as plasmids.

• Students can distinguish between cloning vectors and expression vectors and discuss the components required for protein expression.

• Students are able to compare and contrast different methods for cloning large DNA fragments.

Presenting method with instructional videos

Final exam: Written final examination

Simple models from population dynamics, population genetics and epidemiology are discussed.

(1) Leslie models of real populations based on empirically measured rates,

(2) Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of large ensemble populations.

In contrast

(3) Small ensemble populations based on the Fisher-Wright model.

• Students are able to analyze population data, estimate biological rates such as fertility and mortality and integrate these into inhomogeneous recursion equations in order to model the long-term behavior of a population taking migration into account.

• Students will be able to implement different migration models and evaluate their effectiveness in stabilizing populations using recursion equations and equilibrium analysis.

• Students are able to simulate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the Fisher-Wright drift model in order to analyze stochastic processes in populations and evaluate their influence on genetic variation.

• Students will be able to apply the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium hypothesis to epidemiological case studies and discuss its significance for the spread of hereditary diseases.

• Students will be able to implement complex mathematical models such as migration and population genetic dynamics in GNU R, perform simulations and present results in R markdown documents.

Integrated online course

Final exam: The course is assessed on the basis of regular short exercise tests, an ongoing exercise group project and a written examination at the end of the course. Possible questions will be clarified orally.

Fundamentals of probability theory and statistics with a focus on applications in biology.

(1) Descriptive statistics:

Elementary description and visualization of random samples using GNU R software.

(2) Probability theory:

Calculating with probabilities, Bayes' theorem.

(3) Probability theory:

Random variables, simple stochastic processes.

(4) Inductive statistics:

Parameter estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing.

(5) Reproducible Research

Basics in the automated generation of statistical reports.

• Students are able to analyze samples descriptively and visualize results with suitable statistical parameters and graphical representations in GNU R.

• Students are able to calculate probabilities based on the application of Bayes' theorem and interpret the results in the context of biological questions.

• Students are able to formulate hypotheses for biological applications and critically test them using confidence intervals and hypothesis tests.

• Students are able to model basic stochastic processes and analyze their relevance for biological and genetic questions.

• Students will be able to create reproducible statistical reports by integrating GNU R and scientific notation software such as LaTeX.

Integrated online course

Final exam: The course is assessed by a combination of regular short exercise tests, ongoing exercise projects and a written examination at the end of the course. Possible further questions on the projects can also be clarified orally.

The Applied Microbiology course deals with the practical and theoretical principles of handling microorganisms and their diverse applications in research, industry and medicine. The initial focus is on safe and sterile work in the microbiology laboratory, i.e. the correct handling of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, compliance with safety standards and the avoidance of contamination. Building on this, students learn methods for the enrichment, cultivation, storage and identification of microorganisms. Microbial growth and its measurement are also discussed.

Furthermore, the course teaches the basics of bioprocess engineering. This knowledge is directly linked to practical applications, such as food fermentation (e.g. in the production of bread, beer, yoghurt or cheese).

The medical dimension is also covered: Students deal with the mechanisms of action of antibiotics, the resistance strategies of microorganisms and their significance for medicine. They also learn about test methods that can be used to test the effectiveness of antibiotics. The biotechnological production of pharmaceutical proteins such as insulin or antibodies is also discussed.

Finally, the course promotes the ability to deal with current scientific publications, to discuss them critically and to summarize them concisely.

• Students are familiar with the basics and the range of methods used in microbiological practice and can apply these methods in a targeted manner.

• Students are able to describe the application of microbiological processes on an industrial level for pharmaceutical products and foodstuffs.

• Students are able to critically analyze, discuss and concisely summarize scientific publications.

• Students have a basic knowledge of antibiotics and resistance mechanisms as well as the production of various pharmaceutical proteins.

Lecture, presentation method, activating methods (quizzes, exercises), distance learning (paper revision), group discussions

Final exam: The overall grade is made up as follows:

80% final written examination

20% written work (paper revision)

This lecture provides an introduction to the subject of virology. The most important characteristics of viruses are explained to the students and they are given an understanding of virus classification. In addition, students learn about important representatives of bacteriophages and important human pathogenic viruses and gain an insight into virus-cell interaction and virus-virus interactions. Furthermore, basic principles of virus structure, viral genome organization, viral replication and gene expression are discussed and the life cycles of some selected viruses are compared. In addition, similarities and differences between viruses and subviral particles are also discussed.

• Students are able to state the most important characteristics of viruses as well as their sizes, structures and symmetries.

• Students can distinguish and describe the most important bacteriophages and the most important human pathogenic viruses.

• Students are able to describe the structure of genomes, replication, the synthesis of mRNAs and the life cycles of selected bacteriophages and viruses.

• Students are able to classify the pathogenesis of selected viral diseases that are of global significance.

• Students are able to explain the similarities and differences between viruses and subviral particles

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam, multiple choice part, essay questions

The course aims to provide students on the Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology program with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. The course introduces eukaryotic cells and examines macromolecules such as proteins and lipids. It also covers membranes and transport processes, organelles and vesicle transport, the cytoskeleton and cell movement, and energy production in mitochondria and chloroplasts. The cell is the smallest living unit that is enclosed by a membrane and can replicate itself. Eukaryotic cells differ from prokaryotes by the presence of a nucleus, which stores genetic information. Cell biology studies the complex processes of the cell, covering a wide range of vital processes. Microscopy plays a crucial role in the visualization and examination of cells. Biological membranes, which consist of phospholipid bilayers, regulate the passage of molecules in and out of the cell and its organelles. Nerve conduction is based on the transmission of electrical signals (action potentials) along the neurons. Intracellular transport involves the movement of molecules and organelles within the cell, which is facilitated by the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates cell movement. It consists of intermediate filaments, microtubules and actin filaments. Energy production in mitochondria (oxidative phosphorylation) and chloroplasts (photosynthesis) utilizes energy from the electron transport chain to generate ATP. Cell-cell junctions maintain tissue integrity and enable communication between cells. This course provides students with a foundation in eukaryotic cell biology that is essential for further study and research in molecular biotechnology.

• Students will be able to describe the structure and function of the main components of eukaryotic cells, including the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, cytoskeleton and other organelles.

• Students are able to explain the properties and functions of proteins and lipids as key macromolecules in cell biology.

• Students are able to distinguish between different mechanisms of membrane transport, such as passive and active transport, and understand the role of transport proteins and ion channels.

• Students will be able to identify the three main components of the cytoskeleton (intermediate filaments, microtubules and actin filaments) and describe their role in cell shape, stability, movement and intracellular transport.

• Students will be able to outline the processes of energy production in mitochondria (oxidative phosphorylation) and chloroplasts (photosynthesis), including electron transport chains, proton gradients and ATP synthesis.

Presenting method with instructional videos

Final exam: Written final exam

1. historical development and current tasks of common quality management systems

2. overview of quality management systems (especially TQM, ISO 900x, ISO 17025)

3. overview of relevant legal background (especially GLP, GMP, basic GCP, accreditation, notified bodies, EU market surveillance / new approach)

4. definition, meaning and content of

i) Quality

ii) Quality management,

iii) Quality management system (QM system),

iv) The quality cycle: quality planning, control, assurance, inspection, improvement,

v) Quality audit

5) Product quality, process quality

6) Benchmarking

7) Process management: process definitions, key figures

8. processes in the company

i) Core processes (value creation)

ii) Management processes

iii) Supporting processes

9. processes and management systems

10. measurement and control of processes

11. processes and change

• Students will be able to apply basic knowledge of the regulations governing the manufacture, control, marketing and development of medicinal products.

• Students are able to apply basic methods of quality risk management and the qualification and validation of systems, processes and computer-aided systems to specific tasks.

• Students are able to create quality management-relevant documents in accordance with the requirements of the German Medicines Act (AMG) and its subsequent regulations.

• Students are able to carry out all quality management-relevant tasks in the field of molecular biotechnology within the framework of project management.

Presenting method

Final exam: Final exam: Moodle final exam

Introduction to the different subject areas of bioinformatics:

• Basics of sequence analysis, in particular transcript and genome analysis

• Relationship between sequence, structure and function of proteins

• Metabolic models

• Phylogenetic studies

• Metagenome analyses

• Presentation of the most important relevant databases

Practical experience: Practical examples of the topics covered in theory, use of the relevant databases, sequence comparisons, gene expression analysis in R. Introductory programming examples.

• Students are able to understand and apply basic programming structures.

• Students are able to analyze nucleotide and protein sequences using online tools and R.

• Students are able to assess the necessary requirements for bioinformatic analyses

Performing & activating methods

Final exam: Working on examples and self-test with Moodle

Poisson processes

Fluctuation test according to Luria-Delbrück

Classical parameter and distribution tests

Linear regression

One-factor analysis of variance

• Students are able to analyze the fundamentals of Poisson processes and evaluate their relevance for statistical modeling in biological contexts.

• Students are able to perform classical parameter and distribution tests to check the suitability of statistical models for biological data and to validate these models in preparation for more complex analyses.

• Students are able to analyze data from simulated Luria-Delbrück experiments, test the hypothesis using one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) and interpret the results correctly.

• Students are able to describe statistical data from biological experiments and prepare them using GNU R and suitable visualization methods.

• Students will be able to summarize the results of the Luria-Delbrück experiment in a structured lab report and present it professionally using GNU R and LaTeX.

Integrated online course

Final exam: Immanent examination character. The course is assessed by regular short intermediate examinations and a final semester project. These are written. Possible questions are clarified in oral form.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding: Anfinsen experiment, Levinthal paradox, classical folding models and "new view" folding funnels. Role of molecular chaperones in in vivo protein folding. Metamorphic and intrinsically disordered proteins and their role. Protein folding diseases with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. Brief insight into the pathophysiological phase separation of biomacromolecules. Protein purification and detection methods. Basics of structural elucidation of biomacromolecules using X-ray structure analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. Models of ligand binding (induced fit, lock-and-key, conformational selection/population shift) and their quantitative description using binding isotherms. Principles of allostery and cooperative ligand binding using hemoglobin as an example: MWC and KNF model, Hill diagram. Hemoglobinopathies with a focus on sickle cell anemia. Brief introduction to chemical reaction kinetics. General mode of action of enzymes based on energy profiles and strategies for reducing activation energy. Role of cofactors. Enzyme main classes, enzyme kinetics (Lineweaver-Burk diagram, kinetic parameters (Km, change number, catalytic specificity)). Types and mode of action of enzymatic inhibitors, reaction mechanisms of selected enzymes, reasons for substrate specificity.

• Students are able to explain the principles of protein stability and folding as well as the fundamental role of molecular chaperones, to explain the mechanisms of protein folding diseases such as cataracts and Alzheimer's disease and to describe the pathophysiological significance of intrinsically disordered proteins in connection with cellular phase separation.

• Students will be able to explain the principles of the most common protein purification and detection methods as well as the principles and procedures for the structural elucidation of biomacromolecules using X-ray structure analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy and critically evaluate their areas of application.

• Students are able to differentiate binding models such as induced fit, lock-and-key and conformational selection and to interpret binding isotherms quantitatively, to explain the principles of allostery and cooperative ligand binding using the example of hemoglobin as a fundamental regulatory principle and to explain the influence of mutations on the structure-function relationship of proteins using the example of sickle cell anemia.

• Students are able to formulate the rate laws of enzymatic reactions, explain the Michaelis-Menten equation under steady-state conditions, determine and interpret kinetic parameters such as the Michaelis constant, change number and catalytic specificity using Lineweaver-Burk diagrams and explain the mechanism of action of different categories of enzymatic inhibitors and assess their significance in the treatment of diseases.

• Students are able to explain the most important strategies of enzymes to reduce the activation energy of biochemical reactions and to illustrate these using energy profiles, to describe the mechanism of selected enzymes and to analyze the reasons for the different substrate specificity of enzymes using the chymotrypsin family.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam

Introduction to the basics of physical chemistry, first and second law of thermodynamics, enthalpy, entropy, free enthalpy, spontaneous and non-spontaneous processes, driving force of chemical reactions, phase equilibria, phase diagrams, equilibrium reactions, electrochemistry.

• Students can describe the equilibria in chemistry, both in physical changes of state and in chemical transformations, including electrochemical processes.

• Students are able to describe the central thermodynamic concepts such as enthalpy and entropy as well as the uniform description of equilibrium and the direction of voluntary processes using the chemical potential.

• Students are able to apply their theoretical knowledge in the field of physical chemistry to practical (computational) examples.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam

First, the innate immune system with its characteristic features is described and contrasted with the adaptive immune system. The most important interface between the innate and adaptive immune system, antigen presentation, is then presented. This is followed by a discussion of the development and function of the adaptive immune system.

• Students are able to understand and describe the components and function of the innate immune system.

• Students are able to understand and describe the components and function of the adaptive immune system.

• Students are able to understand and describe the interaction of the innate and adaptive immune systems in the initiation of an immune response and the defense against different groups of pathogenic microorganisms.

• Students are able to describe the significance of immunological tolerance and can describe the mechanisms for the establishment of immunological tolerance. Students understand the development and consequences of autoimmune reactions.

• Students are able to describe the importance of the immune system in the prevention of cancer and the immune evasion of tumors.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam

1) General principles of cell and tissue culture (legal principles, guidelines for working in laboratories of safety classes 1 and 2 (S1, S2 laboratories), spatial and instrumental equipment, sterile technology, contamination and how to avoid it)

2) The cell and its environment (culture vessels and their treatment, growth conditions)

3) Routine methods for general handling of cultured cells (medium change, subcultivation, determination of general growth parameters, freezing, storage and shipping of cells)

4) Cell lines versus primary cells (derivation of primary cells, establishment and characterization of cell lines)

5) Cells as factories (hybridoma technology for the production of monoclonal antibodies, production of recombinant proteins, transfection, mass cell cultures)

6) Methods in cell culture

7) Basics of stem cells and plant cell cultures

• Students are able to explain the legal and organizational basics of working with cell and tissue cultures.

• Students will be able to name the equipment and materials used in the cell culture laboratory and describe their areas of application.

• Students are able to explain the differences between primary cell culture and established cell lines and present the theoretical background and practical procedures for the most common methods in cell culture.

• Students are able to name and describe the most important methods in cell biology laboratories and are able to select these for a specific problem.

• Students will be able to apply basic concepts of stem cell and plant cell culture.

Presenting method

Final exam: Moodle quizzes, written final exam

The course "Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques", introduces students to basic molecular biology techniques. It covers restriction enzyme digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA concentration determination by spectrophotometry. Students will gain hands-on experience in performing these techniques, analyzing experimental data, and creating a restriction map of an unknown plasmid. The course emphasizes safe laboratory practices, including enzyme handling, waste disposal, and proper pipetting techniques using automated pipettes. Furthermore, results are recorded in the form of a scientific lap report in English.

• Students are able to understand and explain the principles and applications of restriction enzymes in molecular biology.

• Students are able to digest plasmid DNA with restriction enzymes and analyze the resulting fragments using agarose gel electrophoresis.

• Students are able to determine the concentration and purity of DNA solutions using spectrophotometry.

• Students are trained in the use of different types of pipettes; understand the importance of selecting the correct pipette for the volume to be dispensed and learn to pipette accurately and precisely.

• Students are able to write experimental results in the form of a scientific protocol ("lab report") in English.

Activating methods

Final exam: Protocol in English, cooperation

In this practical course, a gene is inserted into a plasmid and various molecular methods (PCR, restriction digestion) are then used to check whether the recombinant plasmid is stable in E. coli. Before starting the practical course, the students prepare in silico clone cards for these plasmids. Before the start of the practical work, there is a knowledge check of the content taught via distance learning. In the practical course, students apply methods that have been theoretically developed in the lecture Methods of DNA Analysis and in the seminar Molecular Biology & Biophysical Methods. Type of protocol: Protocol in the form of a scientific publication - abstract, introduction, M&M, results, discussion, literature.

• Students know the basic principles of cloning, including the creation of clone maps in silico and the selection of suitable molecular biological methods.

• Students are able to plan a cloning strategy for a plasmid and implement it in the laboratory.

• Students are able to perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis precisely and interpret the results.

• Students are able to systematically document and interpret their experimental results.

• Students are able to write a protocol of their experiments in the form of a publication (including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion and references).

Activating methods

Continuous assessment: Preliminary work, inaugural examination, laboratory work, protocol

• Introduction to microbiological work (sterile work, disinfection), occupational health and safety regulations

• Isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms

• Cell counting

• Media preparation

• Microscopy and staining methods

• Morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization (differentiation methods)

• Students are able to take sterile vaccination material and apply the vaccination techniques.

• Students are able to isolate and enrich microorganisms and determine the live cell count.

• Students are able to differentiate and describe the relevant microorganism groups on the basis of their morphological, biochemical and physiological properties.

• Students are able to grasp the basic methods in such a way that the correct methods are selected and applied for a given problem and to critically analyze and discuss the results of the experiments.

• Students are able to select and produce media for the individual experiments themselves.

Activating method

Continuous assessment: Cooperation and motivation, analysis report, poster, final presentation

The Molecular Biology and Biophysical Methods course covers 14 topics in molecular biology, from basic techniques such as nucleic acid purification and PCR to more advanced concepts such as protein expression and purification, protein-nucleic acid interactions, and sequencing. Students work in groups to research and present one of these topics. In the process, they develop both a presentation and a handout that serves as the basis for the final exam. The course covers topics such as gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, Southern blotting, different types of PCR, SDS-PAGE & Western blotting and the cultivation of microorganisms. It also examines antibodies and their applications, centrifugation techniques, Northern blotting, RT(q)-PCR, protein purification methods, various protein expression systems, protein-nucleic acid interactions, fluorescence in molecular biology, various sequencing methods, isolation and purification of nucleic acids from various organisms, and the use of primers and hybridization. The elaborated topics are disseminated to the students with the help of a jigsaw puzzle.

• Students are able to understand and apply basic molecular biology techniques.

• Students are able to theoretically express proteins and purify them from cell extracts.

• Students are able to carry out library and literature research on selected topics.

• Students are able to compare and evaluate different sequencing techniques, in particular "Next Generation Sequencing".

• Students are able to isolate and purify nucleic acids from various organisms.

Presenting & activating methods, jigsaw puzzle

Final exam: Collaboration - jigsaw puzzle, written final exam

• Scientific writing and reporting:

• Develop the ability to write clear and concise scientific reports, including laboratory reports, journal articles and theses.

• Gain an understanding of the structure and essential components of scientific documents, such as abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, and references.

• Presentation skills:

• Gain knowledge in preparing and delivering effective presentations on scientific topics.

• Learn to present both individually and collectively, use appropriate visual aids and engage the audience.

• Language skills:

• Improve English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

• Create and develop a personal language portfolio to track progress and set future language goals.

• CV and professional documentation:

• Acquire skills in writing a professional resume and cover letter.

• Understand the importance of presenting qualifications and experience effectively to potential employers.

• Ethical and transparent use of AI:

• Gain knowledge of ethical guidelines and legal frameworks for the use of Artificial Intelligence in academic work.

• Learn to transparently document and report on the use of AI tools in scientific research and communication.

• Critical thinking and self-reflection:

• Participate in self-reflection and peer feedback activities to assess and improve personal strengths and weaknesses in language and presentation skills.

• Develop strategies for continuous improvement and overcoming challenges in academic and professional settings.

• Critically evaluate the validity of references and sources in academic publications.

• Students will be able to write clear and concise scientific reports, including laboratory reports, journal articles and theses.

• Students are able to prepare and give effective presentations on scientific topics.

• Students are able to improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and participate in self-reflection activities to assess personal strengths and weaknesses.

• Students are able to critically evaluate references and understand the ethical guidelines and legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence in academic work

• Students are able to 1. work effectively in teams and give and receive constructive peer feedback.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Dialogue and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Supervised distance learning

• Self-study

• Blended learning

• Guided self-reflection

• Peer feedback

• Problem-based learning

Continuous assessment: Immanent performance review

Performance and progress are assessed on an ongoing basis. The assessment is based on all written and oral work during the semester. Daily participation is also taken into account.

The course builds on the content of the "Social Skills (1st and 2nd semester)" module. The focus is on preparing students for cooperation in project teams and possible conflict situations in everyday working life. In the third semester, the focus is on team development and conflict resolution. Based on practical experience, team processes and factors influencing the productivity of teams are analyzed and ways of shaping them are developed. The causes of conflicts, typical behavioral patterns in conflict situations and their effects are reflected upon. Case studies and exercises are used to try out unconstructive and constructive conflict resolution. The main topics are team development and conflict resolution, working group or team, phases in team development, roles in the team, analysis of conflicts, phases of conflict escalation, strategies for dealing with conflicts

• Students are able to apply their knowledge of the fundamentals of team development and identify the team phases.

• Students are able to actively shape team phases and contribute to successful team development.

• Students are able to analyze conflicts and assess different conflict strategies.

• Students are able to develop solutions for conflict resolution in teams.

• Students are able to apply their knowledge of team development and conflict resolution in international and intercultural teams.

Lecture, individual and group work, practical implementation tasks, self-assessment through exercises for self-reflection and individual application, practical exercises with feedback and analysis

Continuous assessment: Immanent performance review, standard

National and international requirements and their implementation using a practical example in pharmaceutical companies in particular: Excerpts from

i. the Medicinal Products Act,

ii. the Medicinal Products Operating Regulations,

iii. Good Manufacturing Practice,

iv. Good Clinical Practice

v. Good Laboratory Practice,

vi. Good distribution practice

and the main features of qualification and validation with special consideration of quality risk management in accordance with the ICH Q9 guideline.

• Students are able to apply basic legal requirements for the manufacture, control and marketing of medicinal products

• Students are able to apply quality risk management, qualification and validation methods to specific tasks.

• Students are able to create quality management-relevant documents in accordance with the requirements of the AMG and its subsequent regulations.

• Students are able to carry out quality management and GxP-relevant tasks in the context of project management.

• Students are able to plan, implement and complete smaller R&D-specific projects independently and to apply and communicate scientific methods to deepen a field of knowledge.

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Supervised distance learning

• Blended learning

• Problem-based learning

• Project work

• Reflection

Final exam: Assessment of a specific project work - development of an operating license - as well as a written final examination.

The content ranges from general terms and definitions of project management to project development, project planning, implementation and control through to project completion.

i. General terms and basics: definition of project and project management, differences between project/process, when does a task become a project, overview of project types, pros/cons of projects, organizational forms and project phase

ii. Project initialization: principles of idea development, from the idea to the project assignment (project charter), team formation and development, stakeholder analysis, governance

iii. Project planning: basics, task planning, process planning, scheduling, cost and resource planning, risk management

iv. Project implementation and control: basics of monitoring and control (deadlines, costs, performance, risk), project reporting,

v. Project completion: handover of results, final analysis, lessons learned, project team dissolution

• Students are able to carry out quality management and GxP-relevant tasks within the framework of project management.

• Students are able to apply the basics of project management from the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry.

• Students are able to apply project management skills both within their company and in global partnerships and cooperations.

• Students are able to plan, implement and complete smaller projects independently.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Dialogue and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Blended learning

• Problem-based learning

Continuous assessment: Assessment of a specific project work - development of an operating license - as well as a written final examination.

In "Social Skills IV", the focus is on moderated problem solving. The planning and implementation of moderations in line with the assignment are practiced, various moderation methods are tried out and evaluated according to the task. Awareness of rhetorical tricks is sharpened and dealing with disruptions is practiced. The main topics are moderation and problem solving, moderation preparation, moderation methods, rhetorical strategies, dealing with disruptions, conducting discussions in an audit

• Students are able to plan and carry out moderations in a targeted manner.

• Students are able to apply their knowledge of methods for finding ideas and solving problems in a situation-appropriate manner.

• Students are able to recognize rhetorical strategies and react appropriately to them.

• Students are able to apply their interviewing skills in audits.

• Students are able to apply their knowledge in intercultural team contexts.

• Lecture

• Individual and group work

• Practical implementation tasks

• Self-assessment through exercises for self-reflection and individual application

• Practical exercises with feedback and analysis

Continuous assessment: Performance and progress are assessed on an ongoing basis. The assessment is based on all written and oral work during the semester. Collaboration is also taken into account.

The course "Gene Regulation" examines the complexity of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The course covers the following topics: Structure and function of bacterial genomes, ribosomal RNA operons, the mechanisms of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, the regulation of HIV gene expression, and the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 system lies. It deals with how bacterial genomes are organized and compacted, what role nucleoid-associated proteins ??play in this process and how DNA supercoiling influences gene expression. The course then turns to ribosomal RNA operons and examines their organization, transcription and processing in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, emphasizing the importance of RNA polymerase I in this process. The course also deals with RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, enzymes that are crucial for the replication of RNA viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses. Students will learn about the mechanisms that these viruses use to effectively replicate their genomes, such as ribosomal frameshifting and cap-snatching. The focus then shifts to HIV, where the complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 gene expression is covered. The functions of regulatory proteins such as Tat, Rev, Nef, Vif, Vpr and Vpu and their effects on viral replication are examined in more detail. Finally, the course will conclude with a detailed look at CRISPR systems, bacterial adaptive immune systems that have been repurposed for various biotechnological applications. Students will learn about the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9, its role in gene editing, transcriptional regulation and epigenetic modification, and its potential for disease research.

• Students are able to explain the structure and packaging of bacterial genomes

• Students are able to describe the organization and regulation of ribosomal RNA operons in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Students are able to explain the mechanisms of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs).

• Students are able to analyze the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 gene expression.

• Students will be able to evaluate the potential uses of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for genome editing and other biotechnological applications.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam

Based on the structure and properties of DNA, genes, chromatin and RNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the regulation and expression of genetic information is discussed. The development and repair of DNA damage and the results of mutations are discussed. Epigenetic effects are discussed on the basis of the structure of chromatin. Signaling processes of the cell are presented using selected examples. Finally, applications of DNA technology in research and therapy are discussed.

• Students are able to explain the mechanisms of regulation and expression of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Students are able to explain the development and repair of DNA damage and the effects of mutations.

• Students are able to discuss epigenetic effects on the basis of DNA and chromatin structure.

• Students are able to explain cell signaling processes using examples

• Students will be able to describe applications of DNA technology in research and therapy and discuss their significance.

Presenting method

Final exam: Written final exam on the computer (multiple choice)

This course provides hands-on laboratory experience focusing on the expression and purification of a recombinantly expressed protein. Students will gain knowledge in basic molecular biology techniques while exploring the expression and purification of this protein. The course takes a two-pronged approach:

? Small scale expression and detection: Students will induce expression using IPTG and track cell density over time, creating a growth curve. SDS-PAGE is then used to separate the expressed proteins. These separated proteins are visualized using Coomassie staining or further analyzed by Western blot using a specific antibody against the protein.

? Large-scale purification: The process includes cell lysis, centrifugation of the lysate and purification of proteins using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified protein is dialyzed against PBS to remove impurities and exchange the buffer. Finally, the Bradford test using a standard curve generated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) is used to determine the concentration of the purified protein.

At the end of this course, students will have the essential skills and knowledge to express and purify recombinant proteins using common molecular biology techniques. Furthermore, a comprehensive scientific protocol ("lab report") will be prepared by the students.

• Students are able to understand and carry out protein expression techniques.

• Students are able to carry out protein purification methods using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography.

• Students are able to analyze protein samples using various techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, protein concentration determination according to Bradford).

• Students will be able to follow scientific protocols and keep accurate records.

• Students are able to write a detailed scientific protocol ("lab report").

Activating method

Final exam: Protocol, written final exam, motivation, cooperation, practical skills, results

Energy and matter flow through the biosphere, thermodynamics of biochemical processes: Role of ATP, group transfer potential, coupling of reactions and Le Chatelier's principle, open systems, steady state, substrate chain and oxidative phosphorylation, biological redox reactions.

Basic catabolic (energy-yielding) & anabolic (biosynthetic) metabolic pathways: carbohydrate, fatty acid, cholesterol, nitrogen, amino acid, nucleotide metabolism, citrate cycle, regulated protein degradation (proteasome, autophagy). Includes biochemical reactions, enzymes and coenzymes/vitamins (including their mechanism using selected examples), energy balancing and the causes of some major metabolic diseases.

Regulation and integration of metabolism: concept of the pacemaker and "committed steps", avoidance of idle cycles, substrate channeling, iso(en)zymes, regulation of enzyme activity, examples of hormonal regulation of metabolic reactions and the associated signal transduction mechanisms.

Methods for the elucidation of metabolic pathways, metabolomics/metabonomics, metabolic flux, brief overview of metabolic control analysis (MCA).

Presentation of current examples of biotechnological and medical issues from the original literature.

• Students are able to grasp basic biochemical knowledge of intermediary metabolism and know the essential reactions for the breakdown of energy-rich food molecules and the build-up of important endogenous biomolecules

• Students are able to explain the central role of ATP as the universal energy currency of metabolism.

• Students will be able to understand the strategies for driving endogenous biochemical processes and master simple biothermodynamic calculations.

• Students are able to apply their knowledge of metabolic control and the regulation of enzyme activity using key examples.

• Students will be able to explain the methods used to elucidate metabolic pathways and the techniques of metabolomics studies and describe the importance of "metabolic control analysis" as a mathematical basis for the targeted manipulation of metabolic flux.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam (multiple choice part, essay questions)

A) Spectroscopic methods: The principle of spectroscopic methods, ultraviolet-visible

spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, flame photometry

(atomic emission spectroscopy), fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry,

X-ray structure analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

B) Separation methods - 1. chromatographic methods: the principle of chromatographic methods,

Detailed discussion of chromatographic methods (categorized by separation principle), evaluation of chromatograms.

of chromatograms. 2. electrophoretic methods: General principles,

Detailed discussion of the electrophoretic methods

• Students are able to select and practically carry out spectroscopic analyses depending on the task (e.g. detection of functional groups, detailed analysis of the chemical structure).

• Students are able to independently analyze data from various spectroscopic methods (UV-vis, IR, NMR, MS).

• Students are able to select specific separation processes in relation to the substances to be separated and plan their implementation.

• Students are able to independently evaluate data obtained from analytical separation methods. independently evaluate data obtained from analytical separation methods.

• Students are able to solve analytical problems through the combined application of separation methods and spectroscopic techniques (e.g. GC/MS, HPLC/MS) to solve analytical problems.

Lecture with active involvement of the students

Final exam: Written final exam

1. introduction to artificial intelligence (AI):

• What is AI? Basic terms such as "algorithm", "machine learning" and "artificial intelligence" easily explained.

• Practical examples: How AI is used in medicine and biotechnological research.

2. AI in biotechnology:

• Where and how AI is being applied in biotechnology. Where there are current developments.

• Examples: AI for analyzing DNA data or optimizing drug development.

• Get to know simple tools and platforms.

3. ethical and social issues:

• Discussions: Benefits and challenges of AI in biotechnology.

4. practical insights and teamwork:

• Group projects: Analyze and present case studies on AI applications in biotechnology.

Small programming projects on the application and interpretation of AI tools.

• Students are able to apply the basic concepts of AI in biotechnology.

• Students are able to identify and classify current AI technologies and methods in the context of biological and biotechnological issues.

• Students are able to reflect on the ethical and social implications of AI applications and apply legal regulations responsibly.

• Students are able to perform simple analysis and interpretation of results from AI applications.

Performing & activating methods

Final exam: Working on examples and self-test with Moodle

In this course, students are taught the theory of basic protein chemistry techniques. A preparative purification of proteins is carried out, proteins are analytically detected, enzyme kinetic methods and the first steps of proteome analysis are carried out. The evaluation and interpretation of biochemical experimental data and the presentation of these scientific data are taught.

The following practical laboratory examples are carried out by the students:

Enzyme kinetics: photometry, Lambert-Beer's law, Michaelis-Menten kinetics, direct representation of data, Lineweaver-Birk diagram, influence of inhibitors on the kinetic constants Km and Vmax, inhibitor types, determination of IC50 values.

Protein chemical methods for preparative enzyme purification and for the first phase of proteome analysis: Preparation of buffers, cell disruption methods (mixer, douncer), cell fractionation, reversible and irreversible precipitation of proteins (ammonium sulphate, heat, acid), centrifugation, dialysis, ion exchange chromatography, direct and indirect enzyme assay, quantitative protein determination (Bradford), electrophoretic techniques (SDS-PAGE for purity control and molecular weight determination of proteins using Rf values; 2D electrophoresis; Coomassie Blue and silver staining).

Creation of a purification table.

Type of protocol: Three experiments, one protocol per experiment in the form of a scientific publication - abstract, introduction, M&M, results, discussion, literature.

• Students are able to explain and apply the theory and application of basic protein chemistry techniques.

• Students will be able to perform enzyme kinetic experiments, collect and analyze data, including the application of Lambert-Beer's law, Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the creation of Lineweaver-Burk diagrams.

• Students are able to apply various protein chemistry methods for preparative enzyme purification and for the first phase of proteome analysis.

• Students are able to carry out quantitative protein determinations, SDS-PAGE and 2D electrophoresis and to interpret the results.

• Students are able to evaluate and interpret biochemical experimental data and present them in the form of scientific publications.

Lecture, activating methods, group work, practical exercise

Final exam: 30% written examination on the theoretical background at the beginning of the internship,

40% assessment of oral and practical participation in the laboratory,

30% assessment of the protocol

• Risk assessment and safety management:

• Ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments for laboratory work.

• Identification of hazardous substances, assessment of exposure potential and implementation of appropriate control measures.

• Understanding of EU chemical safety regulations (Dangerous Substances Directive, REACH, CLP).

• Scientific analysis and presentation:

• Analyzing complex scientific articles and summarizing key findings in concise presentations.

• Preparation and delivery of scientific presentations using electronic media.

• Focus on clarity, timing and audience engagement.

• Advanced English language skills:

• Improving the use of different English tenses through practical exercises and examples.

• Strengthen reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in scientific and technical contexts.

• Critical evaluation and peer feedback:

• Competence in critically evaluating academic work, including undergraduate theses, according to established criteria.

• Giving and receiving constructive feedback.

• Participation in collaborative work such as group discussions and peer review activities.

• Preparation for undergraduate thesis and professional development:

• Understanding the process and criteria for writing and evaluating an undergraduate thesis.

• Reflecting on internship experiences and integrating feedback into professional development plans.

• Students are able to carry out a risk analysis for laboratory work and implement safety measures.

• Students are able to analyze scientific articles and create concise presentations based on previously acquired presentation skills.

• Students are able to plan and write their Bachelor's thesis based on their ability to write scientific reports.

• Students are able to improve and apply their English skills in different tenses, based on the language skills they have previously acquired.

• Students will be able to give and receive constructive peer feedback and conduct critical evaluations based on their previous experiences with teamwork and peer feedback.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Dialogue and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Supervised distance learning

• Self-study

• Blended learning

• Guided self-reflection

• Peer feedback

• Problem-based learning

Continuous assessment: Immanent performance review

Performance and progress are assessed on an ongoing basis. The assessment is based on all written and oral work during the semester. Daily participation is also taken into account.

1. General principles, methods and possible applications of stem cells and organoids
2. Brain organoids: production and comparison to the corresponding organ
3. Blood vessel organoids: production and comparison with the corresponding organ
4. Heart organoids: production and comparison with the corresponding organ
5. Kidney organoids: production and comparison to the corresponding organ
6. Intestinal organoids: production and comparison to the corresponding organ

New methods in organoid research (single cell RNA-sequencing, organoids-on-chip, screening approaches, vascularization

• Students will be able to classify basic concepts in the culture of stem cells and the organoids derived from them.

• The students are able to describe the methods for the production of various human organoids.

• Students can compare organoids of different tissue types (brain, blood vessels, heart, kidney, intestine) with the corresponding organs.

• Students are able to name the possible applications (as experimental, diagnostic and therapeutic tools) of various human organoids.

• Students will be able to apply new technologies in organoid research that are also relevant to other areas.

Lecture with discussion

Final exam: Written final exam

1. handling of routine cell cultures (splitting, cryopreservation, live/dead determination)

2. growth curve (evaluation of doubling time and influence of changed culture conditions)

3. cell cycle/mitosis stages

4. cytoskeleton/transfection

5. problem based task (theoretical)

Type of protocol: 4 experiments each with introduction, M&M, results and discussion, bibliography at the end.

• Students are able to work independently under aseptic conditions with eukaryotic cells of animal and human origin in compliance with legal standards and are proficient in the basic techniques for propagation and preservation of cell cultures.

• Students are able to carry out standard methods in cell culture according to a defined protocol and evaluate these using light and fluorescence microscopy.

• Students are able to visualize and recognize subcellular structures using various methods.

• Students are able to critically scrutinize results and can solve a theoretical problem with the help of literature research.

• Students have expertise in keeping records and documenting results. They can behave correctly in accordance with international safety guidelines and legal requirements when handling chemical and biological substances and with regard to the disposal of waste products in the laboratory.

Activating methods:
Lecture, work assignment via Moodle, practical group work with feedback, presentation of an example of problem-based learning

Continuous assessment: Reading comprehension test on Moodle

Ongoing assessment of practical work (technical skills and cooperation)

Final discussion (with examination character) and presentation of the problem-based assignment

Written individual report

In this undergraduate course, students are offered guidance and support in scientific theory, research practice and the formal aspects of research. Students are encouraged to explore scientific theories and methods and to select a research topic in the field of molecular biotechnology. The bachelor thesis itself is an extended work protocol based on the student's professional internship and requires him/her to document and scientifically reflect on his/her internship experience. The Bachelor's thesis covers the entire internship and is supervised by the internship supervisor. The Bachelor's thesis is not only an important part of the Molecular Biotechnology degree program, but can also be used as a mobility window for students who are interested in an internship abroad. The Bachelor's thesis is supervised by the internship supervisor. Students receive reflective feedback on their Bachelor's thesis.

• Students are able to apply scientific theories and methods to a research topic in the field of molecular biotechnology.

• Students are able to document their internship experience in a comprehensive written format and reflect on it scientifically.

• Students are able to work independently to produce a high-quality Bachelor's thesis that meets academic standards.

• Students are able to receive and integrate feedback from their supervisor to improve their research and writing skills.

• Students are able to use the Bachelor's thesis as a potential opportunity to study abroad.

Activating method

Final exam: Assessment by assessors

The professional internship offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real biotechnological environment and thus bridge the gap between academic studies and professional practice. Students are responsible for finding both an internship position in a biotechnology company or research institute and a supervisor who is a specialist in the field. They gain observational experience in the daily operation of a biotechnology workplace and carry out independent scientific work. This allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to real research questions. The internship focuses on the development of key biotechnology skills, methodological approaches to research and problem solving, and important soft skills. Students document their experiences and findings in a comprehensive internship report (Bachelor's thesis). They also gain experience in documenting scientific results, which may include compliance with industry standards such as GMP ("Good Manufacturing Practice") and GLP ("Good Laboratory Practice") guidelines.

• Students are able to find a suitable internship position in a biotechnology company or research institute and find a supervisor who is a specialist in the field.

• Students are able to apply the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills acquired during their studies to real research questions.

• Students are able to observe and participate in workflows, problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes in a biotechnological workplace.

• Students are able to document their internship experiences and results in a comprehensive report (Bachelor's thesis).

• Students are able to document scientific results and, if necessary, comply with industry standards such as GMP and GLP guidelines.

Activating methods

Continuous assessment: Expert opinion of the supervisor incl. grading

Fundamentals of private law: The characteristics of private law, its sub-matters and the relationship to public law are dealt with.

Corporate and company law: Basic concepts of corporate and company law are explained, as well as common features of the different forms of company. The most important forms of company in Austria (AG, GmbH, OG, KG, GesbR, Stille Gesellschaft, cooperatives) are presented from formation to termination, including questions on formation, executive bodies, rights and obligations of shareholders, internal and external relationships and termination.

Labor law: Covers the establishment and termination of employment relationships, differentiation from other types of contracts, non-competition, rights and obligations of employees and employers, and employee protection.

Patent law: Introduction to patent law and differentiation from other industrial property rights and copyright law. Topics include protection requirements, exclusion rights, national granting procedures, enforcement of rights, licensing options and international patent law.

• Students will be able to understand the basic concepts of Austrian private law, including the legal capacity and capacity to act of legal entities as well as contractual and statutory obligations.

• Students will be able to identify the relevant areas of tort law and assess the resulting liability risks.

• Students are able to apply the special provisions of company and corporate law and differentiate between the various forms of company (e.g. GesbR, OG, KG, GmbH, AG) with regard to formation, internal and external relationships and termination.

• Students are able to assess everyday employment law situations and have an overview of the rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship.

• Students will be able to understand the key definitions and procedures of patent law and take into account the international aspects in the various areas of law.

• Lecture with interactive character

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam

Based on the concept of business administration and operations, the economic advantages and disadvantages of the different legal forms of companies are discussed. We will deal with aspects of value creation and common key figures relating to company organization. This course focuses on strategic goals and management methods. Building on this, strategic and then operational marketing will be presented. Subsequently, fields of action in personnel policy will be presented. The course concludes with the requirements of external accounting.

• Students are able to analyze and assess the goals and methods of market development, in particular the sales markets of companies.

• Students are able to explain the legal foundations of companies, i.e. in particular the legal forms and the resulting liability risks and reporting obligations, based on the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB).

• Students are able to describe the framework conditions for workers and employees in companies. This includes, for example, the basics of personnel management, forms of wage determination, as well as the system of trade unions and chambers of commerce and collective agreements.

• Students are able to evaluate company reports in the media with regard to the respective operational and market situation. This is based on the reported key performance indicators (KPIs) and market data.

• Students will be able to understand the basics of annual financial statements (especially balance sheets and profit and loss accounts) and carry out simple profitability calculations.

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam

The course presents core topics of everyday business life in biotech companies and deals with aspects that are both new and important for young employees in biotech R&D, operations and management in their everyday work (1.).

In particular, topics relating to the relationship between employees and superiors or company management are discussed and illustrated using case studies in break-out team sessions (2.).

Finally, soft skills and personal development are discussed from a practical perspective in context and illustrated using case studies in break-out team sessions (3.).

1. Everyday business life in biotech companies

1. Foundation & Founder

1. Funding & investors

1. Management & corporate bodies

1. Startups in the VUCA World - Managing Uncertainty

1. Dynamic Capabilities

1. Lean Startup concept

1. Innovation management

1. Agile & Teamwork - Example: Scrum

1. Company Culture

1. Employee - Leadership Relationship

1. Organizational Structures

1. Goal Setting

1. Performance Review

1. Feedback Culture

1. Soft Skills & Personal Development

1. Personal Development & Objective Agreement

1. Time Management & Efficiency

1. Communication

1. Entrepreneurial Mindset

1. Resilience

• After completing the course, students will be able to explain and critically reflect on central topics of founding, managing and day-to-day operations in biotech companies, especially with regard to specific challenges in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Students will be able to analyze key aspects of the biotech ecosystem and the resulting requirements for companies and employees and derive potential operational and individual strategies.

• After the course, students will be able to describe agile working methods in a team context and assess their relevance for the research and development sector in biotech companies.

• Students develop the ability to identify key issues in relationships between employees and managers and to evaluate their influence on individual career success and team success in an organization.

• Students are able to use soft skills such as time management and efficiency strategies and transfer their application to professional and entrepreneurial contexts in order to develop a strategic understanding of entrepreneurial thinking and action.

• Presenting method (lecture)

• Case study work in break-out team sessions

Continuous assessment: Immanent performance assessment (cooperation, homework, seminar presentations in group and individual work)

i. The components of the marketing mix and an integrated marketing strategy in relation to products, brands and companies

ii. Instruments of market research

iii. Market segmentation, market positioning, processing of target groups

iv. Methods of developing a price or profit model, basics of price calculation and adjustments

v. Regulatory mechanisms for pricing in Austria and on a global level

vi. Distribution and logistics

vii. Advertising, sales and communication in general, and specifically in a science-oriented environment

viii. The stages of product development with particular reference to pre- and post-launch pre-clinical and clinical studies for drugs

ix. Ethical principles of marketing

x. The product life cycle model

xi. Basics of portfolio analysis (portfolio matrix according to the Boston Consulting Group)

• Students are able to master practical tasks in the field of e.g. sales support, customer care and marketing support.

• Students are able to move well and confidently in the operational activities of a company.

• Students will understand the basic workings of the market at regional and international level, as well as the processes of a company's value and supply chain in cooperation across departmental and company boundaries.

• Students have gained an insight into national requirements and the laws of global markets and the interactions between the two areas, for example with product prices, and can understand the specialist tasks in the area of product or portfolio management in order to be able to enter and work in these areas quickly.

• Students are able to assess the ethics of marketing activities and are sensitized to the procedures in marketing and sales.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Dialogue and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Problem-based learning

Continuous assessment: Exercises and presentation during the ILV

- Case studies: Development of selected drugs (biopharmaceuticals and small molecules)

- Classes of pharmaceuticals

- Clinical (randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) and epidemiological study designs in the product life cycle

- Endpoints and inclusion and exclusion criteria

- Special patient groups

- Data analysis and interpretation

- Overview: Ethical aspects, origins and principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

- International guidelines (EMEA, FDA, ICH)

- Product life cycle management and selected commercial aspects

- Interfaces: Marketing, in particular the marketing mix ("4 Ps") and the product life cycle

• Students are able to describe the clinical development of medical devices and their integration into the overall development and life cycle management process in a commercial context.

• Students are able to design, plan and conduct clinical trials in the context of international guidelines (EMEA, FDA, ICH).

• Students are able to recognize ethical aspects of clinical studies and implement the application of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

• Students are able to discuss current scientific and ethical issues in clinical research in an international environment.

• Students are able to use case studies to gain practical experience and knowledge in the clinical development of medical devices.

• Lecture with structured exercises

• Group discussions

• Problem-based learning

Final exam: Final examination: Written final examination, assessment of exercises during the ILV

1) Microscopy, preparation technique: basics of microscopic technique, cross-section of classical light microscopic methods, foray through current high-resolution light and electron microscopy, cryo techniques. Histological preparation techniques from fixation and sectioning to immunolabeling.
-tissue science
-connective/supportive tissue
-muscle tissue
-nerve tissue:

2) Organology: Introductory basic building principle of the organ / organ system with emphasis on structure " functional relationships.
-circulation
-digestion
-excretion
-reproduction
-skin
-endocrine system
-respiratory tract
-lymphatic organs
-stem cells
-barriers in the organism

• Students are able to recognize characteristics of tissues and their interaction in organs based on knowledge of cellular and structural characteristics.

• Students are able to assign specific functions to specific cell, tissue and organ parts.

• Students are able to classify cell/molecular biology concepts in the context of tissue/organ systems.

• Students are able to understand central organ functions and assess the effect of interventions/influences.

• The students are able to develop summarizing medical concepts supported by the "pictorial" data presented.

Presenting & activating methods:

• Lecture with permanent feedbacksupplemented by online - virtual microscopy

• short films

• formative mentimeter test.

Final exam: Combined written exam: multiple choice questions, open questions and topic elaboration including sketches

Homeostasis and membrane potential (compartments, transport mechanisms, resting membrane potential, action potential, conduction); heart (structure of the heart, conduction system, pacemaker, ECG, course of a normal cardiac action, coronary perfusion); respiration (lung volumes, respiratory cycle, respiratory restriction, compliance, surfactant, O2 resp. CO2 transport; musculature (electromechanical coupling, contraction, striated, smooth and cardiac muscles, performance diagram); circulation (body & pulmonary circulation, fetal circulation, pressure ratios, oxygen saturation, oxygen demand of important organs, local blood flow regulation); Blood (transport of nutrients and waste products, storage, coagulation, plasma proteins); Defense (cellular & humoral mechanisms, AB0 blood group system, complement system, course of inflammation); Kidney (structure of a nephron, glomerular filtration, secretion, reabsorption, regulation of blood volume & electrolyte composition, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system); Metabolism/digestion (sections of the gastrointestinal tract and their functions, digestion/absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, functions of the liver); sensory organs (general sensory physiology, sense of touch, depth sensitivity, photoreceptors, organ of balance, ear, sense of smell, sense of taste, perception of pain); Nervous system (autonomic nervous system, transmitter systems, motor functions, cognitive functions); endocrinology (most important hormone receptor mechanisms, hormones of the pituitary gland, regulation of blood sugar levels, catecholamines, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone, sex hormones).

• Students are able to explain the function of biological systems in the organism as a whole.

• Students are able to describe the basic structure, development and function of human tissues and organs.

• Students are able to understand the dynamics of biological processes during development and in the homeostasis of the adult organism.

• Students have knowledge of physiology as a basis for understanding drug effects and preclinical/clinical studies.

• Students are able to understand national and international preclinical and clinical studies.

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam

Presentation of biological models in medicine and basic research, starting with unicellular organisms, as well as fish, frog, chicken, mouse models, Drosophila and C. elegans as invertebrate models). Criteria for the use of model organisms, with a focus on genetic methods. Genome research in model organisms, disease models in biomedical research, targeted production of animal models using genetic manipulations such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Implementation and legal basis of animal experiments in research and in the approval of medicinal products.

• Students will be able to explain the role and importance of various model organisms in medicine and basic research, including protozoa, fish, frog, chicken, mouse models, Drosophila and C. elegans

• Students are able to explain the significance of genome research in model organisms and discuss its contribution to the understanding of genetic mechanisms and disease models.

• Students are able to explain the methods of genetic manipulation, in particular CRISPR/Cas9, and describe their application for the targeted production of animal models.

• Students are able to demonstrate the use of model organisms for research into human diseases and the development of therapies

• Students are able to explain the legal basis and ethical considerations when carrying out animal experiments and discuss their significance for research and the approval of medicinal products.

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam on the computer (multiple choice)

Natural regenerative capacity of tissues (human-animal comparison) and influencing these capacities, application of implants and organ transplants (problem of immune reactions), bone marrow transplantation Introduction to biomaterials - in particular to the class of biodegradable materials, properties and function of stem cells (differentiation potential), Extracellular carrier materials for three-dimensional implants (matrix-cell interaction), cell therapy by encapsulation of cells, special process techniques for tissue culture in tissue engineering, use of growth factors in regenerative medicine, problem of immune reactions when administering therapeutic proteins, production of artificial tissue, status quo of tissue engineering in various tissues. In particular, tissue engineering of skin, cartilage or bone tissue, use or production of autologous and artificial vascular prostheses, regeneration of heart muscle tissue, regeneration of nerve tissue for the treatment of injury to the peripheral and central nervous system and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Ethical principles of organ transplantation, the use of stem cells and the use of artificial tissue produced by tissue engineering. Students are given an overview of the preclinical and clinical development of artificial tissue using tissue engineering. The complexity of both the production and registration of such drugs is highlighted. Subsequently, students also gain an insight into the commercial situation of products manufactured using tissue engineering.

• Students will be able to explain and justify the principles of regenerative medicine, both in well-established areas such as bone marrow transplantation and in relatively new areas such as tissue engineering.

• Students will be able to describe the current problems in medical care for the regeneration and replacement of organs and tissues.

• Students will be able to list the common biomaterials used in regenerative medicine and understand the associated tests for market approval.

• Students are able to combine the 3 basic materials in tissue engineering - cells, carrier materials and signaling molecules - with the current approaches to the production of advanced tissue and organ replacements

• Students are able to discuss the importance of (stem) cells and human tissue for the generation of functional replacements by means of tissue engineering, their extraction, possible areas of application and ethical problems.

Presenting methods:

• Lecture with PowerPoint presentation

Activating methods:

• View specimens of biomaterials

• Videos for the visualization of production techniques of artificial tissues or organs by means of tissue engineering

Final exam: Written final exam

Developmental biology

1. Basic principles of development

• Mechanisms of differentiation, growth and pattern formation.

• Role of induction, morphogens and cytoplasmic determinants in regulatory development and cell fate determination.

1. Stem cells and regeneration

• Concepts of stem cells, differentiation and determination.

• Mechanisms of regeneration and their biological potential.

1. Phases of embryonic development

• Processes of early cell division, gastrulation, neurulation and organ development.

1. Axis formation

• Formation and control of the anteroposterior, dorsoventral and left-right axes, including the role of organizers and Hox genes.

1. Model systems in developmental biology

• Analysis of development in Drosophila melanogaster, C. elegans, zebrafish, Xenopus, chickens and mice and an evolutionary comparison of the mechanisms.

1. Methods of developmental biology

• Experimental approaches such as transplantation, gene expression analysis, gain-of-function and loss-of-function methods.

1. Regulation of growth

• Mechanisms of growth control in embryonic and post-embryonic development.

Carcinogenesis

1. Basics of tumor development

• Monoclonal origin of tumors and the selection of tumor cells.

• Slow, multistage development of cancer with the role of mutations and DNA repair mechanisms.

1. Mutagens and tumorigenesis

• Effects of mutagens and promoters such as inflammatory processes.

• Influence of environmental factors, e.g. radiation, carcinogenic substances and nutrition.

1. Mechanisms of tumor progression

• Processes of metastasis and the interaction of tumors with the immune system.

• Viral risk factors and their role in the development of cancer.

1. Molecular basis of cancer

• Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and their role in the "Hallmarks of Cancer".

• Significance of apoptosis, senescence, telomerase, angiogenesis and epigenetic changes.

1. Modern cancer therapy

• Analysis of central signaling pathways in the development of cancer and their significance for innovative therapeutic approaches.

• Students are able to explain the phases of embryonic development (early cell division, gastrulation, neurulation and organ development) and the role of differentiation, growth, pattern formation, induction and cell fate

• Students are able to describe the role of stem cells in differentiation and regeneration processes, they can compare the development processes in different model systems and evaluate evolutionary differences.

• Students are able to describe methods of developmental biology, such as transplantation, gene expression analyses and gain/loss-of-function experiments, and assess their application

• Students are able to analyze the monoclonal origin of tumors, the selection of tumor cells and the significance of mutations in the development of tumors, they know the influence of environmental factors, nutrition and disease processes, as well as the role of the immune system.

• Students are able to evaluate modern therapeutic approaches in cancer therapy and their mechanisms of action based on molecular signaling pathways. They can describe oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and the hallmarks of cancer.

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam on the computer (multiple choice)

The aim of this course is to explain step by step the path from the biological or pathological pathway to the identification of the genes involved (using the methodology of functional genome research) and then the targeted search for specific active substances through to clinical studies. The first step is an introduction to the medically relevant signalingpathways of the cell and the basics of immunology. The methods of genome research are then presented, starting with bioinformatics and the use of existing databases. Statistical methods, which are used for all activities 'From bench toBedside' are explained and discussed in detail.High-throughput methods based on microarrays and proteomics make it possible, candidate genes identify candidate genes that fulfill functions in the desired biological/pathological pathways pathways. Narrowing down these potential targets takes place during the functional characterization of the candidate genesstarting in cell culture systems and finally in the context of the whole organism. The next step is to find low-molecular substances that modulate the function of the biologically validated target. For this purpose, in vitro and in vivo test systems must be established in order to create substance libraries (up to 2 million compounds). Biophysically, structurally and biochemically validated "hits" are optimized for potency, bioavailability, specificity and toxicity. In an iterative process, the newly synthesized derivatives are tested for their optimized properties in the systems established in vitro and in vivo in order to ultimately identify a lead structure. This will be tested in preclinical models for therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects analyzed in preclinical models. Once the requirements profile of the lead compound has been met, the clinical trial phase can begin.

• Students are able to name the basic cellular signal transduction pathways

• Students are able to explain the basic principles of immunology

• Students are able to name and explain the various disciplines that interact and intertwine during the development of a new active ingredient

• Students are able to describe and explain the different phases of the optimization of a molecule originally found as a hit in a screen

• Students will be able to explain the following technologies and approaches used in the course of target protein validation, hit validation, identification and optimization, as well as the application of statistical methods during these processes: proteomics, computational biology, computational chemistry

• Lecture

• Dialogue and discussion

Final exam: Written final exam

The focus is to outline to students the most important steps on the exciting path from idea to product development to marketing:

1. Idea to market

• What is innovation?

• The path from idea to research, development (R&D) and approval.

• Markets, diseases & therapeutic areas (indications)

• TEAM CASE 1: Outline of an innovation process using an example

1. How is a pharmaceutical company organized?

• TEAM CASE 2: Outline of an example organization in teamwork

1. Important players & organizational forms in the biopharma sector.

• Typical organizational forms

• Examples

1. What are the main classes of pharmaceuticals?

• Small molecules ("small molecules")

• Biologics

1. What are biomarkers and their importance in drug development?

• Classification of biomarkers

• Important application examples of biomarkers

1. What is personalized precision medicine?

• Explanation of the terms personalization & precision medicine

• Application example cancer therapy

1. Pharma R&D

• The role of molecular biology

• Target discovery - molecular patho-mechanisms

• Screening methods (HTS, high content imaging ...)

• Bioinformatics, Data Science & AI

• Hit to Lead (H2L) optimization

1. Drug pipeline, preclinical & clinical development

• In vitro & in vivo models

• Tocicology and ADME

• Phase 1- 3

• GLP & GCP

1. Brief overview of regulatory affairs & drug approval

• Regulatory Affairs (FDA, EMA, etc.) & Approval

• Production & GMP

1. Conclusion Team Case

TEAM CASE 3: Refinement of the sketch of an example organization in team work

• Students will be able to explain the concept of innovation and outline the key steps from the idea to the approval of a medicinal product.

• Students will be able to describe the structure and function of pharmaceutical companies and analyze the roles of the main players in the biopharmaceutical sector.

• Students will be able to categorize the main classes of drugs and explain the importance of biomarkers in drug development.

• Students are familiar with the processes of drug research, including molecular biology, screening methods and optimization approaches, and can evaluate their significance for personalized medicine.

• Students know the basic principles of regulatory processes and standards (such as FDA, EMA, GLP, GCP and GMP) and can relate these to the approval process for medicinal products in order to work efficiently in cross-functional teams in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Lectures

• Interactive discussion

Continuous assessment: Homework, seminar presentations in group and individual work

1. Introduction to laboratory automation (lecture)

• Overview of systems and areas of application in biotechnology

• Advantages and challenges of automation

• Components of automated systems: pipetting robots, liquid handling systems, sensor technology

1. Fundamentals of robotics (lecture)

• Mechanics and programming of laboratory robots

• Interfaces and data integration (LIMS)

• Fundamentals of motion planning and automation software

1. Automation forms & concepts (lecture)

• Automation concepts & methods

• Automation equipment

1. Regulation, validation & qualification

• Regulatory aspects of automation

• Equipment validation & validation planning (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ)

• What is an audit trail?

• SOPs & employee qualification

1. Application examples and practical relevance (lecture)

• Automated sample preparation and assays (e.g. qPCR, ELISA)

• Screening and high-throughput analyses in research and industry (HTS)

• Quality assurance and validation of automated processes

1. Practical case with an Opentrons OT-2 in teamwork (internship)

• Planning and protocol design for a 2-dimensional dilution series

• Programming of the robot (Visual Point & Click vs. Python API-based)

• Implementation of the protocol incl. troubleshooting

• Analysis and interpretation of data from the automated process

1. Lab - report from the practical case (seminar)

• Presentation & discussion of the team results

1. Future of laboratory automation (lecture & discussion)

• Trends in robotics and AI for laboratory applications in research & industry

• Ethics and labor market changes through automation

Lecture (70%), practical course (15%), seminar (15%)

• Students will be able to describe the main components of automated laboratory systems (e.g. pipetting robots, sensors, liquid handling systems) and explain their possible applications and challenges in biotechnology.

• Students are able to plan and implement motion sequences of a laboratory robot and to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team when implementing robotic systems according to the requirements of molecular biology laboratory processes in biotechnological laboratories.

• Students are able to program and carry out an automated laboratory protocol with a pipetting robot (e.g. an Opentrons OT-2), detect and correct errors and analyze and interpret the collected data.

• Students are able to describe regulatory and quality assurance measures such as validation plans (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ) and apply them to specific laboratory automation projects.

• Students are able to think ahead to current trends in laboratory automation and their effects on the labor market in the future of fast-moving technology-driven biotechnology and also relate them to ethical aspects in order to ensure responsible use of the technologies in research and industry.

• Lectures

• Group exercise

• Presenting methods

• Activating methods Lecture

Final exam: Assessment of participation and performance in the group exercise with presentation during the course. Written examination at the end of the course. The theoretical examination includes multiple-choice and open questions.

The Bachelor's examination is the final milestone of the Bachelor's degree program in Molecular Biotechnology. The Bachelor's examination takes place before a relevant examination board. This comprises a presentation in which the student presents the results of his/her professional internship, i.e. the Bachelor's thesis, a questioning of the presentation and an oral examination in which the students demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired. The examination covers key topics in molecular biotechnology, including molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and their methodological knowledge. The aim of the examination is to prepare students for their future professional challenges and to confirm their suitability for further studies or professional activities in the field of biotechnology.

• Students are able to explain and apply basic and advanced concepts of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and biotechnology.

• Students are able to carry out experimental methods and techniques of molecular biotechnology and critically analyze the results.

• Students are able to present and discuss their research results clearly and precisely in oral form.

Activating methods: presentation and oral examination

Final exam: Up to 20 points are awarded by the examination senate for the presentation.

Up to 20 points are also awarded for the subsequent questioning of the presentation.

Up to 30 points are awarded for answering the questions on central theoretical and practical topics of the Bachelor's degree program.

The sum of these points results in the overall grade for the Bachelor's examination

Part 1: Self-reflection:

• Guided self-reflection on various aspects of the work placement, including working environment, tasks undertaken, skills acquired and personal insights.

• Topics include the assessment of prior knowledge, the importance of specific competencies and the evaluation of laboratory techniques used during the internship.

Part 2: Group Reflection:

• In groups, reflect, discuss and present self-selected topics related to their professional internship experiences - possible topics include preparation for international internships, challenges during the internship, the application process, personal development and comparison between academic and industry environments.

• Each group will create a presentation in a chosen format (e.g. poster, website, film, podcast) to sharetheir collective insights with their fellow studentsand the students to follow .

• Students are able to critically reflect on and analyze their own experiences and performance during the internship. They can identify strengths and weaknesses and draw conclusions for their personal and professional development.

• Students are able to apply and expand the specialist knowledge acquired during their studies in practice.

• Students are able to develop skills for effective collaboration in interdisciplinary teams and to communicate their experiences and findings clearly and precisely and to deal constructively with feedback.

• Students are able to recognize challenges in their professional environment and develop creative solutions. They demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in different work situations and cultural contexts.

• Lecture

• Dialog and discussion

• Individual work

• Group work

• Supervised distance learning

• Blended learning

• Project work

• Research-based learning

Continuous assessment: Active participation.

This course is indirectly linked to the BP Reflection course. I.e. in this course, which should take place before the course Biotech Careers, the students reflect on their experiences with regard to methodological skills but also their experiences/opinions/conclusions etc. during the internship. Based on the learning outcomes of this course, in the first part of this course : Biotech Careers, all current options for different career paths in industry and academia will be presented and reflected in discussion with the group.

The second part will be organized together with the BTA (alumni association), which offers students the opportunity to get to know people from different career fields in industry and academia and to ask questions about these career profiles.

• Students are able to reflect on the experiences and adventures of their internship and, building on this, play a more active role in shaping their future.

• Students will be able to differentiate between the various career opportunities in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries and identify the type of employment that best suits their career goals.

• Students are able to differentiate between the possibilities and opportunities for further academic training at Master's level and for an advanced doctorate at national and international universities.

• Students are able to actively shape their future based on the knowledge gained in this course.

Activating method

Continuous assessment: Active participation