Elective modules (Master: BC + Immuno) 

In the beginning of the program four elective lecture series are offered to fill gaps or refresh the personal knowledge. The topics are: Cell Biology and Immunology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry or Inorganic and Physical Chemistry. In two of four topics an exam must be passed.

Methods in life sciences and statistics (Master: BC + Immuno) 

Each week a different speaker—either a member of a LIMES working group or the University Hospital— will give an insight into their field of research. They'll explain different methods in biology with their theoretical background and specific applications using numerous examples. In addition, 4 weeks of statistical lectures are included, covering some necessary mathematics, hypothesis testing or different types of statistics.

Method course I (Master: BC + Immuno) 

This module is composed of three weeks laboratory work with the topics: antibodies as tools in immunology, studying enzyme kinetics and performing fluorescence- and luminescence-based assays. Additionally, two weeks focus on an introduction into R programming and data analysis. The module is finished by preparing protocols for each week and a final exam.

Biophysics (Master: BC) 

The Biophysics module is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of biophysical methods used to study biochemical reactions and macromolecular complexes. A wide range of techniques will be explained with their physical background, including NMR, protein crystallography or microscopy methods. The module consists of lectures and seminars with 45-minute presentations by some students explaining a method of their choice.

Cellular Biochemistry (Master: BC) 

The biochemical foundations of cellular functions is taught, emphasizing metabolic processes and their role in diseases. Pathways, organelles, and regulatory mechanisms for maintaining metabolic balance are covered. The module consists of lectures and seminars with presentations by some students explaining paper covering recent developments in the covered areas.

Good Scientific Practice (Master: BC + Immuno) 

Here different aspects of scientific integrity are discussed. First, 4 lectures are given by several professors on how not to manipulate data, plagiarize, fraudulently use images etc. Besides awareness and possible ways of reporting observed misconduct, the consequences of doing so are explained. Then, students present 15-minute talks on important aspects of good scientific practice, such as keeping a good lab journal and avoiding plagiarism.

Method course II (Master: BC + Immuno) 

This module is composed of three weeks of laboratory work dealing with protein purification methods, basics of cloning techniques and the yeast two hybrid system. A protocol must be prepared for each week and the course ends with an exam.

Introduction in experimental animal techniques and bioethics (Master: BC + Immuno) 

In this module different animal models and their advantages and disadvantages are described. Moreover, alternatives of animal experiments like human experimental immune models and organoids are presented and discussed. There is also a lecture about legislation in animal welfare.

Physiology

Students will learn how cells work in different environments and how different tissues and organs work together. They will learn how the brain, hormones, and metabolism work in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Presentations by students are part of the seminar of the module.

Chemical Biology

The learning objective of this course is to acquire an understanding of the underlying chemical, biological, and molecular mechanisms, as well as the methodologies utilized in the field. basic principles and methods for synthesizing compounds are explained by investigating molecular properties, and measuring interactions in vitro, in cells, and in vivo. Presentations by students are part of the seminar of the module.