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Modules

Abbreviations:

V (Lecture), S (Seminar), P (Practical work), Ü (Tutorial), K (Course), SL (Assessed coursework), PL (Graded examination), SWS (Teaching units per week), ECTS (x+y = SL+PL), MAP (Module examination)

Module 1: Molecular Medicine and Functional Biochemistry

Module coordinator:, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, Tel. 203-9610

Transfer credits: Prof. Dr. T. Brummer


Courses:

  • Special topics in Molecular Medicine (V, 1st semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Advanced Seminar in Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology (S, 1st semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: presentation)
  • Functional Biochemistry (P, 1st semester, 4 SWS, 4 ECTS, SL: protocol)
  • Molecular Cell Biology (P, 1st semester, 8 SWS, 8 ECTS, SL: protocol)
  • Literature Seminar in Molecular Medicine (S, 1st semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: presentation)
  • MAP (2nd semester, 3 ECTS, oral)

The final module grade accounts for 4/22 of the overall grade.


Contents:
The lecture series, Special Topics in Molecular Medicine, offers an introduction to current research topics and methods in the life sciences. Content includes the analysis of proteins using mass spectrometry, functional proteomics, protein kinase inhibitors and therapy resistance, survival signaling pathways and protein kinase regulation, mechanisms of context-dependent gene regulation, principles of caspase dependent and caspase independent cell death, the creation and phenotypic analysis of "knock-out" mice, physiology and pathology of cysteine ​​peptidases, systems biology of cell-cell communication, and analysis of high-throughput data.

The advanced seminar, Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology, deals with concepts of molecular cell biology at an advanced level. Topics include gene expression control, cell-cell communication, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell-cell contacts, the extracellular matrix, development of multicellular organisms, stem cell biology, and concepts in tumor biology.

The practical component, Molecular Cell Biology, offers an opportunity to learn and independently conduct advanced laboratory techniques. Topics include proteomics, functional genomics, quantitative gene expression analysis, and the functional biology of various cell death pathways.

In the Molecular Medicine Literature Seminar, the latest findings in biomedicine are presented, critically discussed, and classified according to the current state of knowledge. This is primarily done through student lectures based on original publications from renowned scientific journals.

In the Functional Biochemistry practical component, students are taught techniques for analyzing the structure and function of membrane protein complexes using the example of mitochondrial respiratory chain and bacterial protein translocases. Students also learn techniques for solubilizing functional membrane protein complexes with mild detergents. Investigation of these complexes occurs via the use of, among other things, native gel electrophoresis, two-dimensional (native/denaturing) gel electrophoresis, as well as western blotting and immunodetection with specific antibodies. Additionally, in order to functionally characterizae the respiratory chain, mitochondrial membrane potential measurements are conducted using fluorescence-based assay, and oxygen consumption is measured using a polarographic method (Clarke electrode). Through a comparison of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes with the intact respiratory chain impaired by mutagenesis, students learn how the evaluation of such experiments can lead to a molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial defects. As part of the analysis of bacterial protein translocases, students learn cell-free synthesis of plasmid-encoded proteins in an in vitro transcription/translation system. These newly synthesized proteins are radiolabeled and visualized using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequent autoradiography. Plasma membrane vesicles produced using the gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli, are also used in order to detect the transport of secretory proteins and the integration of membrane proteins. With the aid of this system, activity of the SecA36 protein – which is isolated by course participants themselves – is determined. During their practical work, students purify this protein from cytosolic extracts using affinity chromatography (nickel-NTA). Interaction of a secretory protein with the membrane-bound translocase is analyzed using a method for localized, light-induced crosslinking.


Learning objectives / skills:

  • Understand topic-related concepts and mechanisms from the advanced seminar, Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology (gene expression control, cell-cell communication, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell-cell contacts, extracellular matrix, development of multicellular organisms, stem cell biology, and concepts in tumor biology)
  • Present knowledge gained from scientific textbooks to an audience
  • Understand original scientific reports and review articles, and present these to an audience
  • Prepare scientific test reports and critically discuss test results in writing
  • Conduct scientific experiments in proteomics, genomics, and molecular and cell biology, both under supervision, and independently
  • Understand the organization and functioning of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and ATP synthesis (oxidative phosphorylation)
  • Diagnose mutations that lead to defects in oxidative phosphorylation
  • Understand the generation and functions of membrane potentials
  • Solubilize and analyze membrane protein complexes using native electrophoresis and western blotting
  • Measure mitochondrial membrane potentials and oxygen consumption (breathing)
  • Purify a soluble protein using affinity chromatography
  • Understand protein transport through cellular membranes via the Sec channel and Tat translocase (twin-arginine translocase)
  • Understand and perform cell-free protein synthesis
  • Perform radioactive labeling of proteins and their detection with autoradiography
  • Determine the activity of an isolated protein
  • Perform UV light-induced crosslinking of proteins

Literature:

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., and Walter, P. (eds.): Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition (2008).

Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., and Stryer, L. (eds.): Biochemie, 6. Auflage (2007), Kapitel 18: Die oxidative Phosphorylierung, pp. 560-602.

Chacinska, A., Koehler, C.M., Milenkovic, D., Lithgow, T., and Pfanner, N. (2009): Importing mitochondrial proteins: Machineries and mechanisms. Cell 138, pp. 628-644.

Kudva, R., Denks, K., Kuhn, P., Vogt, A., Müller, M., and Koch, H.G. (2013): Protein translocation across the inner membrane of Gram-negative bacteria: the Sec and Tat dependent protein transport pathways. Res. Microbiol. 164, pp. 505-534.

 

Module 2: Pathology

Module coordinator:

Transfer credits:


Courses:

  • Pathology I (V, 1st semester, 3 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Molecular Pathological Diagnostics (S, 1st semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: presentation)
  • Histopathology I (K, 1st semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: protocols)
  • Pathology II (V, 2nd semester, 3 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Molecular Pathological Diagnostics II (S, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 2 + 1 ECTS, SL: presentation / journal club)
  • Histopathology II (K, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 1 + 1 ECTS, SL: protocol, certificate)
  • MAP (2nd semester, 3 ECTS, oral)

 
The final module grade accounts for 3/22 of the overall grade.


Contents:

Pathology I + II lectures / Histopathology I + II courses:
Historical background of pathological anatomy. Definition of illness and death. Circulatory and fluid distribution disorders. Mechanisms of shock. Acute and chronic inflammation with a special focus on leukotaxis, bactericidal mechanisms, and innate and acquired immunity. Pathogenesis of anemia. Haemostaseology in the context of genetic defects: thrombus formation, types of thrombus, embolization, and thrombolysis. Genetic and acquired defects in lysosomal, mitochondrial, membrane cannula and nuclear functions (laminopathies). Acquired and genetic metabolic defects: lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. Growth regulation: atrophy, hyperplasia, oncogenesis, systematics and taxonomy, as well as pathological anatomy of tumor diseases. Cardiovascular diseases. Pathological anatomy of viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Mineral balance with a particular focus on disturbances in the iron, copper and calcium balance. Deficiency diseases. Pathology of endocrine organs and functional systems. Embryopathy and fetopathy. Degenerative processes of the nervous system.

Seminar Molecular Pathological Diagnostics I + II:
Gaining of insights (including practical exercises) into basic molecular pathology (e.g., microdissection) techniques as well as examination and interpretation of histological and molecular pathological laboratory findings with "diagnosis" ("Sign-out Conference"). Discussion of the latest research data including developments in histological/molecular-pathological techniques and applications (current news from the lecturer’s own working group; “Journal Club” consisting of international journals).

The Pathology module is concluded with an oral exam based on lectures, courses, and seminars as well as self-study of textbook content and current publications (reviews). Attention is placed on the critical examination of histological and molecular findings of diseases, as well as understanding of their associated pathogenesis and their clinical-pathological importance.


Learning outcomes / skills:

Pathology I + II lecture:
Students will be able to recognize the aetiology and pathogenesis of pathological processes in terms of their pathological anatomic and pathological molecular relationships.

Histopathology I + II course:
Histopathology I + II explains and illustrates the diagnosis of pathologically-relevant cellular and histological structural organ changes. Furthermore, histochemical reactions are dealt with in terms of their practical execution and diagnostic significance.

Molecular Pathological Diagnostics I + II seminar:
Students acquire and deepen understanding of the principal methods of histology and molecular pathology (e.g., ISH, microdissection, qPCR, sequencing) and are able to apply such methods in the assessment of current case studies ("sign-out"). Students are able to understand scientific texts on current topics of (molecular) pathology, analyze their contents, and report these in the form of short presentations.

 

Module 3: Pharmacology and Toxicology

Module coordinator: , Albertstr. 25, Tel. 203-5310

Transfer credits: Prof. Dr. N. Klugbauer


Courses:

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology I (V, 1st semester, 2.5 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology II (V, 2nd semester, 2.5 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Pharmacology and toxicology (S, 3rd semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Pharmacology and toxicology (P, 3rd semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • MAP (2 ECTS, written)

The final module grade accounts for 2/22 of the overall grade.


Contents:

Lecture (General Pharmacology and Toxicology I + II):
General pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, cholinergic and adrenergic systems, biogenic amines, psychopharmaceuticals, cardiac and vascular pharmacology, diuretics, antimicrobial therapy, antifungals, antiviral therapy, local anesthetics, analgesics, narcotics, antiepileptics, gastrointestinal pharmacology, cytostatics, hormones, corticosteroids, toxicology, endocrinology, and respiratory disease therapy


Practical work:
In the practical component, special topics in pharmacology and toxicology are presented in depth. These include G-protein-mediated receptor signal transduction mechanisms, histamine release mechanisms in mast cells, electrophysiological examinations in the extrapyramidal motor system, flow cytometry methods and examinations of bacterial protein toxins.

Seminar:
Recent developments in pharmacology

Learning objectives / skills:
Students will be able to describe fundamental principals in pharmacology and toxicology. Focus is initially placed on elaborating the molecular action mechanisms of the most important pharmaceutical drug groups. Additionally, the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are addressed. Students learn how to deduce potential side effects and interactions between important active ingredients and are able to extrapolate and explain current guideline-oriented therapies for common diseases.


In practical work, knowledge related to independently conducting experiments will be acquired and the evaluation of measured data undertaken.

In the seminar, English-language literature will be discussed and then presented, in a structured manner, to an auditorium where its relevance will be assessed.


Literature:

Aktories, Förstermann, Hofmann, Starke: Allgemeine und spezielle Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Urban und Fischer, 10. Auflage, 2009.

Lüllmann, Mohr, Hein: Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Thieme-Verlag, 17. Auflage, 2010.

Mutschler, Geisslinger, Kroemer, Ruth, Schäfer-Korting: Arzneimittelwirkungen, Lehrbuch der Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, 9. Auflage, 2008.

Module 4: Disease Processes - Clinical Patterns

4.1 Neurology


Module coordinator:
, Breisacher Str. 64, Tel. 270-53140

Transfer credits: PD Dr. M. Rijntjes


Courses:

  • Diseases I (K, 1st semester, 1 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: presentation)
  • Neurology (S, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, PL: oral)


The final module grade accounts for 1/22 of the overall grade.


Contents:
Through the lectures, students are familiarized with the most common neurological diseases, and are thus provided with a foundation for situating research topics in medicine and pharmacology, both in terms of current scientific knowledge, and social relevance.

This process includes knowledge related to clinical appearance, diagnosis, disease course, disease incidence and prevalence, pathomechanisms, as well as pharmacological and other therapies.

Seminar selection is based on three criteria: the identification of research areas that have a molecular medical basis; the relevancy of such diseases for neurophysiology or neuropathophysiology; and in general, that the broadest possible spectrum of methodological approaches is represented.

Small group laboratory visits convey an interactive encounter with respective researchers, and everyday life in the laboratory is demonstrated whereby students become practically acquainted with devices and methods.


Learning objectives / skills:

The aim of the two final seminars, reflection/repetition, is – in groups of two – to independently develop a research project concept, and to then explain and communicate this concept to the group. Students present their project concepts to each other as would be the usual case during a funding application. Selected topics are linked to seminars and coordination with respective lecturers is not only possible, but is expressly requested. Project concept presentations should include the background and relevance of the project, the specific question, the methodology and evaluation of the data, the likely meaningfulness of the results, a projected schedule, and necessary resources. This presentation will be graded.


Literature:
Literature will be announced in the seminars.

 

4.2 Internal Medicine


Module coordinator: , Hugstetter Str. 55, Tel. 270-35460

Transfer credits: Dr. Dennis Wolf


Courses:

  • Pathophysiology / Pathobiochemistry I (V, 1st semester, 1 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Pathophysiology / Pathobiochemistry II (V, 2nd semester, 1 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Diseases II (K, 2nd semester, 1 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: protocol)
  • Internal medicine (S, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, PL: in writing)

The final module grade accounts for 1/22 of the overall grade.

Contents:

A number of important internal disease patterns are presented with the focus placed on explaining and illustrating pathophysiology rather than on clinical treatment. Additionally, the potential for researching such clinical pictures in the context of human clinical studies and experimental studies on related animal models are presented in detail.


Learning objectives / skills:

After successfully completing this module, students will be able to:

  • recognize the abovenamed elementary clinical presentations of internal medicine according to their symptoms
  • explain these diseases from a pathophysiological perspective
  • demonstrate major animal experimental and in vitro methods for researching such diseases
  • evaluate the value of the latter in the context of the clinical presentation and field of internal medicine itself

 


Literature:

Herold G, Innere Medizin 2013, Thieme Verlag.

Siegenthaler W, Blum HE, Klinische Pathophysiologie, 9. Auflage, Thieme Verlag.

 

Module 5: Clinical Elective

Courses:

  • Lecture in clinical elective (V, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Seminar in clinical elective (S, 2nd semester, 2 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • MAP (2nd semester, 1 ECTS, oral)

The final module grade accounts for 1/22 of the overall grade.

5.1 Dermatology and Allergology

Module coordinator: Hauptstr. 7, Tel .: 203-68181

Transfer credits: Student Secretariat, , Tel. 270-67140


Contents:

Lecture: Students acquire extensive knowledge in the basic principles of dermatology and allergology.

Seminar: Knowledge is deepened with the aid of individual thematic areas including structure and composition of the epidermal basement membrane, pathogenesis and diagnosis of blistering skin diseases of autoimmune origin, regulation of the barrier function of skin and skin homeostasis, importance of proteases for the physiology and pathology of the skin, molecular diagnostics of genetic skin diseases, the role of innate immune response in allergic contact dermatitis, mechanisms of tolerance induction in the treatment of allergic diseases, and mechanisms of skin aging.

Learning objectives / skills:

In the lecture series, students acquire knowledge of the cellular and molecular structure of the skin as well as skin function. This includes the functioning of the skin’s immune system under both healthy and pathological conditions.

In the seminars, students learn basic methods and experimental approaches to dermatological and allergological issues within the context of the latest molecular findings.


Literature:

Literature will be announced in the seminars.

 

5.2 Molecular Medicine in Gynecology (clinical presentations, epigenetic regulation, drug design, and personalized medicine)

Module coordinator:, Tel. 270-3170

Transfer credits: Dr. T. Erbes


Contents:
In the lecture series, extensive knowledge concerning the fields of gynecology and reproductive medicine is presented and illustrated. Molecular biological aetiologies, diagnostic methods, and therapy concepts for the most important gynecological and obstetric diseases are addressed. Within gynecological oncology in particular, the influence of molecular knowledge on diagnostics and therapy is highlighted, and current innovative therapeutic methods are detailed.

In the seminars, "Teil Klinik" (“Component Clinic”), knowledge and understanding of individual subject areas is – partly based on clinical case studies – interactively deepened within small-group formats.

The seminars, “Teil Forschung” (“Component Research”), address the following topics: genetic and epigenetic causes of breast cancer, structure-function principles of nuclear hormone receptors and epigenetic enzymes, nuclear hormone receptors and cofactors in gynecology, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) including prevention and therapy and epigenetic enzymes as a target for new therapies.

Learning objectives / skills:

Students will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of basic gynecological and obstetric diseases as well as their diagnosis and therapy
  • recognize molecular biological causes and relationships in gynecological and obstetric diseases
  • describe the importance of molecular biological therapy concepts in gynecological oncology and the current state of research
  • develop theoretical application from scientific understanding


Emphasis is placed on working out core problems from examples and subsequently identifying which techniques could be used to answer this question, which limitations may occur with the techniques used, and which new problems/questions may arise as a result.


Literature:

Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe von Klaus Diedrich, Wolfgang Holzgreve, Walter Jonat und Karl-Theo M. Schneider von Springer Berlin Heidelberg (Springer Verlag)

Duale Reihe Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe von Thomas Weyerstahl, Manfred Stauber (Thieme Verlag)

Klinikleitfaden Gynäkologie, Geburtshilfe von Kay Goerke

Ausgewählte Literaturangaben


Selected references

 

5.3 Pediatrics

Module coordinator: , Mathildenstr. 1, Tel.: 270-7754

Transfer credits: Prof. Dr. P. Henneke


Contents:
Via reference to clinical case studies, the molecular aetiology of genetic diseases is brought to light. This molecular understanding then serves as a basis for developing concepts of clinical progression, diagnostics, and therapeutic options. By way of additional concrete examples from current molecular research, the process of developing experimental models from clinical observations and the incorporation of experimental observations into clinical studies is additionally illustrated. A particular focus is also given to the basic principles underling conducting research on adults and minors.
 


Learning objectives / skills:
Students will be able to:

  • identify those diseases – out of multiple clinical areas – for which precise molecular diagnosis has led to the development of new diagnostic and/or therapeutic options
  • establish the ethical basis for the scientific study of minors
  • explain the conditions, possibilities, and limits of screening programs
  • recognize concrete challenges in transferring animal experimental data to humans
  • demonstrate understanding of basic principles underlying the clinical trial of new drugs

 


Literature:

Ledford H: Translational research: the full cycle. Nature. 2008 453:843-5 

 

Module 6: Biomedicine

(this course is partly conducted in English)

Module coordinator: , Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, Tel. 203-9618

Transfer credits: Prof. Dr. T. Reinheckel

Lecturers: compulsory elective subjets, various lecturers


Courses:

  • Elective Biomedicine (S, 2nd semester, 0.5 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)
  • Elective subject biomedicine (K, 2nd semester, 1.5 SWS, 2 ECTS, SL: participation)

The final module grade accounts for 1/22 of the overall grade.

Contents:
Modern molecular medicine incorporates a multitude of very specialized research areas. Students are given the opportunity to select one of seven main topics (molecular cardiology, functional imaging in animal models, preclinical natural substance research, exosome biology, medical metabolomics, oncogenic signaling pathways, cell therapy in neurological diseases) and to acquire specialist knowledge and methodological competence in a chosen one. Current application-related questions and research approaches to solving specific problems are discussed in seminars, and a section of the course is additionally dedicated to demonstrating highly specialized methods, some of which are then conducted by students under supervision. The final oral exam is conducted in English and consists of a multimedia presentation and a discussion concerning research data or research approaches from the specialist area.


Learning objectives / skills:
Students are able to demonstrate knowledge of essential scientific concepts and questions within their chosen specialty area. Students are able to understand specialist scientific literature and classify it conceptually.

Students are able to explain the functionality as well as the potential applications and limitations of methods used in their specialty.

Students are able to present relevant work and projects in the field using modern presentation techniques.


Literature:

Depending on the chosen focus topic.

 

Module 7: Scientific work

7.1 Genetic engineering



Transfer credits: , Fahnenbergplatz, Tel. 203-4204


Course:

  • Genetic engineering (1st semester, 2 SWS, 1 ECTS, SL: participation)

Contents:

  • General introduction to legislation
  • International regulations governing the use of genetic engineering with special consideration of the EC directives
  • Genetic engineering law (“Gentechnikgesetz” (Genetic Engineering Act) and its regulations)
  • Epidemiological regulations
  • Labor protection rules
  • Further regulations within genetic engineering law
  • Hazard potential of organisms with special attention to microbiology
  • Safety aspects in dealing with organisms in genetic engineering
  • Risk assessment and security rating
  • Environmental considerations in the event of accidental or targeted release
  • Safety measures for genetic engineering laboratories and production areas
  • Construction of facilities and equipment
  • Sterilization, disinfection, and inactivation
  • Organizational measures
  • Safe working, conscious acting (GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice)

 


Learning objectives / skills:
Students will be able to:

  • identify the relevant procedures according to GenTG (Genetic Engineering Act – category 1) and derive the resulting procedural steps (category 2).
  • classify organisms and genetic engineering work according to risk group and security level criteria (category 3).
  • identify structural and technical facilities in genetic engineering plants depending on their protection level (category 1).
  • describe inactivation methods (category 1) and make decisions concerning suitability of methods (category 3)
  • describe necessary organizational measures in the field of biosafety (category 1)


The course is recognized as a further training course according to “§15 Gentechnik-Sicherheitsverordnung” (par. 15 of the “Genetic Technlogy Safety Regulations”)


Literature:

GenTG (Gesetz zur Regelung von Fragen der Gentechnik), GenTSV (Gentechnik-Sicherheitsverordnung);  Course handout

 

7.2 Animal science

Transfer credits: , Tel. 270-72420


Course:

  • Experimental animal science (S / K, 2nd semester, 4 SWS, 3 + 1 ECTS, SL: practical and written)

Contents:
40-hour course with 20 hours of theory and 20 hours of practice according to “FELASA Type B” certified by “GV-SOLAS”:

  • Ethical and legal foundations of animal experiments (“Tierschutzgesetz” (animal protection law))
  • Formulation of animal experiment notifications and applications
  • Alternatives to animal testing
  • Biology, nutrition, forms of husbandry, anesthesia, euthanasia, recognition of pain / stress assessment, surgical interventions, genetics (creation of genetically modified animals, embryo transfer, cryopreservation), hygiene management, immunization, infectious diseases / zoonoses, and allergies
  • Mouse and rat handling, sampling and blood collection, applications, euthanasia, section, suturing techniques, surgical techniques, anesthesia
  • Certification

Learning objectives / skills:
Working with animals in science requires proof of a necessary level of expertise. This course not only teaches the basics of animal science as an introduction but is also a building block for obtaining official permission to participate in research projects with animals.


Literature:

Course handouts and notes

 

Module 8: Experimental elective internship

  • Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics and Human Genetics
  • Immunology / Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Neurobiology
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Neurophysiology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology / Toxicology
  • Virology

Module coordinator: , Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, Tel. 203-9618

Transfer credits: Prof. Dr. T. Reinheckel


Courses:

  • Internship (P, 3rd semester, 30 SWS, 18 ECTS, SL: participation & written report)
  • MAP (3rd semester, 3 ECTS, oral)

The final module grade accounts for 3/22 of the overall grade.


Contents:
Following introductory instructions, students work on current research projects of their chosen working groups. Throughout the process, students develop both basic and specific skills in methods employed to address research questions and learn to apply these methods in an increasingly independent manner. Careful documentation and (self-critical) evaluation of results are further essential focal points. Parallel to the acquisition of practical skills, theoretical familiarization with the research subject takes place through self-study of literature – as recommended by workgroup leaders – and through discussions within the workgroup itself. Course assessment includes the preparation of an internship report which employs the structure and style of a scientific thesis (i.e. a master thesis in the field of molecular medicine). The scope of the report is at least 12 and at most 50 pages. Formal review of the report is carried out by the module coordinator, to whom the report must be sent by email (thomas.reinheckel@mol-med.uni-freiburg.de). A positive evaluation of the report is a prerequisite for registering for the examination. The final module exam is conducted by the working group in which the internship was completed. The 30-minute oral exam is based on current publications – reviews and original articles – in the research field of the elective subject. In addition to methodological aspects and the interpretation of original data, the conceptual classification of the issues discussed is the subject of the examination


Learning objectives / skills:

Main goals are the acquisition and deepening of all competencies that are necessary to successfully complete a scientific thesis, i.e., a master thesis in the field of molecular medicine.

These include in particular the following skills and abilities:

  • The ability to independently plan scientific experiments together with relevant controls
  • Detailed knowledge of the practical work steps and including conducting them independently
  • Independent documentation of self-collected data
  • Deepening of ability to analyze collected data
  • Ability to classify results in relation to international research literature and present findings in oral and written form
  • Ability to to structure and write a thesis independently.

Literature:

Depending on the elective

 

 

Module 9: Master's thesis and final colloquium

Supervisors: Entitled examiners (university lecturers, private lecturers and academic staff who have been given the right to administer examinations)


Courses:

  • Master thesis (4th semester, 6 months processing time, 30 ECTS, weight 4/5)
  • Final colloquium (4th semester, 3 ECTS, weight 1/5)


The final module grade accounts for 6/30 of the overall grade.

 


General provisions:

The master thesis is an examination paper in which the candidate should demonstrate his or her ability to work to a time limit on a M.Sc. program-relevant subject using scientific methods. Following this the candidate should be able to adequately demonstrate the results of this work.

Students should make efforts – at least 6-8 weeks before starting work – to find a working group in which they can complete the work. The application for admission must be submitted to the Dean's Office of Study (Studienkanat) no later than 2 weeks before starting work.

Requirements:

  • Enrolled in the M. Sc. Molecular medicine
  • At least 75 ECTS points
     

Guidelines:

 

  • Processing time and submission: 6 months (30 ECTS points); extension in individual cases by max. 6 weeks
  • Written in German or English
  • Pass the final colloquium (typically open to all university staff and students) (3 ECTS points)
  • The theme can only be returned once and only within the first 2 months of the processing period
  • Three bound copies in typed form and one in digital form to the examination office
  • Written assurance that the work has been completed alone and without illicit assistance
  • Statement of agreement