Current (bio-)ethical topics relevant for the life sciences/pharmaceutical/biotech industry (see Learning Outcomes) 

Student-centred methods: presentations, discussions, written group tasks, blended learning. 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment

The content of this integrated course, which is specially designed as the Kick-Off of the Master degree programme prepares the students from different countries, cultural backgrounds, universities, disciplines, and with individual life experiences to work together optimally in interdisciplinary, intercultural and international study and working environments. See the ‘Learning Outcomes’ for further details.

Student-centred methods: presentations, discussions, individual and group tasks

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment

The scientific and ethical content (see the ‘Learning Outcomes’ for specific details) of this course aligns with the aims of the Master degree programme, and by working closely with other lecturers compliments the content of the other courses. 

Student-centred methods: presentations, discussions, written individual and group tasks, blended learning. 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment

Students know and can explain the principles of general pathology, causes and development of pathological processes and diseases at the level of cells, tissues and the whole organism in detail. Students know and are able to describe the courses of illness and symptoms based on morphological alterations and clinicopathological correlations from the systemic/special pathology. In addition, students are familiar with and can explain the systematics and nomenclature of diseases as well as applied diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Lecture (Powerpoint presentations, manuscript, glossary, mind maps) / Vorlesung (VL-Unterlagen als Powerpoint-Folien mit Schemata und Bildmaterial, VL-Manuskript, Glossar, Mind-Maps)

Final exam: Written multiple choice test

In this lecture course, initially the knowledge about the human genome is deepened. Building on that it is pointed out how genetic alterations can lead to disease. Further, methods to the identification of genetic diseases as well as methods for gene therapy are presented.

In a further part, we deal with the malignant transformation of cells leading to cancer. We discuss how neoplastic cells move out from the primary tumor and how the duality of cancer cell signaling essentially contributes to metastatic colonization in distal organs. Experimental models will be introduced which are used to examine cell motility and cancer cell spreading.  

Another part of the lecture illustrates female reproductive diseases and the underlying molecular changes. We will focus on the development and function of maternal breast, uterus and placenta, their respective pathologies, molecular diagnostics, therapy, as well as state-of-the-art cell culture models including stem cells and organoids. Topics such as pregnancy pathologies with altered cell invasion, genetic trophoblast diseases, implantations defects, endometriosis and breast cancer will be discussed.

The final part is concerned with the topics of tissue printing and cell engineering. This is complemented by presenting novel developments in stem cell biology in normal as well as tumor tissues. Accompanying, in all parts important methods like flow cytometry, migration assays, fluorescence microscopy and blood cell analysis are addressed.

Mainly PowerPoint slides pointing out additional weblinks to literature sources, web-based texts and video content. The PowerPoint presentations are available online as lecture notes.

Final exam: Written exam at the end of the course with open questions. No multiple choice.

- Case studies: Clinical development of selected drugs (biopharmaceuticals and small-molecule drugs)
- Classes of Pharmaceuticals
- Clinical and epidemiological study designs
- Outcomes and inclusion/exclusion criteria, special populations
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Randomization, Blinding and Placebos
- Conduct of clinical trials
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Ethical aspects
- The origins and principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
- International regulations (EMEA, FDA, ICH)
- Interfaces: Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance, Marketing and Product Life Cycle Management
- Special chapters: Generic drugs and biosimilars, orphan drugs and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

Lectures, small group discussions and in-class exercises 

Continuous assessment: Grading of participation and in-class exercises. Written exam at the end of the lecture course. Exam includes multiple choice questions as well as open questions.

Fundamental concepts of immunity, immunologic tolerance and autoimmunity, immunity to microbes, transplantation immunology, immunity to tumors, hypersensitivity disorders, allergy, congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, immunotherapy and immunological methods.

Lectures, interactive discussions between students and lecturer. 

Final exam: Written exam at the end of the lecture course. Exam includes multiple choice questions as well as open questions.

During this course following topics will be discussed:

• monogenetic diseases and modes of inheritance
• methods in genetic diagnostics – from sample to report
• basics in data analysis and data interpretation
• cytogenetics, prenatal diagnostics, tumour genetics, gene therapy
• ethics of medical genetics

The students will learn the basics of medical genetics, underlying molecular mechanisms and will be introduced into the workflow of modern genetic diagnostics. Finally, the new knowledge will be applied to solve cases.

Use of Power Point presentation, regular discussions, use of quiz. 

Final exam: Final exam:

Written exam

Various methods used in genetic analysis are explained and carried out practically. These include the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the detection of leukemia associated fusion transcripts, gene amplification and hybridization to immobilized, allele specific oligonucleotides for the detection of mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of mutations in BRAF and KRAS in various cancer cells defining a subpopulation of patients with a poorer prognosis.

- The theoretical basis of each of the analyses conducted in the laboratory is explained in a preceding seminar.

- Students conduct genetic analyses according to detailed reports provided by the lecturers.

- Laboratory results are discussed with lecturers at the end of each unit, and are summarized in a report whose structure corresponds to that of a scientific paper.

Continuous assessment: Immanent assessment of student's understanding of the subject, written laboratory report.

Students are able to decribe  the three main areas: hematology, vascular biology and vascular pathology.

Hematology deals with the following topics:

1. erythrocytes (structure, cytoskeleton, hemoglobin, gas exchange, erythrocyte breakdown, iron metabolism, blood groups)

2. leukocytes (morphological leukocyte differentiation)

3. Platelets (structure, activation, adhesion, aggregation, interaction with cells or with the extracellular matrix)

4. Hemostasis (plasmatic coagulation, cell-based model of coagulation, fibrinolytic system, inhibitor systems, blood coagulation tests)

5. Laboratory diagnosis of blood (sample collection, plasma/serum, sample composition/sources of error, clinical chemistry, red/white blood count, blood group serology)

6. Hematological diseases (reactive changes of the erythrocytes/leucocytes/platelets, disorders of hemostasis)

/

Vascular biology deals with:

1. an overview of the vascular system (terms, structure, blood vessel system / lymphatic system)

2. development of the blood vessels (vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, significance and function of specific angiogenic growth factors)

3. the endothelium (biology of the endothelial cell, structure of endothelia, endothelial species)

4. the functions of the endothelium (regulation of vascular tone, endothelium and cell adhesion, endothelial dysfunction)

Vascular pathology describes:

1. the role of the endothelium in the acute inflammatory response (systemically explained by the example of sepsis and locally using the example of "acute lung injury" and

2. atherosclerosis described as a chronic inflammatory vascular disease (risk factors, lipid metabolism, atherogenesis, pathophysiology of unstable plaque / plaque rupture, animal models in atherosclerosis research).

Reading of primary literature, lectures with power point and flip chart, self-study. 

Final exam: Exam; single-choice questions and essay about a topic.

Commands in Linux 
Individual topics will be taken up and discussed in more detail, e.g:
- biological sequences, sequence comparison 
- bioinformatic output formats/files

Lectures, Powerpoint presentation, hands-on exercises and independent work 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment including assessment of final project

- Fundamental features of genetics and genetic engineering
- Different levels of regulation of gene expression in pro- and eukaryotes
- Transcriptional regulation (transcription in eukaryotes, transcriptional activation, properties of transcription factors)
- Posttranscriptional regulation (splicing, transport, stability of mRNA, translational control)
- Effects of chromatin (composition, histone modifications, regulation, epigenetics)
- Examples from signalling pathways

Lectures with Powerpoint presentations 

Final exam: Written exams

RNA fundamentals, RNA structure, catalytic RNAs, RNA processing, RNA splicing, RNA editing, riboswitches, RNA applications, non-coding RNAs, RNAi, RNA world, SELEX

Lecture 

Final exam: Written exam at the end of the course.

RNA methods:

- Northern blot (glucose/galactose metabolism in yeast, RNA extraction from yeast, denaturing RNA agarose gel, RNA transfer, specific oligonucleotide hybridization, band detection, quantitative PCR)

- EMSA (in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase, RNA purification, RNA folding, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, RNA staining using methylene blue, detection of RNP complexes)

- RNA stability (temperature dependence, pH dependence, RNAses)

Laboratory 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment - presence, motivation, participation, practical skills (results), written report.

The lecture course "Biologicals" gives an overview over the most important aspects of biotherapeutics (= biologics) which is the fastest growing type of drug gaining more and more importance. 
The focus of the course is the discovery research of therapeutic concepts enabled by engineering of biologics, bioprocess development of biologicals, and manufacturing aspects.
Major differences and therapeutic aspects differing between small molecule drugs and biologics are discussed; examples of major classes of biologics are presented as case studies.
Discovery and engineering of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are discussed in more detail as this class of therapeutics reflects the biggest class amongst many other biologicals.
Approaches and technologies for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and purification will be discussed; major aspects and challenges of protein analytics and physicochemical characterization of biologics will be highlighted.

Lecture

Final exam: Written exam in the last lecture

Students learn how to isolate natural drugs (small molecules) from plants or how to produce biologics. Course content also includes different in vitro screening methods, HCS, HTS (including target-and phenotype-based drug discovery).

Lecture

Final exam: Final written exam (100%)

Important signalling pathways of the cell (e.g. MAP kinase-, GPCR-, Nuclear Hormone Receptor-, NF-kB-, Jak/Stat-, Wnt-, Hedgehog-, Tgfß-, Apoptosis-, PI3K/Akt- and stress pathways) are presented together with their effects on gene expression and other functions of the cell. In addition the crosslinks with other pathways are discussed. Techniques for the analysis of signalling pathways are also presented.

Lectures with Powerpoint presentations, Discussion of selected chapters 

Final exam: Written Exam

Methods for the manipulation and the analysis of signalling pathways in cell culture are applied, broadening the knowledge on specific pathways. The applied methods are transient transfection in cell culture, reporter constructs with gfp and luciferase, overexpression of activators/repressors (including RNAi), Western analysis of cellular extracts, analysis of phosphorylation, fluorescence microscopy of labelled proteins and pharmacologic manipulation of the pathways.

Laboratory work 

Final exam: Assessment of the work in the laboratory, written exams at the beginning of the laboratory course, discussion of the results after the laboratory course and a written report of the experiments. (Seminar paper)

Definitions and meaning of Knowledge and the management of knowledge in a knowledge-driven society in general and in the field of Biotechnology in particular with heavy focus on phases of Research and Development (R&D). What is it? Definitions? Perspectives: The human and the data, principles, types, processes, concepts, tools and practice.
From Invention (Research/Technology) to Innovation: The Management of Innovation. Definitions and basics, the process of Innovation Management, the strategic dimension of innovation. Innovation analyses/assessment and organisational aspects of implementation. 
From a business idea to a business plan: The story of a business plan and its elements (externally and internally). The business idea, the vision/mission statement and it’s reflection in a certain product/service, the targeted market with its characteristics (such as customers, competitors, partners, etc.), the financials, the legal environment, the organisation needed to drive business implementation, the plan for implementation.
The four phases for business-plan development and its implementation: Build hypotheses derived from a business idea, feedback, maturing it through “friendly customers”, incorporate results and show business plan to real customers, to real investors (or funding organisations), if successful, go through foundation process, business start and ongoing improvements.
Useful Tools: Porter Model – 5 Forces, SWOT Analyses; Life-Cycle Analyses; Canvas Business Model Concept, BP-Calculation templates, BP templates; Risk Analyses.

Student-centred methods: project work in fixed groups, presentations, partly: flipped class-room approach, debates, discussions, written tasks. 

Final exam: Evaluation of group results (a complete business-plan plus a BP presentation). In addition, individual interviews with students about their results facilitates quality assurance respectively control at an individual level. (Group work)

• Which forms of protection of intellectual property are available? – trademark, industrial design, copyright, utility model, complementary protection certificate, patent
• What is a patent?
– effects of a patent
– what can be patented and what is excluded from patent protection?
– what are the prerequisites for patent application/protection? 
– How to define an inventor? Rights and obligations of employee inventors
• From application to patent grant
– structure of a patent application
– application and granting processes
- protective reach and duration
– legal measures
– fees and costs
– where to apply for a patent
• Rights of patent owners and legal measures
• International agreements (EP, PCT), important national differences
• Biopatents – legal framework, important decisions
• Freedom to Operate 
• Espacenet and how to use it for patent research
• Patent lawyer - the profession
• Fundamentals in copyright
• Fundamentals in industrial design
• Fundamentals in trademark
• Strategies and decision making
• Important agreements– MTAs, CDAs, licensing contracts
• Licensing contracts - fundamental principles, important clauses
– Franchise

Lectures with interactive elements and discussions, actual cases will be discussed in more detail. 

Continuous assessment: Written exam at the end of the course.

The scientific and ethical content (see the ‘Learning Outcomes’ for specific details) of this course aligns with the aims of the Master degree programme, and by working closely with other lecturers compliments the content of the other courses. 

Student-centred methods: presentations, debates, discussions, written individual and group tasks, blended learning. 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment

Bioinformatics topics will be addressed and the practical solution of biological problems with bioinformatics tools will be discussed.
The topics include:
- the Human Genome (Genome analysis: SNPs, Variant Discovery)
- biological batabases
- data formats
- protein domains, regulatory patterns
- non-coding RNA prediction
- gene set analysis

Lectures, Powerpoint presentation, discussion and independent hands-on exercises with
bioinformatics tools 

Final exam: Written test on the theoretical part (50%), report (50%)

In this lecture course the complex interactions between pathogens and the human host are presented and the molecular, cellular and immunological aspects of this interaction are explained. Strategies developed by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to colonize, invade, survive, reproduce and spread are discussed. The cellular and systemic effects on the host, the host's defence mechanisms and the clinical manifestations of the infectious diseases are shown. Furthermore, diagnostic tests and antimicrobial and antiviral treatment possibilities are explained and the concepts behind the development of novel diagnostic tools, drugs and vaccines for future prevention and therapy of infectious diseases are introduced.

Lecture

Final exam: Written exam in the end of the lecture course

Tissue staining using different techniques (hematoxylin/eosin, immunofluorescence), preparation of normal and methotrexate (MTX, tumor therapy) -treated placental tissues for immunostaining, immune-detection of different placental types, apoptosis, proliferation and cell fusion; photographical evaluation and analyses, patho-histological evaluation of tumor tissue; characterization of different blood cell types in blood smears; determination of leucocytes; Cultivation of choriocarcinoma cells with MTX, EdU labelling, detection of in situ proliferation and cell fusion using immunofluorescence.

In another part, we deal with lung cancer cells and (i) investigate the impact of a chemotherapeutic agent on the proliferation, metabolism and clonogenic growth behavior of immortalized cells and malignant tumor cells, and (ii) analyze the migratory and invasive potential as well as the impact of targeted therapy on the chemosensitivity of cancer cells after conversion to a metastatic phenotype.

Practical laboratory course accompanied by introductory seminars.

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment of practical participation and personal involvement. Evaluation of the quality of data assessment and documentation in written protocol.

Replication cycle of important virus families, pathogenetic mechanisms of important viruses, anti-viral strategies, and importance of viruses in molecular biology and medicine. 

Interactive Lecture 

Final exam: Written examination

Reports about stem cells and their usage in biomedical research has raised several important key questions about their capacity to use for stem cell-based therapies to cure diseases. Our course starts with an overview about stem cell biology, where to find stem cell and might there be a different o stem cells isolated from various organisms, such as axolotl. We start to understand how an organsims is developing and where to find stem cells in a human body. For a deeper knowledge in stem cell biology we learn about induced pluripotent stem cells and the development of mini organs/organoids. We discuss the potential usage of stem cells in clinical applications, the importance for society and relevant ethical aspects. Finally, we present latest key news and views about recently published stem cell research breakthroughs.

Interactive lectures with discussions using Power point presentation and the blackboard 

Final exam: Written exam

The course teaches the fundamentals of the culture of murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced stem cells and practical applications. Different cultivation possibilities for ESC and the control of the stability of the cultures in the undifferentiated state will be learned (morphological analysis, proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase assay). Targeted differentiation using the embryoid body (EB) model will be learnt accomplished and in addition, experimental investigations will be carried out on how different inhibitors or activators influence differentiation. The formation of EBs is analyzed by light microscopy. PCR and Kkaryotyping will be used to further characterize the ESCs used in this course.Using an example, the use of CRISPR/Cas in stem cells will be practiced. Furthermore indirect immunofluorescence microscopy will be employed to investigate the stemness characteristics of the cells.

Practical laboratory course 

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment. The grade is comprised of the following sections: attendance, motivation, cooperation, written report

1) Acquire knowledge on selected bioinformatics chapters (Next Generation Sequencing, ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq), and
2) Application of relevant bioinformatics tools to analyse the associated data.

Introductions and explanations (lecture), Exercises using the computer 

Final exam: 100 % Report in which students have to analyse RNA-Seq Data/ChIP-Seq Data

The theoretical part provides an introduction into the basic principles of proteomics: sample preparation & fractionation (1D and 2D GE, HPLC, CE, SCX RP and affinity chromatography, difficulty of contamination e.g. keratins, SDS, salts). Explanation of the principles of mass spectrometry: ion sources (MALDI, ESI), types of mass spectrometers (TOF, quadrupole, ion trap, FT ICR) and the respective combinations e.g. MALDI-TOF/TOF etc. Resolution R and mass accuracy dm/m (ppm). Improvement of the latter by delayed extraction & reflectron for MALDI-TOF. Isotopic distribution, single and multiple charged ions (ESI). PMF (peptide mass fingerprinting), principles of data base analysis of mass spectra. Collision induced dissociation CID, MS/MS analysis and de novo sequencing.
In addition, an introduction into the methods of quantitative proteomics as well as the analysis of post-translational modifications will be included, as well as an introduction into the application of mass spectrometry (and other technologies) to further analytical questions in addition to proteomics, e.g. metabolomics, lipidomics, drug development and environmental research.
 

tutorial on all theoretical contents, video material, data analysis on computer, critical evaluation of data.

Continuous assessment: Active course participation, results of written test and/or oral examination.

In this lecture course the molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergies and other hypersensitivity reactions are explained and the symptoms, causes and risk factors of allergic diseases are described. Furthermore, advantages and disadvantages of current diagnostic tests and therapeutic possibilities are discussed and strategies for improvement of diagnosis and therapies of allergies are introduced. This lecture course also explains the pathomechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders and describes determinants (such as genetic predisposition or environmental factors) that influence the development autoimmunity. In addition, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation and the treatment possibilities of a few selected autoimmune diseases (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis) are discussed. Furthermore, this lecture course also highlights similarities and differences between allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Lecture

Final exam: Written exam after the last lecture

Principles of gene therapy, overview on applications of gene therapy, gene transfer methods, methods for gene transfer estimation, characteristics of different viral vector systems, non-viral vector systems, lenti-/retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, applications of gene therapy for different diseases, problems and perspectives.

Interactive lecture

Final exam: Written examination

In the Molecular Immunology laboratory the theoretical immunological knowledge is deepened and practically applied to research problems from the field of allergy research. Students work in small groups of 2 to 3 people on a scientific research question. As a team they have to find the best way to answer the research question, they have to design and perform the experiments using state-of-the-art immunological and molecular biological methods such as ELISAs, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, PCR, microscopy and flow cytometry. Finally, each student writes a laboratory report in the format of a scientific publication, in which the background of the research topic is summarized and the experimental work, the results and the conclusion are described. 

Laboratory

Continuous assessment: Continuous assessment, active participation, report

At the center of this course is the drug and its interaction with target proteins. Methods for determination of protein structures and characterization and quantification of protein ligand interactions are presented. In addition strategies and methods for the optimization of these interactions are discussed (lead optimization, rational design). Furthermore, aspects of pharmacokinetics (ADME, prodrugs) are presented. The underlying principles are demonstrated by selected examples.

Lectures (Powerpoint presentations and downloads) 

Final exam: Written exam in the last lecture

Structure and function of drug targets on the molecular level as well as their role as regulators of cell function, the prodrug strategy, and most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of human diseases (e.g. background of a disease, mechanism of action, important side effects).

Each topic is introduced and necessary information is provided through didactic lectures and e-learning methods. Subsequent lectures focus on the use of this information (e.g. discussion of research papers or research problems, student/poster presentations). 

Final exam: Written examination at the end of the course, evaluation of the tasks provided during the course

The toxicological and therapeutic potential of a small molecule drug will be estimated with a variety of cell based test systems. On the one hand the activating potential of the small molecule on a specific pathway (heat shock response pathway) is analysed and on the other hand possible cytotoxic effects are estimated in a concentration-dependent manner. A broad variety of assays is provided for the students including luciferase reporter assays, Western blot, qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA and general viability assays. The students themselves select suitable methods.

Practical course with independent performance of the experiments. 

Continuous assessment: Assessment of the work in the laboratory, written exams at the beginning of the laboratory course, discussion of the results after the laboratory course and a written report of the experiments

During this course, the students independently - with the support of the Master's Thesis Coordinator - seek a research project in an inter/national life science research institution or research company, whose content, quality and duration is suitable to write a high-quality master's thesis. Together with the direct supervisor of the research project, the students prepare a project plan for the course of the research project. The plan contains the project goals, the problem definition and the method spectrum to be used.
In small groups, the students present the elaborated plans of their planned research projects to their peer group as well as their motivation to carry out this research project. The group discusses and reflects on the presented problems, strategies and methods and gives their feedback.

Activating Methods: e.g. presentations, discussions … 

Continuous assessment

The Strategic Business Management course is built on four pillars. 
I) Leadership and Management of enterprises/projects for Industry and/or Academia
The major drivers for modern business management are addressed (innovation, globalisation, market dynamic, etc.). From there, the difference of management and leadership will be explained. Build on fundamentals of systemic thinking, reflected for the background of complexity, innovation and change, the differences of working “on a system” (leadership) and working “in a system” (management) will be explained and discussed. Pros/Cons will be elaborated for different environments. The different traditional management styles will be enhanced by leadership approaches and mapped to leading people (individuals) and organisations (teams) in a dynamic branch.
II) Strategic Thinking – Strategy Development (Strategic Concepts – from Vision/Mission to Strategy) and its Elements in a Holistic Approach 
A company’s identity through vision, mission and corporate culture as framework for its strategy is the baseline of this chapter. A vision and its important function for organisations and its individuals as initial impulse for orientation and order, as success driving function for alignment and motivation will be explored. The effectiveness of visions in the sense of positioning, top down implementation, targets and continuous communication is analysed. The Porter Model is explained and used to show different strategy types (e.g. product market Strategies (Ansoff), competitive strategies, development strategies).
III) The Operational Perspective of Business Management – Strategy Implementation (Management-system, Framework and Indicators)
The importance, characteristics and elements of management systems are explained and elaborated by analysing different models such as Balanced Scorecard, EFQM Model and/or ISO 9001:2015. It is shown, how a set of policies, processes and its alignment to the organization is targeted to achieve company´s objectives.
IV) Adopted Company – A capstone project, where students apply the learning outcomes by analysing all elements learned in I-III
The strategic analysis of a selected, “adopted” company builds the final capstone of the lecture course. Students analyse all relevant elements of a company (vision, mission, values/culture, strategic approach and goals related research, product portfolio, human resources, market, sales, etc.) and derive strategic recommendations for the company to successfully mature its market position.
The entire course content will be critically addressed by future requirements as well as trends and developments in biotechnology business areas.

Student-centered methods: project work in fixed groups, presentations, partly: flipped class-room approach, debates, discussions, written tasks 

Continuous assessment: Evaluation of group results (results of “adopted company” analyses and suggestions). In addition, individual interviews with students about their results facilitates quality assurance respectively control at an individual level.

Students  are able to explain membrane physiology, the development of action potentials, electrotonic and saltatoric conduction, synapses, important transmitters and the resulting pharmacological modulation, temporal and spatial integration, pre- and postsynaptic inhibition, as well as, motor functions of the spinal cord, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cortex including disorders caused by lesions in these regions, the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system including effects on important organs, and the function of the sensory systems.

Lecture

Final exam: Written exam

Cancer is a devastating disease representing the second most leading cause of death worldwide. Despite major improvements in diagnosis and therapy, cancer represents a major health burden and affects every second man and every third women during their lifetime. The lecture focuses on the most relevant aspects of cancer development and particularly deals with (i) risk factors and cancer prevention, (ii) genomic stability and DNA repair, (iii) oncogenes and tumor suppressors, (iv) tumor viruses and cancer models, (v) evolution of tumor cells, (vi) cancer cell signaling, (vii) tumor angiogenesis and tumor immunology, (viii) dissemination of cancer cells, and (ix) the resistance to cancer cells against therapy. Importantly, we aim at discussing the molecular mechanisms in each aspect and their translation into clinical applications.

The lecture is supported by PowerPoint. The lecture is accompanied by an open discussion of current issues. The PowerPoint presentations are available online as lecture notes.

Final exam: Written examination at the end of the lecture with open questions. No multiple choice.

The Master's examination represents the final examination of the Master's program before an examination committee of experts. The students present their Master's thesis in the form of a lecture. The students are questioned about their presentation and they defend the contents and conclusions of their Master’s thesis. They are asked to cross-connect the topic of their Master's thesis to relevant subjects of the degree program. The students reflect and discuss current research topics from the main fields of the Master's program with the examination committee of experts.

Activating Methods: presentations and oral exam 

Final exam: For the presentation of the Master's thesis up to 40 points are awarded by the examination committee. Up to 30 points are awarded for the subsequent discussion on the presentation. Up to 30 points are also awarded for the discussion of current research topics from the main areas of the Master's program. The sum of these points gives the overall grade for the Master's examination.

Writing an English language Master‘s thesis.

Laboratory and literature research

Final exam: Assessment by experts.