Are you fascinated by what the CRISPR/Cas9 and other modern technologies in molecular biology can offer? Would you like to expand your bioinformatics skills and be involved in cancer research? Apply for the KOM- minor Molecular & Cell Biology!

This minor is part of the bachelor programme Biology and Medical Laboratory Research. During this semester you will learn more about molecular biology and cell biology, two major pillars of contemporary scientific research in biology and medicine. Modern molecular technologies like next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR and CRISPR/Cas9, greatly facilitate scientists in their research. It is therefore important to gain knowledge and skills related to these technologies.

This practice-based minor programme will let you discover the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, practice bioinformatics tools that help you in your molecular cloning procedure and learn various aspects of oncogenesis (cancer development).

You will also have the opportunity to improve your scientific writing skills in English, and learn to set up and conduct a scientific experiment in the field of cancer research.

CureQ
You will be working on the project Predict, Delay & Cure polyglutamine(Q) caused neurodegeneration by CureQ.  CureQ aims to enable polyQ targeting therapies to better predict onset and progression, slowing and curing Hereditary Brain Diseases. 

Q1
Project Genetic Engineering:

• You have an overview of various molecular biology methods and techniques used in biomedical and biotechnological research. 

• You can simulate and perform various molecular genetic techniques in silico and in practice, such as DNA cloning and PCR. 

• You can plan, simulate, and apply CRISPR-Cas9 technology or CRISPR interference techniques in a laboratory setting to modify specific genes and analyze the effects on the target organism. 

• You are able to analyze research data from the experiment in a scientifically responsible manner and discuss the data based on literature and draw a conclusion. 

• You can create an English report about the performed experiment according to established guidelines. 

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Course Data Analysis & Data Visualisation

• You can explain the fundamental concepts of data, including data types, data structures, and the importance of data quality, and you can apply these concepts in the context of both Excel and R.  

• You can import data from various sources (such as CSV, TXT, Excel files) into both Excel and R, and you are able to select the appropriate methods and functions for different data formats and structures. You can clean and prepare data for analysis in both Excel and R by applying techniques for identifying and handling missing values, outliers, inconsistencies, and duplicates.  

• You can apply and interpret various data analysis functions in both Excel and R, including determining minimum and maximum values, calculating percentiles, selecting specific data based on criteria, applying conditional formatting to visually identify patterns, and sorting data to gain insights.  

• You can create effective data visualizations in both Excel and R (such as bar charts, line charts, pie charts, and box plots) to communicate patterns, trends, and relationships in data, and you can customize the visualizations for a clear and purpose-driven presentation. 

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Both modules offer crucial skills for biomedical and biotechnological research. The Genetic Engineering project focuses on various molecular biology techniques, including in silico simulation of DNA cloning and PCR, and performing CRISPR interference (CRISPRi).

The project focuses on the genetic modification of Bacillus subtilis to downregulate the amyE and sunI genes. The module concludes with the analysis of the research data and the writing of an English scientific report. In addition, there is an examination on various molecular biology techniques. Data Analysis & Data Visualisation focuses on mastering data analysis and visualisation in the biological sciences. In this module, you will learn how to import, clean and analyse data using Excel and the programming language R (Tidyverse). The module concludes with an independent portfolio assignment on creating effective data visualisations to communicate patterns and trends.

Q2
Project Cell Biology & Oncology:

• You can apply cell biological techniques individually as well as part of a team, for the purpose of diagnostic and scientific research on cancer within a biomedical laboratory setting. 

• You will implement an experimental design and research strategy, independently and as part of a team, in which you will be considering the specific safety, environmental, and hygiene aspects. 

• You can analyze, interpret, and evaluate self-obtained research results, which you will report and present through work meetings, presentations, and a scientific report. 

• You can manage data according to the FAIR data principles and ensure that the data is properly disclosed. 

• You have processed the data according to the following ethical, integral, and scientific principles: honesty, care, transparency, independence and responsibility. 

• You demonstrate that you can actively participate in career-enhancing activities, such as visiting and evaluating poster presentations, attending a job application training including the creation of a CV and cover letter, and participating in a Meet and Greet with professionals. You reflect on these experiences and can clearly explain how these developments contribute to your professional growth and preparation for the job market during a mentoring session.
  
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Human Genetics & Cell Biology

• You can name different DNA mutation and repair mechanisms and understand their contribution to the development of diseases such as cancer. 

• You can describe how cells replicate, how the cell cycle works, and know which proteins are involved, and you can explain the role of specific proteins in the different phases of the cell cycle. 

• You can describe how communication takes place at different levels between eukaryotic cells and within cells in a multicellular organism, and you can name how to intervene in this, for example for the treatment of cancer. 

• You can describe the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of neurodegenerative protein folding diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. 

• You are able to read, understand, summarize, and present the main points of scientific literature on cell biology and genetics to fellow students.
  
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The project Cell Biology & Oncology requires students to plan and carry out an oncology research project as a team, using advanced cell biology techniques such as 2D and 3D cell culture. The project covers the entire process, from literature research to experimental implementation over nine days, and results in a scientific report. There is a strong emphasis on good data management according to the FAIR principles and ensuring scientific integrity (honesty, transparency).

Students also learn how to use generative AI responsibly and participate in career-enhancing activities such as job application training and Meet and Greets with professionals.

The Human Genetics & Cell Biology module focuses on fundamental theory, exploring the complexity of DNA mutation and repair mechanisms and their relationship to diseases such as cancer. In addition, the cell cycle, inter- and intracellular communication, and the molecular basis of neurodegenerative protein folding diseases (such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) are covered.

Students develop their ability to critically analyse and present scientific literature.

 

This KOM minor is open to students who have completed two or three years of a bachelor's programme in the field of (molecular) Biology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry, or comparable. 

The schedule will be available at the end of August 2026.

Quarter 1 (15EC)
Project Genetic Engineering:
Molecular Biology Theory - 3EC - Computer exam 
Project CRISPR - 7 EC - Report, Benchling assignments,  Lab journal
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Data Analysis & Data Visualisation:
Introduction data types & data analysis using Excel - 2 EC - Portfolio data analysis assignment Excel
Data analysis using R - 3EC - Portfolio data analysis assignment R
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Quarter 2 (15EC)
Project Cell Biology & Oncology:
Project Oncology - 7EC - Scientific Report
Ethics, Data security and Scientific Integrity - 3EC
Lab journal, Report, Plan of action, 2 presentations (plan of action and final presentation)
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Human Genetics & Cell Biology:
Human Genetics & Cell Biology - 4EC - Computer exam
Scientific Literature - 1EC
Moral debate, FAIR data presentation, MC test, Final EDSI presentations
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