Systems Biology and Metabolomics

The programme focuses on the reprogramming mechanisms of the metabolism in association with transcriptional, metabolomic, physiological, phenotypic, or behavioural changes including disease development. Current techniques of metabolomics and bioanalytics, including quantitative metabolite analysis methods (chromatography, mass spectrometry) are applied for comprehensive gene function analysis or stress response analysis. Bioinformatics and complex computational approaches yield insights into the field of computational biology and metabolic networks. In particular, advances and current results of systems biology are discussed including bioinformatics (genome and sequence analysis, protein domains, or protein families) and large-scale data analysis (e.g. next generation sequences, proteomics data). Moreover, systems biology analyses dynamics and effects of different functional RNAs (e.g. miRNAs, lncRNAs), modelling in functional genomics, and the dynamics of the transcriptome and of metabolism. Finally, metabolic networks and their integration with regulatory networks are investigated and discussed. During the first year of the programme, the students enrol in two theoretical courses and one practical course in each of the two topics. All modules are accompanied by a graded examination. In semesters three and four, further specialised research training is provided in a selected field of interest. The students are actively involved in ongoing research projects. They learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work and finally, to summarise and discuss the results obtained in their thesis. The thesis has to be presented and defended in a final colloquium. The thesis (25 ECTS) is preceded by an ungraded preparatory practical course of 12 weeks (15 ECTS). Further modules (15 ECTS) are selected within the sub-area "Additional Qualifications" to cover special aspects of interest. These modules will not be graded (pass/fail only). PDF Download