Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023

Biology Master

Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2023)

Majors

Major in Molecular and Structural Biology

Compulsory Concept Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

551-0307-00L

Molecular and Structural Biology I: Protein Structure and Function

D-BIOL students are obliged to take part I and part II (next semester) as a two-semester course

3 credits

R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, E. Weber-Ban

Abstract

Biophysics of protein folding, membrane proteins and biophysics of membranes, enzymatic catalysis, catalytic RNA and RNAi, current topics in protein biophysics and structural biology.

Learning objective

Understanding of structure-function relationships in proteins and in protein folding, detailed understanding of biophysics and physical methods as well as modern methods for protein purification and microanalytics.

Lecture notes

Scripts on the individual topics can be found under http://www.mol.biol.ethz.ch/teaching.

Literature

Basics:
- Creighton, T.E., Proteins, Freeman, (1993)
- Fersht, A., Enzyme, Structure and Mechanism in Protein Science (1999), Freeman.
- Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer: Biochemistry (5th edition), Freeman (2001).

Current topics: References will be given during the lectures.

.

Elective Compulsory Concept Courses

See D-BIOL Master Studies Guide

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

551-0319-00L

Cellular Biochemistry (Part I)

3 credits

U. Kutay, F. Allain, T. Kleele, I. Zemp

Abstract

Concepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into structure, function and regulation of individual cell components. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cell division & growth, and cell migration.

Learning objective

The full-year course (551-0319-00 & 551-0320-00) focuses on the molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of cellular physiology, investigating how these processes are integrated to carry out highly coordinated cellular functions. The molecular characterisation of complex cellular functions requires a combination of approaches such as biochemistry, but also cell biology and genetics. This course is therefore the occasion to discuss these techniques and their integration in modern cellular biochemistry.
The students will be able to describe the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the spatial and temporal regulation of their interactions. In particular, they will learn to explain the integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into complex and highly dynamic cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell motility, cell division and cell growth. In addition, they will be able to illustrate the relevance of particular signaling pathways for cellular pathologies such as cancer.

Content

Structural and functional details of individual cell components, regulation of their interactions, and various aspects of the regulation and compartmentalisation of biochemical processes.
Topics include: biophysical and electrical properties of membranes; viral membranes; structural and functional insights into intracellular transport and targeting; vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis; post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.

Lecture notes

Scripts and additional material will be provided during the semester. Please contact Dr. Alicia Smith for assistance with the learning materials. (alicia.smith@bc.biol.ethz.ch)

Literature

Recommended supplementary literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.

Prerequisites / Notice

To attend this course the students must have a solid basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry and general biology. The course will be taught in English.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed

551-0313-00L

Microbiology (Part I)

3 credits

W.‑D. Hardt, L. Eberl, B. Nguyen, J. Piel, M. Pilhofer, A. Vagstad

Abstract

Advanced lecture class providing a broad overview on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.

Learning objective

This concept class will be based on common concepts and introduce to the enormous diversity among bacteria and archaea. It will cover the current research on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.

Content

Advanced class covering the state of the research in bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.

Lecture notes

Updated handouts will be provided during the class.

Literature

Current literature references will be provided during the lectures.

Prerequisites / Notice

English
The lecture "Grundlagen der Biologie II: Mikrobiologie" is the basis for this advanced lecture.

551-0309-00L

Concepts in Modern Genetics

Information for UZH students:
Enrolment to this course unit only possible at ETH. No enrolment to module BIO348 at UZH.

Please mind the ETH enrolment deadlines for UZH students: Link

6 credits

Y. Barral, D. Bopp, A. Hajnal, O. Voinnet

Abstract

Concepts of modern genetics and genomics, including principles of classical genetics; yeast genetics; gene mapping; forward and reverse genetics; structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes; molecular mechanisms and regulation of transcription, replication, DNA-repair and recombination; analysis of developmental processes; epigenetics and RNA interference.

Learning objective

This course focuses on the concepts of classical and modern genetics and genomics.

Content

The topics include principles of classical genetics; yeast genetics; gene mapping; forward and reverse genetics; structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes; molecular mechanisms and regulation of transcription, replication, DNA-repair and recombination; analysis of developmental processes; epigenetics and RNA interference.

Lecture notes

Scripts and additional material will be provided during the semester.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

551-1299-00L

Bioinformatics

6 credits

S. Sunagawa, P. Beltrao, V. Boeva, A. Kahles, C. von Mering, N. Zamboni

Abstract

Students will study bioinformatic concepts in the areas of metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, biological networks and biostatistics. Through integrated lectures, practical hands-on exercises and project work, students will also be trained in analytical and programming skills to meet the emerging increase in data-driven knowledge generation in biology in the 21st century.

Learning objective

Students will have an advanced understanding of the underlying concepts behind modern bioinformatic analyses at genome, metagenome and proteome-wide scales. They will be familiar with the most common data types, where to access them, and how to analytically work with them to address contemporary questions in the field of biology.

Prerequisites / Notice

Course participants have already acquired basic programming skills in UNIX, Python and R.

Students bring their own computer with keyboard, internet access (browser) and software to connect to the ETH network via VPN.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	assessed
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

529-0731-00L

Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates

Note for BSc Biology students: Only one of the two concept courses 529-0731-00 Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates (autumn semester) or 529-0732-00 Proteins and Lipids (spring semester) can be counted for the Bachelor's degree.

6 credits

K. Lang, P. A. Kast, S. J. Sturla, H. Wennemers

Abstract

Structure, function and chemistry of nucleic acids and carbohydrates. DNA/RNA structure and synthesis; recombinant DNA technology and PCR; DNA arrays and genomics; antisense approach and RNAi; polymerases and transcription factors; catalytic RNA; DNA damage and repair; carbohydrate structure and synthesis; carbohydrate arrays; cell surface engineering; carbohydrate vaccines

Learning objective

Content

Lecture notes

No script; illustrations from the original literature relevant to the individual lectures will be provided weekly (typically as handouts downloadable from the Moodle server).

Literature

Mainly based on original literature, a detailed list will be distributed during the lecture

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	assessed
	Self-direction and Self-management	assessed

Elective Compulsory Master Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

551-1401-00L

Advanced Protein Engineering (University of Zurich)

No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH as an incoming student.
UZH Module Code: BCH420

Restricted to max.10 students from ETH

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application/deadlines.html

2 credits

University lecturers

Abstract

Introduction into current research strategies in protein science.

Learning objective

To understand current research strategies in protein science.

Content

Proteins have become an object of intense study in modern science, raging from their use as therapeutics to elucidating their structure and function in the cell. Moreover, it is now possible to engineer and evolve tailor-made proteins, opening up many new areas of science. This course will attempt to cover the frontiers and remaining challenges, emphasizing the biochemical foundations of the various approaches.

Lecture notes

Slides and references will be available on OLAT server.
https://www.olat.uzh.ch/olat/auth/repo/go?rid=600670219

Literature

PDFs will be available on OLAT server.
https://www.olat.uzh.ch/olat/auth/repo/go?rid=600670219

Prerequisites / Notice

Solid knowledge in biochemistry strongly recommended

551-1153-00L

Systems Biology of Metabolism

Number of participants limited to 15.

4 credits

U. Sauer, N. Zamboni

Abstract

Starting from contemporary biological problems related to metabolism, the course focuses on systems biological approaches to address them. In a problem-oriented, this-is-how-it-is-done manner, we thereby teach modern methods and concepts.

Learning objective

Develop a deeper understanding of how relevant biological problems can be solved, thereby providing advanced insights to key experimental and computational methods in systems biology.

Content

The course will be given as a mixture of lectures, studies of original research and guided discussions that focus on current research topics. For each particular problem studied, we will work out how the various methods work and what their capabilities/limits are. The problem areas range from microbial metabolism to cancer cell metabolism and from metabolic networks to regulation networks in populations and single cells. Key methods to be covered are various modeling approaches, metabolic flux analyses, metabolomics and other omics.

Lecture notes

Script and original publications will be supplied during the course.

Prerequisites / Notice

The course extends many of the generally introduced concepts and methods of the Concept Course in Systems Biology. It requires a good knowledge of biochemistry and basics of mathematics and chemistry.

529-0004-01L

Classical Simulation of (Bio)Molecular Systems

6 credits

P. H. Hünenberger, J. Dolenc, S. Riniker

Abstract

Molecular models, classical force fields, configuration sampling, molecular dynamics simulation, boundary conditions, electrostatic interactions, analysis of trajectories, free-energy calculations, structure refinement, applications in chemistry and biology. Exercises: hands-on computer exercises for learning progressively how to perform an analyze classical simulations (using the package GROMOS).

Learning objective

Introduction to classical (atomistic) computer simulation of (bio)molecular systems, development of skills to carry out and interpret these simulations.

Content

Lecture notes

The powerpoint slides of the lectures will be made available weekly on the website in pdf format (on the day preceding each lecture).

Literature

See: www.csms.ethz.ch/education/CSBMS

Prerequisites / Notice

Since the exercises on the computer do convey and test essentially different skills than those being conveyed during the lectures and tested at the oral exam, the results of the exercises are taken into account when evaluating the results of the exam (learning component, possible bonus of up to 0.25 points on the exam mark).

For more information about the lecture: www.csms.ethz.ch/education/CSBMS

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	fostered

401-0649-00L

Applied Statistical Regression

5 credits

2V + 1U

M. Dettling

Abstract

This course offers a practically oriented introduction into regression modeling methods. The basic concepts and some mathematical background are included, with the emphasis lying in learning "good practice" that can be applied in every student's own projects and daily work life. A special focus will be laid in the use of the statistical software package R for regression analysis.

Learning objective

The students acquire advanced practical skills in linear regression analysis and are also familiar with its extensions to generalized linear modeling.

Content

The course starts with the basics of linear modeling, and then proceeds to parameter estimation, tests, confidence intervals, residual analysis, model choice, and prediction. More rarely touched but practically relevant topics that will be covered include variable transformations, multicollinearity problems and model interpretation, as well as general modeling strategies.

The last third of the course is dedicated to an introduction to generalized linear models: this includes the generalized additive model, logistic regression for binary response variables, binomial regression for grouped data and poisson regression for count data.

Lecture notes

A script will be available.

Literature

Faraway (2005): Linear Models with R
Faraway (2006): Extending the Linear Model with R
Draper & Smith (1998): Applied Regression Analysis
Fox (2008): Applied Regression Analysis and GLMs
Montgomery et al. (2006): Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis

Prerequisites / Notice

The exercises, but also the classes will be based on procedures from the freely available, open-source statistical software package R, for which an introduction will be held.

In the Mathematics Bachelor and Master programmes, the two course units 401-0649-00L "Applied Statistical Regression" and 401-3622-00L "Statistical Modelling" are mutually exclusive. Registration for the examination of one of these two course units is only allowed if you have not registered for the examination of the other course unit.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	assessed
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	fostered
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	assessed
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	assessed
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

401-6215-00L

Using R for Data Analysis and Graphics (Part I)

1.5 credits

M. Mächler

Abstract

The course provides the first part an introduction to the statistical/graphical/data science software R (https://www.r-project.org/) for scientists. Topics covered are data generation and selection, graphical and basic statistical functions, creating simple functions, basic types of objects.

Learning objective

The students will be able to use the software R for simple data analysis and graphics.

Content

The course provides the first part of an introduction to the statistical software R for scientists. R is free software that contains a huge collection of functions with focus on statistics and graphics. If one wants to use R one has to learn the programming language R - on very rudimentary level. The course aims to facilitate this by providing a basic introduction to R.

Part I of the course covers the following topics:
- What is R?
- R Basics: reading and writing data from/to files, creating vectors & matrices, selecting elements of dataframes, vectors and matrices, arithmetics;
- Types of data: numeric, character, logical and categorical data, missing values;
- Simple (statistical) functions: summary, mean, var, etc., simple statistical tests;
- Writing simple functions;
- Introduction to graphics: scatter-, boxplots and other high-level plotting functions, embellishing plots by title, axis labels, etc., adding elements (lines, points) to existing plots.

The course focuses on practical work at the computer with R. We will make use of the graphical user interface RStudio: www.rstudio.org

Note: Part I of UsingR is complemented and extended by Part II, which is offered during the second part of the semester and which can be taken independently from Part I.

Lecture notes

An Introduction to R. http://stat.ethz.ch/CRAN/doc/contrib/Lam-IntroductionToR_LHL.pdf

Prerequisites / Notice

The course resources will be provided via the Moodle web learning platform.
Subscribing via Mystudies *automatically* makes you a student participant of the Moodle course of this lecture, which is at

https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=20847

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	assessed

529-0041-00L

Modern Mass Spectrometry, Hyphenated Methods, and Chemometrics

6 credits

R. Zenobi, B. Hattendorf, P. Sinués Martinez-Lozano

Abstract

Modern mass spectrometry, hyphenated analytical methods, speciation, chemometrics.

Learning objective

Comprehensive knowledge about the analytical methods introduced in this course and their practical applications.

Content

Hyphenation of separation with identification methods such as GC-MS, LC-MS, GC-IR, LC-IR, LC-NMR etc.; importance of speciation.
Modern mass spectrometry: time-of-flight, orbitrap and ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, ICP-MS. Soft ionization methods, desorption methods, spray methods. Mass spectrometry imaging.
Use of statistical and computer-assisted methods for processing analytical data (chemometrics).

Lecture notes

Lecture notes will be made available online.

Literature

Information about relevant literature will be available in the lecture & in the lecture notes.

Prerequisites / Notice

Exercises are an integral part of the lecture.
Prerequisites:
529-0051-00 "Analytische Chemie I (3. Semester)"
529-0058-00 "Analytische Chemie II (4. Semester)"
(or equivalent)

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	fostered
	Media and Digital Technologies	fostered
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	fostered
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

551-1407-00L

RNA Biology Lecture Series I: Transcription & Processing & Translation

Does not take place this semester.

4 credits

F. Allain, N. Ban, S. Jonas, U. Kutay, further lecturers

Abstract

This course covers aspects of RNA biology related to gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. These include RNA transcription, processing, alternative splicing, editing, export and translation.

Learning objective

The students should obtain an understanding of these processes, which are at work during gene expression.

Content

Transcription & 3'end formation ; splicing, alternative splicing, RNA editing; the ribosome & translation, translation regulation, RNP biogenesis & nuclear export, mRNA surveillance & mRNA turnover; signal transduction & RNA.

Prerequisites / Notice

Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology.

551-1409-00L

RNA Biology Lecture Series II: Non-Coding RNAs: Biology and Therapeutics

4 credits

J. Hall, M. Stoffel, further lecturers

Abstract

This course covers aspects of RNA biology related to the functions of non-coding RNAs as well as their use as drugs to treat diseases.

Learning objective

The students should get familiar with the wide array of roles, which non-coding RNAs play in cellular functions.

Content

Micro RNAs; computational approaches to miRNAs; micro RNA function in metabolism; viruses and viral RNAs; nucleic acid-based drugs; ncRNA-mediated genome regulation; epigenetic programming of genome remodelling in ciliates; telomerase and telomeres; tRNA biology. http://www.nccr-rna-and-disease.ch/tiki-index.php?page=LectureSeries

Prerequisites / Notice

Basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology.

227-0939-00L

Cell Biophysics

6 credits

T. Zambelli

Abstract

Applying two fundamental principles of thermodynamics (entropy maximization and Gibbs energy minimization), an analytical model is derived for a variety of biological phenomena at the molecular as well as cellular level, and critically compared with the corresponding experimental data in the literature.

Learning objective

Engineering uses the laws of physics to predict the behavior of a system. Biological systems are so diverse and complex prompting the question whether we can apply unifying concepts of theoretical physics coping with the multiplicity of life’s mechanisms.

Objective of this course is to show that biological phenomena despite their variety can be analytically described using only two principles from statistical mechanics: maximization of the entropy and minimization of the Gibbs free energy.

Starting point of the course is the probability theory, which enables to derive step-by-step the two pillars of thermodynamics from the perspective of statistical mechanics: the maximization of entropy according to the Boltzmann’s law as well as the minimization of the Gibbs free energy. Then, an assortment of biological phenomena at the molecular and cellular level (e.g. cytoskeletal polymerization, action potential, photosynthesis, gene regulation, morphogen patterning) will be examined at the light of these two principles with the aim to derive a quantitative expression describing their behavior. Each analytical model is finally validated by comparing it with the corresponding experimental results from the literature.

By the end of the course, students will also learn to critically evaluate the concepts of making an assumption and making an approximation.

Content

• Basics of theory of probability
• Boltzmann's law
• Entropy maximization and Gibbs free energy minimization

• Ligand-receptor: two-state systems and the MWC model
• Random walks, diffusion, crowding
• Electrostatics for salty solutions
• Elasticity: fibers and membranes
• Molecular motors
• Action potential: Hodgkin-Huxley model
• Photosynthesis and vision
• Gene regulation
• Development: Turing patterns

Theory and corresponding exercises are merged together during the classes.

Lecture notes

No lecture notes because the two proposed textbooks are more than exhaustive!

An extra hour (Mon 17.00 o'clock - 18.00) will be proposed via ZOOM to solve together the exercises of the previous week.

!!!!! I am using OneNote. All lectures and exercises will be broadcast via ZOOM (the link of the recordings will be available in Moodle on Fri, 22 Dec after the last lesson) !!!!!

Literature

• (Statistical Mechanics) K. Dill, S. Bromberg, "Molecular Driving Forces", 2nd Edition, Garland Science, 2010.

• (Biophysics) R. Phillips, J. Kondev, J. Theriot, H. Garcia, "Physical Biology of the Cell", 2nd Edition, Garland Science, 2012.

Prerequisites / Notice

Participants need a good command of
• differentiation and integration of a function with one or more variables (basics of Analysis),
• Newton's and Coulomb's laws (basics of Mechanics and Electrostatics).

Notions of vectors in 2D and 3D are beneficial.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	fostered
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	assessed
	Media and Digital Technologies	fostered
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	assessed
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	assessed
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	assessed
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	assessed
	Self-direction and Self-management	assessed

529-0733-02L

Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biochemistry

6 credits

K. Lang, M. Fottner

Abstract

Overview of modern chemical biology and synthetic biochemistry techniques, focussed on protein modification and labeling and on methods to endow proteins with novel functionalities.

Learning objective

After taking this course, students should be capable of the following: A) Recall different possibilities for modifying proteins in vitro and in vivo and their applications in a biological context, B) Understand the chemical and biochemical consequences of modifications and assess the different reaction possibilities in the context of in vivo - in vitro, C) Critically analyze and assess current chemical biology articles D) Question the approaches learned and apply them to new biological problems.

Content

principles of protein labeling and protein modification (fluorescent proteins, enzyme-mediated labeling, bioorthogonal chemistries)

advanced genetic code expansion methods (amber suppression, orthogonal ribosomes, unnatural base pairs, genome engineering and genome editing)

directed evolution and protein engineering

chemical biology of ubiquitin and targeted protein degradation

Lecture notes

A script will not be handed out. Handouts to the lecture will be provided through moodle.

Literature

Citations from the original literature relevant to the individual lectures will be assigned during the lectures.

Prerequisites / Notice

Knowledge provided in the bachelor lectures 'Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates' and 'Proteins and Lipids' is assumed for this lecture.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	fostered
	Media and Digital Technologies	fostered
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	fostered
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

Recommended Mastercourses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

551-0575-00L

Writing Scientific Reports for MSc Biology

2 credits

R. Taylor

Abstract

This short course is designed to accompany MSc students in writing their first reports in English, providing input on scientific writing in English as well as feedback on drafts sections of the report.

Learning objective

Students will learn to:
- Plan, draft, structure, and edit scientific reports
- Produce reader-friendly sentences
- Establish a clear and logical flow between sentences and paragraphs
- Select formal vocabulary and use it in a generally accurate and correct manner
- Choose and use generally suitable grammatical structures, punctuation, and identify areas in which further development is needed

Content

The course covers the process of writing reports in biology, helping students to focus on the language and communicative aspects of these reports. Topics covered include structuring sentences, paragraphs, and longer sections (introductions, methods, etc.); presenting and integrating non-textual elements such as graphs and tables; reviewing common grammar problems for advanced writers in English; and editing drafts and proofs. Sessions will consist of a mix of specialist input, group and pair work, and editing sessions.

Students who attend this cous will turn in three sections of a report (approx. 500 words each) for feedback, revising these texts for a final portfolio that is graded.

Prerequisites / Notice

Participants should be at a stage in their research where they can already start drafting parts of the report.

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