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| Module code: MAM_24_V_1.06.BIT |
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3V+1S (4 hours per week) |
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5 |
| Semester: 1 |
| Mandatory course: yes |
Language of instruction:
German |
Assessment:
Oral examination 45 min. (80%), presentation (20%)
[updated 23.10.2026]
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MAM_19_V_1.06.BIT (P241-0018, P241-0019) Engineering and Management, Master, regulation 01.10.2019
, semester 1, mandatory course, Specialization Process Engineering
MAM_24_V_1.06.BIT Engineering and Management, Master, regulation 01.10.2024
, semester 1, mandatory course, Specialization Process Engineering
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60 class hours (= 45 clock hours) over a 15-week period.
The total student study time is 150 hours (equivalent to 5 ECTS credits).
There are therefore 105 hours available for class preparation and follow-up work and exam preparation.
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Recommended prerequisites (modules):
None.
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Recommended as prerequisite for:
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Module coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Timo Gehring |
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Timo Gehring
[updated 29.10.2023]
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Learning outcomes:
After successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
• draw molecular and structural formulas of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons [3], and identify [1] and determine [3] chiral centers in molecules.
• identify [1] and describe [2] the structure and properties of key biomolecules (amino acids, peptides and proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids and fats, vitamins, and minerals), and explain their significance for biotechnological applications using insulin as an example [2].
• apply computer-aided methods and simulations to selected biotechnology problems [3], analyze protein structure predictions using AlphaFold as an example [4], and critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of model- and AI-based predictions [5].
• explain key metabolic pathways (polysaccharide metabolism, the citric acid cycle, the respiratory chain and ATP synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis) [2], compare them [4], and analyze their energy balance [4].
• describe the molecular processes of information processing in the cell (DNA replication, transcription, RNA splicing, translation at ribosomes) [2] and explain the structure of DNA [2].
• explain the regulation of gene expression using the lac operon as an example [2]; describe the function of restriction enzymes and CRISPR/Cas as tools of genetic engineering [2]; analyze their potential applications for selected biotechnological problems [4]; and evaluate the opportunities and risks of genetic engineering techniques [5].
• explain the fundamentals of modern DNA sequencing methods [2], evaluate sequence data and the results of bioinformatics analyses [4], and apply them to identify organisms and contaminants in biotechnology cultures [3].
• explain the adaptation mechanisms of extremophile microorganisms [2], analyze their biotechnological potential [4], and evaluate their use in selected production and cultivation processes [5].
• explain photosynthesis [2], to categorize microalgae and cyanobacteria as biotechnological production organisms [4], to compare various photobioreactor and cultivation concepts [4], and to evaluate their application, taking into account scale-up, process conditions, and contamination risks [5].
• explain the mechanisms of action of selected active ingredients (e.g., fluoroquinolones) and enzymes (e.g., topoisomerases) [2] and critically evaluate their benefits and risks (e.g., based on the Red Hand Letter) [5].
• describe chromatographic techniques for the separation of biomolecules [2] and select appropriate methods for specific separation tasks [3].
• analyze original historical and contemporary scientific literature (including Watson & Crick 1953, Robert Koch’s anthrax studies, Nobel Lectures, and current biotechnology journals) [4] and evaluate it from both historical and scientific perspectives [4].
• apply AI-based tools to address biotechnology-related issues [3], conduct a technical analysis of AI-generated results and references [4], and critically evaluate them in terms of plausibility, source quality, and scientific accuracy [5].
• independently research a current topic in biotechnology [3], compile the results into a written paper in the style of a scientific publication [6], prepare the paper [6], present it in a lecture [2], and defend it in a discussion [5].
The respective levels [1]–[6] of the learning objective taxonomy are indicated in square brackets [].
[updated 23.10.2026]
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Module content:
Biotechnology and its social and industrial significance.
Review and in-depth study of selected fundamental concepts in chemistry and biochemistry relevant to biotechnological applications: hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, drawing molecular and structural formulas, chirality, as well as the structure, properties, and function of key biomolecules (amino acids, peptides and proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids and fats, vitamins and minerals; including examples such as insulin, squalene, cell wall structure, and blood lipids).
Computer-aided methods and simulations in biotechnology: Fundamentals and selected applications of modeling and simulating biological systems; the relationship between amino acid sequence, protein structure, and function; computer-aided prediction of protein structures using AlphaFold as an example; possibilities and limitations of model-based and AI-based predictions.
Metabolic physiology: basic metabolic reactions, polysaccharide metabolism, the citric acid cycle and the respiratory chain, ATP synthase, fatty acid synthesis.
Molecular biology: Structure of DNA (Watson & Crick), DNA replication, transcription, RNA splicing, translation, and ribosomes.
Gene regulation as illustrated by the lac operon; restriction enzymes as tools of genetic engineering; CRISPR/Cas.
DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis: Fundamentals of modern sequencing methods (next-generation sequencing), analysis of sequence data, taxonomic classification, and identification of microorganisms and contaminants in biotechnology cultures.
Extremophile microorganisms in biotechnology: physiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions, particularly thermophilia; thermostable biomolecules and enzymes; the potential of extremophile organisms for industrial biotechnological processes and non-sterile cultivation.
Phototrophic biotechnology: Photosynthesis and its biotechnological applications; microalgae and cyanobacteria as production organisms; cultivation parameters, contamination, and non-sterile cultivation; types of photobioreactors and scale-up (including the Floating Light Ball Reactor, FLBR)
Mechanisms of selected enzymes and active ingredients: topoisomerases, fluoroquinolones (Ciprobay, Rote-Hand-Brief); drug safety and risk assessment.
Chromatographic techniques for the separation and analysis of biomolecules, gel electrophoresis, and blotting methods.
Milestones in the history of microbiology and the development of biotechnological knowledge: Robert Koch´s studies on the anthrax pathogen; works based on original historical and contemporary scientific literature.
Use of AI-based tools for researching, analyzing, and synthesizing biotechnology-related issues and scientific literature; critical validation of AI-generated results with regard to technical accuracy, source quality, and scientific integrity.
Seminar paper: independent research on a current biotechnology topic based on scientific literature, written report in the style of a scientific publication (“paper”), and presentation and discussion of the results.
[updated 23.10.2026]
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Teaching methods/Media:
Teaching methods: Lecture (3 SWS) with an integrated seminar (1 SWS); preparatory assignments with accompanying Moodle quizzes to prepare for the lectures; worksheets with solutions; group projects (e.g., on insulin); Discussion of original scientific literature in English; computer-based exercises and selected applications of AI-based tools; seminar paper as a scientific “paper” with presentation and discussion.
Media: Moodle course with lecture slides, board notes, instructional videos (including MIT materials and Nobel Lectures), forums for academic discussion, and an online conferencing system (BigBlueButton); PowerPoint presentation, board notes, and templates for papers and presentations. Optional study trips.
[updated 23.10.2026]
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Recommended or required reading:
For additional reading, see the Moodle course
Chmiel, H. (2011): Bioprozesstechnik. Heidelberg: Spektrum Akademischer Verlag
Cypionka, H. (2010): Grundlagen der Mikrobiologie. 4. Aufl. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.
Fritsche, O. (2016): Mikrobiologie. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum.
Gehring, T.; Maurer, P.; Yildirim, M.; Lierse, M. S.; Ickes, R. (2025): Floating Light Ball Reactor: A Scalable and Flexible Photobioreactor Design for Microalgae Cultivation. In: Sustainability & Circularity NOW 02 (CP), DOI: 10.1055/a-2727-4980.
Yildirim, M.; Maurer, P.; Lierse, M. S.; et al. (2026): Nonsterile Cultivation of the Thermophilic Cyanobacterium Parathermosynechococcus lividus PCC 6715 in a Floating Light Ball Reactor (FLBR) on 53-L Scale for Zeaxanthin Production. ChemFoodChem: e70034. https://doi.org/10.1002/cfch.70034
Koch, R. (1876): Die Ätiologie der Milzbrand-Krankheit, begründet auf die Entwicklungsgeschichte des Bacillus Anthracis. In: Cohns Beiträge zur Biologie der Pflanzen 2, S. 277-310.
Purves, W. K.; Sadava, D.; Orians, G. H.; Heller, H. C. (2019): Purves Biologie. Hg. v. J. Markl. 10. Aufl. Berlin: Springer Spektrum.
Rosenwinkel, K.-H.; Kroiss, H.; Dichtl, N.; Seyfried, C.-F.; Weiland, P. (2015): Anaerobtechnik. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Sahm, H.; Antranikian, G.; Stahmann, K.-P.; Takors, R. (Hg.) (2013): Industrielle Mikrobiologie. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum.
Watson, J. D.; Crick, F. H. C. (1953): Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid. In: Nature 171 (4356), S. 737-738.
[updated 23.10.2026]
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