Convergent Learning: A Guiding Principle for Education

Convergent learning serves as a foundational principle in the education of students, ensuring that learning progresses step by step in a linear and structured manner. It acts as the "red thread" that connects all aspects of education. Students focus on individual tasks, completing one before moving on to the next. This linear approach enables students to follow a direct path to acquiring knowledge and skills.

In practice, this principle is implemented through a realistic research question rooted in biomedical research, explored over multiple semesters during laboratory practicals. The course content is tightly interwoven so that theoretical knowledge is consistently applied and reinforced in laboratory settings, addressing complex issues.

Semester-Wise Breakdown of the Curriculum

Semester 1: Teaching Basic Biomedical Knowledge

Overall Aim: Equip students with fundamental knowledge in natural sciences, general biology, health systems, and biomedical data and information sciences.

Description: Students acquire the basics for working in a laboratory environment and managing laboratory data.

Outcome: Mastery of foundational knowledge necessary for laboratory work.

Semester 2: Introduction to Laboratory Work

Overall Aim: Develop basic laboratory skills and deepen theoretical knowledge in microbiology and organic chemistry.

Description: Students begin hands-on laboratory work using foundational knowledge. This includes mastering common laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, pH meters) and techniques such as preparing buffers, solutions, and safely handling chemicals. Additionally, students study Ecology and Economics within Public Health.

Outcome: Students gain familiarity with laboratory equipment and foundational laboratory skills.

Semester 3: Start of Research-Oriented Laboratory Work

Overall Aim: Introduce research-oriented laboratory practices, focusing on cultivating bacterial or microalgae cultures to produce specific products (e.g., nutrients, pharmaceutical ingredients).

Description: Students acquire practical experience, generate laboratory data, and produce material for subsequent analysis. Preparatory courses in Biochemistry and Basics in Theoretical Medicine, alongside an Introduction to Scientific Work module, teach students how to interpret scientific publications and data.

Outcome: Practical skills, laboratory data, and materials are developed for use in the following semester.

Semester 4: Continuation of Laboratory Work

Overall Aim: Advance research by analysing products developed in the 3rd semester while expanding knowledge of Life Science and International Health.

Description: Students bioanalyse their laboratory products, deepen understanding of international health systems, and explore legal aspects of healthcare, such as bringing active ingredients to market. Electives from the FÜS module catalog and optional German language courses provide opportunities for customisation.

Outcome: Students integrate theoretical and practical knowledge, exploring broader public health and legal contexts.

Semester 5: Completion of Continuous Laboratory Work

Overall Aim: Apply laboratory results to eukaryotic test systems and explore biological phenomena such as immunological reactions and ageing processes.

Description: Students study Molecular Biotechnology in Society, gaining insights into the interaction between molecular biology and fields like medicine, forensics, politics, and ethics. Three compulsory elective modules allow students to specialise and prepare for Master’s degree accreditation.

Outcome: Students develop advanced practical and analytical skills, applying them to public health challenges.

Semester 6: Scientific Work on an Independent Topic

Overall Aim: Culminate learning with a final thesis based on independent scientific work.

Description: Under supervision, students apply their technical and methodological expertise to an experimental research question, summarising their findings in a comprehensive thesis. The work is presented and professionally discussed in a concluding colloquium.

Outcome: Students synthesise their education into a coherent, professional-grade research project.