Studying biology at RPTU: “Gain an insight into molecular research at an early stage”

Transfer genes into a model organism in order to produce certain proteins:Biology students at RPTU learn the associated know-how early on in their studies.Bachelor's graduate Luca Samuel Langenberg is satisfied with his choice of degree course.After completing his Master's degree, he can imagine working in the biotech industry.

"Modern biology, biotechnology. That's what interested me,” says Luca Samuel Langenberg when asked why he decided to study biology. Born in Bad Kreuznach, he looked at various university cities in advance: Darmstadt, Mainz and Kaiserslautern. “Of all of them, I liked the campus in Kaiserslautern the best.” In the end, he chose what is now RPTU - and the Bachelor's degree course in Molecular Biology.

Good ratings in the CHE ranking

The Department of Biology at RPTU also scored very well in the university ranking by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE): students rated the organization of studies and the teaching of scientific skills with 4.2 (out of a possible 5) stars each. They are also satisfied with the general study situation and the support provided by lecturers. Dr. Anne Schaarschuch, Study Manager at the Department of Biology, is delighted with the latest survey results: “Compared to neighboring universities, we do very well. At the same time, however, this is also an incentive for us to become even better."

Insights into all areas of biology - with a focus on molecular research

Luca Samuel Langenberg has never regretted his choice - he likes his studies at RPTU: “In the first four semesters, you get an insight into all areas of biology. You get a very good overview. There are lectures, practicals and seminars." In general, with an impressive 40 percent practical component, the Bachelor's degree course is anything but dry: “I think that's the advantage of a TU. You learn practical things early on that you will need later for laboratory work." Overall, his course has a very modern focus: “It's not forest-and-meadow biology, what we do. Even the basic modules are about molecular research."

Elective options from the third Bachelor's year onwards

From the fifth Bachelor's semester onwards, there are various specializations to choose from: This could be botany, microbiology or neurobiology, for example. Luca Samuel Langenberg: “You choose two specializations, two advanced modules.” As part of an advanced internship, you then spend three to four weeks working in the laboratory of a research group. You try out the latest experimental techniques, write protocols and give presentations. The Bachelor's thesis is usually written in one of the two specialization areas.

What is the biggest challenge during your studies? Luca Samuel Langenberg: “Nothing is really difficult. Some people have problems with chemistry, physics and mathematics." But with a bit of commitment, even that is manageable. Biology is closely linked to physics and chemistry, says Anne Schaarschuch: “But we introduce our students to these subjects very well. No one should be put off by this." From the winter semester 2024/25, computer science will also be on the timetable. Anne Schaarschuch: “A lot of data is generated in modern biology these days. Biologists should therefore be familiar with basic data management. But we also introduce our students to this slowly. Programming skills are not necessary beforehand."

Studying biology is time-consuming

Speaking of commitment, what should prospective students know in advance? Luca Samuel Langenberg: “The degree course is time-consuming. There's a lot to learn." There are lots of lectures during the semester. At the end of the semester is the exam phase, followed by internships during the lecture-free period. Academic training requires commitment. The 23-year-old Langenberg is currently in his first Master's semester - but is also in the final stages of his Bachelor's thesis: the subject matter is biotechnology and he is researching a green algae as a model organism. “In my working group, we introduce genes into this algae in order to produce proteins that allow us to draw conclusions about the conditions in the cell.” Such approaches are not uncommon in the life sciences: Insulin, for example, is nowadays produced using genetic engineering processes.

Four Master's specializations to choose from - high degree of internationalization

At Master's level, the Department of Biology offers four different specializations: “Microbial and Plant Biotechnology”, “Ecology”, “Molecular and Medical Neuroscience” and “Molecular Cell Biology”. The courses are taught in English - because: “We have a high degree of internationalization in the Master's courses,” explains Anne Schaarschuch, “around 30 percent of Master's candidates come from abroad. That's a great mix. We have the whole world on campus, so to speak." Many students also complete an internship abroad or a semester abroad.

How do plants become more stress-resistant?

Luca Samuel Langenberg has opted for “Microbial and Plant Biotechnology”. “Among other things, it's about how plants can be modified to make them more stress-resistant.” This depends on various proteins in the plant. He wants to understand how plants react to climate change and its effects, for example. “And what can be improved.” Later on, he could imagine working in the field of biotechnology. “The biotech industry is booming.” In general, a degree in biology can take you in different directions: with a doctorate, you can stay in research - at a university or at an institute outside the university. Pharmaceutical companies also offer attractive jobs - “or you can work in the field of nature conservation”.

“We train people to solve problems independently”

"We train people to find their own solutions to problems. Problems that we don't even know will exist one day. That's the typical thing about studying natural sciences,” summarizes Anne Schaarschuch. And what do she think prospective students should bring with them? "Fascination and enjoyment of biology, great curiosity. And the will to question everything." Wanting to question things - Luca Langenberg is planning an internship in industry next year - in the field of biotechnology: “Let's see, maybe they'll take me on later.” With his sound training, he will certainly be welcome there.

Christine Pauli