Right in the middle of practice and research: Molecular Biology at RPTU in Kaiserslautern

When Tim Sauer talks about his bachelor's thesis, it sounds like anything but gray theory. The 23-year-old is studying Molecular Biology at the RPTU in Kaiserslautern - a practical course of study that takes him right into the heart of current research with international relevance.

The topic of his Bachelor's thesis is part of a project led by Professor Thorsten Stoeck: the aim is to identify and validate a marker that can be used to detect oil pollution in marine sediment. The samples for this have traveled far and come from the Persian Gulf - Tim is examining them in the laboratory in Kaiserslautern. “I wanted to study biology and, above all, do research and spend a lot of time in the lab,” says Tim with a laugh. “I wanted to get to the test tubes and analyze data - molecular biology offers exactly that.” And he emphasizes: "In Kaiserslautern, you get the complete package. The biological ‘basic training’ is very comprehensive," he emphasizes.

Molecular Biology at RPTU: hands-on science

The Bachelor's degree course in Molecular Biology at RPTU is designed in such a way that theory and practice go hand in hand. The high practical component of the course takes place in the laboratories at RPTU in Kaiserslautern. “Almost every basic module is linked to a practical module,” explains Tim. For example, the human genetics lecture of the human biology module is followed by the corresponding practical module, in which students create their own chromosome karyogram - not on a screen, but in real life.

In the fifth Bachelor's semester, all students complete a compulsory on-campus internship in the university laboratories. There is always room for individual initiative, by arrangement. Instead of a laboratory internship at the university, Tim decided to do one at a research facility in Sweden, specifically at the Kristineberg Center for marine research and innovation in Gothenburg. There he worked on an international project on deep sea mining. “It was exciting to see what areas we could end up in later with our studies,” says Tim.

In the fifth semester, students choose their specialization in molecular biology. Tim opted for biotechnology with a focus on bioinformatics - a combination that he would like to work with in industry later on.

RPTU Kaiserslautern: Nature campus, university city and added value

Why Kaiserslautern? For Tim, the decision was quickly clear: “Everything is on one campus here, the distances are short - and you're right on the edge of the forest.” In addition to excellent study conditions, the so-called nature campus offers students space to take a deep breath: the Palatinate Forest begins directly behind the university, a hammock park invites you to relax, the “Pausenexpress” lends out sports equipment, picnic blankets and even mountain bikes free of charge. The canteen is popular, and anyone who gets hungry outside of opening hours can use the in-house cooking robot, which a start-up is testing for its suitability for the canteen. “It's really practical - and sometimes better than expected,” says Tim with a grin.

Even the housing market is student-friendly: “An apartment in a student hall of residence starts at 201 euros a month - that's unbeatable,” says Tim. With a population of around 100,000, Kaiserslautern is also just the right mix: big enough for an active student life with pubs, clubs and events - but not anonymous.

Biology student council: much more than just party organizers

Tim has been active in the student council - the student heart of the degree program - from the very beginning. "Whether it's Freshers' Days with timetable help and a university rally, DKMS campaigns or semester parties - the Biology Student Council team is very active and always has an open ear. “Building 13, room 303 - there's always someone there,” says Tim. “Just drop by, we're happy to see every new face.” Offering a mental health consultation is particularly important to him: “Studying can be demanding - it helps to know that you're not alone.”

In the midst of everyday life as a researcher

Molecular Biology at RPTU in Kaiserslautern is practical, comprehensive and informal. Only around 100 students start each winter semester. “Molecular Biology in Kaiserslautern offers a really well thought-out, very comprehensive basic education in the first four semesters,” says Tim. The university's many laboratories as well as the Max Planck Institute and the Fraunhofer as neighbors bring close cooperation in current research into everyday university life: "Even during the first four semesters, you get a connection to current research topics, both national and international, and also those that really carry weight. In other words, it's a degree course where you already know in the foundation course what topics you can expect in research or the private sector afterwards." His conclusion: "At RPTU, you are right in the middle of research.