Our Curriculum
At the heart of our program is a teaching concept based on three fundamental pillars of graduate training: research-driven learning, specialized courses and workshops in technical and transferable skills, and networking within a global community of scientific experts.
The IMPRS-CBP teaching model begins with an intensive introductory training phase, which includes a lecture series on key IMPRS-CBP research topics, hands-on workshops, and three three-week lab rotations (Phase 1). This foundational phase is designed to give students a comprehensive overview and hands-on experience in their research environment.
As students advance in their Ph.D. projects, they benefit from a range of technical and transferable skills courses offered throughout the three- to four-year program (Phase 2). This flexible, individually tailored training is developed in consultation with the supervisors and the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) and is updated regularly at TAC meetings to match students' evolving research needs.
Our program also broadens students' scientific perspective by encouraging exploration beyond their primary research focus. Additionally, we provide access to practical experience in teaching, outreach, and communication, equipping students with a balanced professional skill set ideal for a successful career in both academia and industry.
Scientific training
Incoming PhD students will receive comprehensive training across the diverse research fields covered by the IMPRS-CBP. This training features lectures, in-depth discussions, theoretical insights, and technical workshops designed to impart foundational knowledge. All students participate in mandatory sessions on good scientific practice and ethical research conduct according to the recommendations of the Max Planck Society, providing them with a strong foundation in responsible and ethical research from the start.
- Structural analysis by cryo-EM
- Membrane protein biology
- In situ structural analysis by cryo-electron tomography
- Molecular modelling and simulations
- Single molecule biophysics
- Synthetic/chemical biology
- Basics of yeast genetics
- Protein complex assembly during animal development
- Membrane biophysics
- Optogenetics in neuro- and cell biology
- Mass spectrometery in structural and cell biology
- Cellular, molecular, and systemic neurobiology in mouse and zebrafish
- NMR spectroscopy
- Machine learning
- Statistical data analysis
- X-ray crystallography
Transferable skills training
Training in transferable skills is tailored as much as possible to each student, including options like personalized career coaching. A vast selection of workshops is offered within the Max Planck Society’s continuing education program “Planck Academy”, as well as through the JGU’s Career Service and the IQbio GRADE program at GU. Mentorship and teaching are also essential components of doctoral education within IMPRS-CBP. Students can gain valuable teaching experience by designing and supervising lab rotations and by serving as teaching assistants in practical courses led by IMPRS-CBP faculty members."
Networking
Throughout the IMPRS-CBP program, students will have numerous opportunities to engage with leading academics and industry professionals, through our in house Lecture Series and in collaboration with the GRADE Center IQbio. Each student will benefit from the strong international presence of our faculty, experiencing the advantages of transnational cooperation firsthand.
To further expand their academic and professional networks, students are encouraged to participate in and present their work at international courses and conferences, enhancing their visibility and engagement within the broader research community.