Focus "Molecular Genetics of Development"
Broad and profound training during the course work
In the 1st semester you might want to choose the core modules Cell Biology and Current Developmental Biology. These modules provide a thorough knowledge
about topics, model systems and experimental approaches in both vertebrates and
invertebrates. In parallel, the key competence module “Development and
plasticity of the nervous system” introduces to vertebrate neural
development. In the 2nd semester, you may further specialize by choosing Current Developmental Biology. This core module focuses on current aspects of
neural development in both invertebrates and vertebrates and provides
interactive training in designing experiments. For this advanced module it is
advisable to have completed Current Developmental Biology and Development and
Plasticity of the Nervous System or to prepare by working through respective
chapters in textbooks. The
question in how developmental processes influence the evolution of animals is
covered in the module Current Developmental Biology as well - it covers several
model species and approaches in that respect. Together, these courses cover the entire range of
developmental biology and deepen your understanding of the underlying
principles. Further, you will be trained in applying a set of diverse techniques
important in the field. Thereafter, you will have a good basis for choosing the
topic, the model system and the lab for your research during lab rotations and
Master thesis.
Choose a topic for your
research
You will perform your own research at an early
stage of the Master program. During two lab rotations in different labs you
will further develop your skills by performing research projects. Usually, you
will choose one of these labs for your Master thesis. Excellent students may
directly enter the PhD program "Genes and Development" without doing
a Master thesis. For that matter, you are able to choose between labs from the
entire Göttingen Research Campus including the Faculty of Biology and
Psychology, the Medical faculty and several non-university research
institutions (Max Planck Institutes of Biophysical Chemistry and Experimental
Medicine and the Primate Center). Some topics are listed below - please find a
list of involved teachers and their research topics here.
Molecular genetics of development
Topics range from the
molecular and genetic control of pattern formation, the cellular basis and
biophysics of development (including stem cells and cellular morphogenesis) to
organogenesis and the evolution of developmental processes. Experimental
approaches include forward and reverse genetics and CRISPR/Cas9
genome editing, state of the art imaging, in
vivo imaging, deep sequencing, biophysical and biochemical methods and
population genetics and many others. You could for instance apply transgenic
tools in mice, use injection and biochemistry in the frog Xenopus laevis or
zebrafish genetics. In the invertebrates, you might want to apply the elegant
genetic tool kit of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster or C.elegans, use
systemic RNAi in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum or the spider
Parasteatoda tepidariorum or apply population genetics methods to identify the
genes responsible for the evolution of the development of different
traits.
Neural development is represented by early neurogenesis in the frog Xenopus, the
development and evolution of the insect brain, axon pathfinding and glia
development. Using the mouse model, Göttingen research groups are aiming at
understanding chronobiology, glia function and the molecular basis of
neurodegenerative diseases.
Cell biology research is very strong in Göttingen. Among other
topics, the human immune system, centriole biology and nuclear import are
studied.
Molecular entomology and insect biotechnology is a research focus
in Göttingen, where transgenic and reverse genetic tools (RNAi) are developed
in emerging arthropod model systems in order to open new fields of zoological
research for functional genetics. These topics include the evolution of
developmental processes, the biology of stink glands and novel approaches to
insect pest control.
