Research Project Genetics and Genomics of Plant Microbiome Symbiosis

What it is about

You conduct a six-week research project on genetic and molecular aspects of the interactions between plants and their rhizosphere microbiome (including mycorrhiza). In the end you will be able to classify plant–microbe symbiosis mechanisms, apply microbiological and molecular biological methods, and plan and document an independent research project.

What you will be able to do

• Understand molecular mechanisms and physiological significance of plant–mycorrhiza symbiosis
• Analyze functional traits and gene-based mechanisms of rhizosphere-associated microbes
• Apply microbial cultivation, phenotypic tests and molecular methods to characterize beneficial bacteria
• Evaluate experimental strategies to investigate the role of specific microbes and plant genes
• Develop and plan an independent research project for the functional analysis of plant–microbiome interactions

What the module consists of

• Forschungsprojekt (Labor, 6 Wochen)actual execution of the project including experiments and data analysis
• Literaturarbeit und Diskussionbasic literature research for preparation and scientific contextualization
• Laborpraktikum / Hands‑on‑Trainingacquisition of practical skills: cultivation, isolation, colonization assays, microscopy
• Bioinformatik‑Workshopsanalysis of 16S‑rRNA and transcriptome data to interpret microbial functions
• Präsentation und Peer‑Revieworal presentation of results and critical discussion
• Schriftlicher Forschungsberichtdetailed documentation of background, methods, results and interpretation

Teaching method

• Geführte Literaturrecherche und Diskussionpromotes critical analysis, scientific reasoning and experiment preparation
• Labordemonstrationen und praktisches Trainingconveys application of standardized laboratory methods and practical skills
• Bioinformatik‑Workshopsenable analysis of real datasets and foster data interpretation skills
• Research Mini‑Project (Experimentelles Design und Durchführung)trains independent planning, execution and troubleshooting of experiments
• Präsentation und Peer‑Reviewimproves scientific communication and critical reflection
• Schriftlicher Forschungsberichttrains integration of theory, method and interpretation in written form