Teaching at the Piehler Lab
We are committed to excellent teaching in biophysics, biochemistry, and cell biology at the Osnabrück University. Our courses span the full academic curriculum — from foundational modules in the Bachelor's programme introducing the chemistry and physics of living systems, to advanced Master's modules on nanobiophysics and biological spectroscopy. Students are trained in both theoretical frameworks and hands-on experimental methods, reflecting our interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of biology, chemistry, and physics.
Below you find an overview of the modules we currently teach as part of the biology study programme. Detailed and binding module descriptions are published in the official module catalogue (PDF) of the Osnabrück University Department of Biology.
Modules:
SM1: Starter Module 1 – Chemistry and Physics of Life
This foundational module aims to provide students with essential knowledge and skills in the chemical and physical processes of life. The module focuses on fundamental chemical and physical concepts relevant to understanding biomacromolecules and their functions, biochemical reactions and metabolic pathways, as well as cellular and supracellular biological processes. In addition, basic competencies in the analysis and interpretation of chemical and physical data are developed. Through this module, students acquire a tailored foundation in the chemical and physical aspects of life that prepares them for all subsequent starter and advanced modules.
AM1: Advanced Module 1 – Chemistry and Physics of Life
In this module, students deepen their knowledge of chemical and physical concepts for the quantitative understanding of molecular processes. One key topic area is devoted to the dynamics of reactions and processes in biological systems. A further focus lies on the physical and chemical foundations of bioanalytical methods, with students developing their ability to quantitatively evaluate and statistically assess measurement data. The module imparts core scientific and methodological competencies that qualify students for more advanced modules.
FM-BP1: Focus Module Biophysics 1 – Biomolecular Interactions
This module aims to develop advanced scientific competencies. Students expand their knowledge of the physicochemical and mechanistic principles underlying biomolecular interactions, as well as the techniques used for their identification, validation, and quantitative characterisation.
EM-BP: Extension Module Biophysics – Cellular Biophysics: Concepts and Methods
This module develops advanced scientific and methodological competencies. In the lecture, students gain in-depth knowledge of molecular processes in the context of biological membranes and the molecular biology and biophysics methods used to study them. They learn to independently formulate hypotheses and to design appropriate methodological approaches for testing them. In the seminar, students practise critically reading and evaluating current scientific publications. In the practical exercises, students learn to quantitatively analyse experimentally obtained data, assess it using standard statistical methods, present it graphically, and discuss it critically.
MM-BP1: Master Module Biophysics – Biological Spectroscopy and Microscopy
In the lecture, students extend and deepen their scientific and methodological competencies in the field of spectroscopy and microscopy. They learn to evaluate modern spectroscopic and microscopic methods on the basis of a solid theoretical understanding and to apply them purposefully to address biological questions. In the seminar, students practise the critical discussion and evaluation of research findings. In the practical exercises, students gain insight into hypothesis-driven experimental research and further develop their methodological skills.
MM-NBP: Master Module Biophysics – NanoBioPhysics
Students gain an interdisciplinary perspective on cell biology at the nanoscale, encompassing fundamental biological and physicochemical principles. They receive a comprehensive, research-oriented introduction to cutting-edge biophysical techniques for elucidating and manipulating molecular cell biology at the nanoscale, using advanced surface- and nanomaterial-based spectroscopy and microscopy. Students gain insights into interdisciplinary research in nanobiotechnology and deepen their methodological expertise in the field of nanobiophysics.