All students of the BUA partners Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin can participate in X-Tutorials. Please note the information on how to register for an X-Tutorial.

Students of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin can have X-Tutorials recognized in the interdisciplinary compulsory elective area (üWP) / in the free elective area or in the compulsory elective area. General information on the recognition of X-Tutorials can be found at: Recognition of participation in an X-Tutorial.

Bachelor's students at Freie Universität Berlin can have X-Tutorials recognized in the ABV skills area “Research Practices" ("Forschungsorientierung"). Recognition outside the ABV area must be clarified individually with the responsible examination board. You can find more information at: Recognition of competencies acquired in BUA courses at Freie Universität Berlin.

• Module description for X-Tutorials (German)
• Further information on StuROP^x on the website of the Berlin University Alliance

Microbes – bacterial or fungal – are involved in practically every process governing our biosphere. They range from being essential contributors to the global carbon cycle, to being inhabitants of our gut biome, where they act as mutualists, commensals or parasites.

We will evaluate and taste the output of techniques developed over the last few millennia like pickling, vinegar making, kombucha, kimchi and more. We hope that our results can inform how to provide an engaging entry point into the world of microbiological research. The overarching goal is to identify which fermentation methods are most suitable for teaching biology in schools, in terms of knowledge transfer, engagement, cost and ease of success. We want to show that everyone independent of know-how can gain in-depth knowledge on microbiology (bacterial phylogeny, experimental evolution, metabolic pathways and involved proteins, and the extracellular parameters governing fitness) in a hands-on approach.

Institutional affiliation: Fachbereich Biologie, Chemie, Pharmazie; Institut für Biologie

Scientific mentoring: Prof. Dr. Mitja Remus-Emsermann

Contact: lveit55@gmx.de