Recommendations for the Theoretical Chemistry Study Plan in the Framework of the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Courses Biochemistry (part of the focal point program "Biomolecular Chemistry")

Preliminary Remarks

The following courses in theoretical biochemistry are embedded in the framework of the focal point program “Biomolecular Chemistry” . It must be stressed that the knowledge acquired in the theoretical lectures is essential for successful completion of all practical classes. Furthermore, the focal point lectures in the Master's degree course are a continuation of the subject matter covered in the Bachelor's degree course. Therefore, we recommend students to visit the courses in the order specified below.

Bachelor Studiengang Biochemie:

Semester
- Theorie der Chemischen Bindung ^*
  [Vorlesung mit Übung, Zusatzfach: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
Semester
- Theoretische Biochemie (Spezialvorlesung aus Schwerpunkt Biomolekulare Chemie)^**,^***
  [Vorlesung mit Übung, Wahlpflicht: 2+1 SWS, mündliche Prüfung, 4 CP]
Semester
- Theoretisch-Biochemisches Praktikum (Praktikum zur Spezialvorlesung aus 5. Semester)^***
  [Computerpraktikum, Wahlpflicht: 5 SWS, 3 CP]
- Bachelor-Arbeit (Theoretische Biochemie)
  [maximal drei Monate, 12 CP]

^* Hinweis: Wir empfehlen theoretisch interessierten Biochemiestudierenden mit Nachdruck den freiwilligen Besuch dieser Veranstaltung aus dem Bachelor-Studiengang Chemie. Bei erfolgreichem Abschluß werden 5 CP als „Zusatzfach (Chemie)“ kreditiert.

^** Hinweis: Diese Spezialvorlesung aus dem Themenbereich der Schwerpunktausbildung „Biomolekulare Chemie“ wird vor dem dazugehörigen Praktikum, d.h. im 5. Semester, absolviert.

^*** Wichtig: Wenn Sie sich für den Schwerpunkt „Biomolekulare Chemie“ interessieren dürfen Sie diese Veranstaltung nicht als „Zusatzfach (Chemie)“ belegen.

Master's Degree Course Biochemistry (only available in English) :

Semester
- Master elective lecture in chemistry “Dynamics and Simulation” ^****
  [Lecture with exercises: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
- Modular advanced practical in the focal point program “Biomolecular Chemistry” (part Theoretical Biochemistry)
  [Computational practical course, elective: 5 SWS, 4 CP]
Semester
- Focal point lecture (Biomolecular Chemistry) “Electronic and molecular structure theory”
  [Lecture with exercises, elective: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
- Lecture series in the focal point program “Biomolecular Chemistry” (part theoretical methods)
  [Lecture, compulsory: 2 SWS, 5 CP]
- Advanced practical course “Biomolecular Chemistry” in the focal point program theoretical chemistry
  [Computational practical course, elective : 9 SWS, 7,5 CP half of 17+1 SWS and 15 CP]
Semester
- Master elective lecture in chemistry “Dynamics und Simulation” ^****
  [Lecture with exercises, compulsory: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
- Focal point lecture (“Biomolecular Chemistry”) chosen out of the body of theoretical (bio)chemistry lectures
  [Lecture with exercises, elective: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
- Research practical course in the focal point program “Theoretical Chemistry”
  [own research project as computational practical course, elective: 14 SWS, 14 CP]
Semester
- Focal point lecture chosen out of the body of theoretical (bio)chemistry lectures
  [Lecture with exercises, optional: 2+1 SWS, 5 CP]
- Master Thesis (theoretical biochemistry)
  [maximum of 6 months, 30 CP]

^**** Note: We recommend students to visit this lecture on a voluntary basis in the 7th semester (i.e. the 1st semester of the Master's degree course).

The department of theoretical chemistry offers biochemistry students the possibility to complete a Bachelor's or Master's thesis or obtain a doctorate in theoretical biochemistry.

Remarks:

The many practical classes, in which the theoretical methods discussed in the lectures are then put into practice are typical for the nature of the teaching methods of Theoretical Bio/Chemistry in Bochum. For this purpose, a modern virtual laboratory, our “Theoretikum”, is available and equipped with many powerful desktop computers and the latest software.

It is possible, by prior arrangement, to visit a member of our staff for a few days and “look over their shoulder” to get a better idea of the research done on a daily basis in the Center for Theoretical Chemistry. In addition to these offers, we are able to arrange work experience during the semester break for more advanced students in the chemical industry or supercomputing centers.