RPTU-Zero students get a taste of the BCI degree programme at BioVT

On 11 June 2026, nine students from the RPTU-Zero taster course were attracted to BioVT's laboratories by a workshop entitled 'Microorganisms – the natural tools of biotechnology'. 

After being welcomed by Prof. Ulber and introduced to a world revolving entirely around microorganisms and bioreactors, the young students got hands-on. They investigated the conditions under which yeast grows best and which bacteria are living on their own skin. They also applied their newfound knowledge to assemble a photobioreactor for a microalgae culture, extract pigments from algae and cyanobacteria, and perform thin-layer chromatography. The BCI graduates Katharina Oehlenschläger and Janik Haffelder shared their experiences of studying for a BCI degree, as well as the benefits of the programme. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a microbial fingerprint to cultivate, participants can now consider whether taking a BCI course from next semester onwards might not be an excellent idea.