Projects in winter semester 2025/26
Food preferences of the invasive ant Tapinoma magnum over the course of the year
Slots: 1-2, Hours per week: 4, Completion within: 9 monthsFor students inrolled in: Biology B.Ed., Biology B.Sc., Geography B.Ed., Geography B.Sc., Molecular Biology B.Sc.,
Discription
The invasive ant Tapinoma magnum is currently spreading in southwest Germany. A colony has already established itself in Ingelheim since several years. In order to contain the population, basic information about this ant species is still needed. In the proposed project, the colony will therefore be monitored every 2-3 weeks over several months (spring to fall).
Role of the students
The task is to use standardized food selection experiments to determine which nutrients are preferred by Tapinoma magnum and how activity changes over the course of the year.
Qualifications
Basic statistical knowledge and no fear of ants
(more information)
Setting up Molecular Dynamic Simulations to determine Binding sites on MoHik1p
Slots: 1-4, Hours per week: 4, Completion within: 9 monthsFor students inrolled in: Biology B.Sc., BMC B.Sc., Chemestry B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Molecular Biology B.Sc., Molecular Biotechnology B.Sc., Physics B.Sc.,
Discription
MoHik1p is a protein that is crucial for the mechanism of action of Fludioxonil which is a common fungicide. But its exact mechanism is still unclear and we want to use MD simulations to get deeper insights to the protein - ligand interactions.
Role of the students
Your task will be to set up MD simulations, learn the basic concepts of simulation methods, and interpret the results. The simulations will be performed using the common Gromacs simulation software, while the analysis will be performed in VMD and using Python modules like MDAnalysis.
Qualifications
Basic Python and MD simulation skills are necessary. You will have to use Linux in this project. However, you won't need basic Linux skills since you will learn it through the project.
(more information)
Mathematical Instruments in the Museum being Explored - MIME
Slots: 13, Hours per week: 4, Completion within: 9 monthsFor students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., Biology B.Ed., Biology B.Sc., BMC B.Sc., Chemestry B.Ed., Chemestry B.Sc., Environmental Sciences with a Focus in Atmosphere and Climate B.Sc., Geography B.Ed., Geography B.Sc., Geosciences B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Molecular Biology B.Sc., Molecular Biotechnology B.Sc., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,
Discription
The project is dedicated to researching mathematical instruments from the collection of the Deutsches Museum in Munich. The focus is primarily on analog calculating instruments and early analog computers. The students examine these objects in their material, historical and technological dimensions. The aim is to develop new perspectives on these instruments and to present the results to the public in a way that is effective in terms of contemporary science communication - for example for future presentation in exhibitions.
Role of the students
The students choose an object from a pre-selection, formulate their own research question and carry out archive and object analyses on site at the Deutsches Museum. They present their findings in a lecture and in written formats such as blog posts or object profiles. A joint three-day research stay in Munich is part of the project and is expected to take place in calendar week 11 of 2026.
Qualifications
An interest in the history of science, technology or collections and in science communication is expected. Museum experience is not required. Basic knowledge of scientific work is helpful. Accompanying seminars at JGU provide theoretical and methodological foundations. The seminar dates will follow (probably Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Jan. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m.).
(more information)
Projects in summer semester 2025
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