All projects in Informatics

Projects in summer semester 2025

Phase Behavior and Morphological Analysis of 2D Colloidal Monolayers

Slots: 2, Hours per week: 6, Completion within: 6 months
For students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., Environmental Sciences with a Focus in Atmosphere and Climate B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,

Discription
Two-dimensional self-assembled colloidal particle monolayers have wide-ranging applications in nanotechnology. The phase behavior of such monolayers is predominantly influenced by inter-particle interactions. For example, in a 2D monolayer, an increase in particle diameter can induce phase transitions from a liquid-like state to a hexatic phase and ultimately to a crystalline solid phase. This project aims to give students basic understanding of the physics governing the self-assembly process and to provide hands-on experience with advanced tools for analyzing the morphology of two-dimensional colloidal assemblies.
Role of the students
The student will perform particle-based simulations using molecular dynamics (MD) software to explore the morphology of self-assembled structures by tuning inter-particle interactions. They will study the physics of self-assembly and analyze phase morphology using techniques such as 2D Fourier transforms, Delaunay triangulation, order parameters, and correlation functions.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to learning new tools and techniques. A basic knowledge of programming languages such as Python or C/C++ is essential. Preference will be given to students with a background in physics, mathematics, or computational physics. Proficiency in English is required for communication.
(more information)

The influence of rotational friction between particles

Slots: 1-4, Hours per week: 3-9, Completion within: 3-12 months
For students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,

Discription
Friction between rotating particles plays a key role in various physical or biological contexts. Such particles like bacteria, for example, can be used as motors for bacteria-based batteries. This project will explore the influence of rotational friction between particles in typical molecular dynamic simulations.
Role of the students
The students will use ready-made Python code to analyze potential physical effects and applications of such friction between rotating particles in computer simulations. If they are interested, students can also adjust the source code.
Qualifications
Basic Python 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)

Multi-scale biomolecular simulations - analysis of protein interaction patterns

Slots: 1, Hours per week: 4, Completion within: 9 months
For students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., BMC B.Sc., Chemestry B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,

Discription
In collaboration with our experimental partner at IMB, we study protein granules, a molecular condensate involved in epigenetic inheritance. To study their formation, we use molecular dynamics simulations and analyze protein interaction patterns. These help us investigate the underlying biophysical mechanism.
Role of the students
This QUEST project offers a first perspective on biophysical research on proteins that play a role in epigenetic inheritance. We perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on MOGON2, extracting insights by analyzing contact patterns. You can choose your focus to work with us on advancing our Python workflow: (a) pattern analysis through frequent item set mining or simple ML/generative models, (b) performance optimization via benchmarking and test development, or (c) molecular system exploration through sequence mutations.
Qualifications
Curiosity to support protein research through simulations and method development is helpful. You should be interested in collaborating with a PhD student in an interdisciplinary lab. A first experience with Python is helpful or at least you should bring high motivation to develop programming skills. Some interest in gaining experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems is recommended.
(more information)

Toolchain for the statistical evaluation of runtimes of various algorithms in the HPC area

Slots: 1, Hours per week: 3-9, Completion within: 3-12 months
For students inrolled in: Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc.,

Discription
Goal of the project is to develop and test a toolchain for the statistical evaluation of runtimes of various algorithms in the HPC area.
Role of the students
The student will develop said toolchain under the guidance of the supervisor.
Qualifications
Basic Python skills are necessary. Most texts will be in English. This should not be a problem for the student.
(more information)

Creating an analysis framework for Coarse-Grained LLPS-Simulations

Slots: 1, Hours per week: 6, Completion within: 6 months
For students inrolled in: Applied Physics 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., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,

Discription
Complementary to the work of our experimentalists in biology, we investigate the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of different proteins using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. To create a phase diagram, many simulations with varying starting parameters are carried out and evaluated according to the same scheme. Additional features are to be added to the existing framework for this purpose.
Role of the students
The students implement new analysis features and thus gain an insight into research using biophysical simulations, as well as the development of research software using test-driven development.
Qualifications
Basic knowledge of statistical physics, programming and willingness to familiarize yourself with an interdisciplinary field are required. Knowledge of MD simulations, the Julia programming language, good English skills, Git and statistics are advantageous.
(more information)

Mathematical Pre-course in Biology, Chemestry, and Geosciences Guidelines

Slots: 1-3, Hours per week: 5, Completion within: 9 months
For students inrolled in: Applied Physics 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., Meteorology B.Sc., Molecular Biotechnology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,

Discription
The school mathematics pre-semester course for biology often receives criticism through the participants. The main criticism is, that the courses mostly do not start with mathematical basics which the students know. Goal of the project is to evaluate the current state of the course.
Role of the students
The role of the students is to mainly evaluate the worksheets the students work on during the course. Evaluate where the current problems are and how to change the worksheets for the needs of the students.
Qualifications
A good understanding of the mathematical courses in the first semester of biology is necessary. This includes analysis in more than one dimension, fundamental linear algebra, fundamental differential equations, complex-valued equations, and statistics of standard deviation and mean value
(more information)

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