Microbiology is the science of the smallest living organisms. Microbiology is a very diverse field and encompasses many different subfields, such as microbial genetics, the cell biology of microorganisms, microbial ecology, and the physiology of microorganisms.

In the Department of Microbiology at the Institute of Biological Sciences at the University of Rostock, we are particularly interested in the diverse metabolic processes of microorganisms. These drive the major element cycles—without microbes, there would be no life on this planet! We aim to understand in detail how archaea and bacteria metabolize substrates and derive their energy from them, and how they adapt to different habitats. This basic research is fundamentally important for subsequently applying the insights gained to biotechnology.

In addition, we would like to share our fascination with the planet’s tiniest inhabitants with you, dear students, including those in the Bachelor’s program in Biological Sciences, the biology teacher education programs, and the Master’s program in “Microbiology and Biochemistry.”

We are also happy to supervise thesis projects in these program.