A lecture hall full of great ideas
A full lecture hall - but this Friday there was no lecture on the agenda. Instead, guests could experience the expo of the School for Talents project MEDtechBIO, an interdisciplinary network of technical biology and medical technology. First-year students from both disciplines presented their exhibits and posters on their personal areas of interest.
"This event teaches you how things work at scientific conferences later on. Today you can gain experience in presenting and dealing with an audience. These skills are very valuable for your future academic and professional careers," said Junior Professor Michael Heymann (Technical Biology), welcoming his students. The concept of research-based learning applied by him and his colleague Peter Pott, Professor of Medical Technology, aims not only to promote students' creativity, but also to strengthen their self-efficacy.
The students showed a wide range of interests and ideas: From a crocheted dew worm complete with innards to a muscle memory game or a model made of Lego on ATP synthase, there were a variety of exhibits. Models were also presented that clearly explained how a Covid or pregnancy test and a defibrillator work, for example. One technical biology student reported that she had a lot of fun thinking about and carrying out her project, even if it was more time-consuming than she thought.
The Expo was not only an opportunity for the students to present their work, but also a platform for exchange and networking. "You only realize that you've understood something properly when you can explain it," reflected one student. His fellow student admitted a little shyly: "I'm really proud of my model."
