Insect Species Identification by DNA Barcoding
- Beschreibung
Accurate identification of insect species is essential for ecological studies, agriculture, and biodiversity research. However, closely related species can be difficult to distinguish morphologically. DNA barcoding provides a reliable molecular approach by using short, standardized DNA sequences, typically from mitochondrial genes, to identify species.
In this project, students will apply DNA barcoding to identify insect species collected from the surroundings of the University of Hohenheim, making the project both practical and engaging. The workflow includes insect collection, basic dissection, DNA extraction, and PCR amplification of selected barcode genes. The amplified DNA will be processed through cloning and sequencing, followed by sequence analysis using nucleotide-BLAST for species confirmation.
Students will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sequence analysis. In addition, they will learn how to perform literature research, evaluate and design primers using online tools, and interpret experimental data. Basic skills in insect handling and dissection will also be taught.
This project provides an opportunity to develop practical laboratory skills, bioinformatics understanding, and scientific reasoning, as well as experience in presenting results in the form of a poster or report.
- Projektzeitraum
- Sommersemester 2026
- Bewerbungszeitraum
- 07. bis 20.04.2026
- Durchführung
- nach Absprache
- Studienfach
-
Agrarbiologie
Agrarwissenschaften
Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics & Subtropics
Bioeconomy
Biologie
Biotechnologiy
Crop Sciences
Organic Agriculture and Food Systems - Betreuende
- Nirakar Panda
- Institut
- Institut für Biologie (190) (Molecular Genetics)
- Sprache
- englisch
- Teilnehmendenanzahl
- min. 1, max. 2
- Arbeitsaufwand
-
ca. 120 Stunden pro Teilnehmende:r
| 4
ECTS-Punkte
Arbeitsaufwand (Stunden und ggf. ECTS) sind ungefähre Angaben. Die tatsächlich vergebenen ECTS-Punkte ergeben sich aus der tatsächlich geleisteten Arbeit.
- Für dieses Projekt ist kein Motivationsschreiben des Studierenden erforderlich
- Projektart
- experimentell
- Lernziele
-
Die Teilnehmende lernen in diesem Projekt:
- Learn how to perform literature research
- Gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques
- Acquire practical experience in insect handling and dissection
- Planning and execution of experimental work
- Analyze experimental results and effectively present findings
- Anmerkungen für Studierende
This project is planned for 4 ECTS credits, with the possibility to expand the scope if a higher workload is required after consultation. It is suitable for motivated Bachelor’s or Master’s students with an interest in molecular biology and/or entomology. Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not mandatory, as training will be provided. The project can be adapted to the student’s availability and carried out as a block or semester project.
For further information, please contact nirakar.panda@uni-hohenheim.de
- Dokument
- Schlagworte
- Insekten, Molekularbiolgie