Research Phase and Master's Thesis in the M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics

During the last year of the Master's program Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics you will have the unique opportunity to work on exciting research topics. During this so-called research phase, you can choose from an extensive number of thesis supervisors and current projects.

Aliaksandr Bandarenka and a Master's student in his group discuss about their research. Foto: TUM.PH/Eckert. The research phase constitutes one thematic block, culminating in the dissertation of the Master's thesis.

Research Phase

Current Info Events

2022-05-20 | 14:00: Information on Research Phase, Master's Thesis, and End of Studies in the Master’s Program Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics Speaker: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Julia Herzen , Place: Online: Videokonferenz / Zoom etc.

The build-up of the research phase

To the scope of the one year research phase (60 ECTS) belong firstly, the development of the necessary special knowledge within a cutting-edge research line and secondly, the acquisition of the corresponding experimental or theoretical skills, that are necessary for the realization of the research project within the frame of the Master's thesis. Each of these steps conforms a module, the Master's seminar and the Master's work experience. Both modules belong intrinsically together and account in total for 30 ECTS. Subsequently, the independent research project can be carried out as part of the Master's thesis, which corresponding module comprises 30 ECTS. The research phase is completed with the Master's colloquium, the defense of the Master's thesis, within this module.

During the research phase, the fulfilment of an independent scientific work is tighly connected with the acquisition of additional skills, such as project management, team work as well as the depiction and presentation of scientific results.

Module	Description	Credits (CP)	PL/SL*
Master's seminar	Literature research and specialization	15	S
Master's work experience	Methodology and project planning	15	S
Master's thesis		30	P
Sum		60

*: P="Prüfungsleistung", graded exam,
S="Studienleistung", non graded exam (pass/fail)

Finding a topic

To find a topic, please contact the possible thesis supervisors yourself.

The thesis supervisors have the possibility to advertise topics (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However, not all possible topics are advertised here, so it is advisable to ask the thesis supervisors directly. Other topics may also arise during the discussion.

Furthermore, it is advisable to start searching for a suitable topic early, about one semester in advance. In a personal interview, you can quickly see whether a topic appeals to you and whether you feel comfortable in the group. We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Who can be my supervisor?

Filtering in the offers for possible theses

Offers of Master’s thesis topics

	Topic	Supervisor
	Bewertung der seitenspezifischen Bindung und Entwurf eines mikrofluidischen Gerätes für die gezielte Verabreichung von bioinspirierten Nanovesikeln (topic is not available any more)	Hayden
	Research group Heinz Nixdorf Chair of Biomedical Electronics (Prof. Hayden)
	Characterization of Ablation-induced Alterations of Cardiac Tissue via X-ray-based Tomography (topic is not available any more)	Herzen
	Research group Physics of Biomedical Imaging Contact person Josef Scholz
	Convolutional neural networks and transfer learning for artefacts reduction in X-ray dark-field CT	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description Grating-based X-ray dark-field (DF) imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. X-ray dark-field imaging can be combined with computed tomography (CT) to create three-dimensional images of the scattering distribution inside an object. DF-CT was recently implemented for the first time into a clinical CT here at TUM (https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/news/details/new-technology-for-clinical-ct-scans). The goal of this project is to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to remove sampling artefacts in DF-CT images. Due to the unavailability of training data from the DF-CT machine, a technologically similar experimental setup and apply transfer learning will be used. The student will acquire, process and prepare training data, as well as train and apply CNNs. Character of thesis work: experimental lab work/ data acquisition (50%) & computational/ image processing (50%) Basic experience in image processing, CNNs, and/or Python programming are desirable. For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Florian Schaff
	Deep learning for integrated optimization of image reconstruction and analysis in portable MRI (topic is not available any more)	Rückert
	Research group Informatics 31 - Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Medicine (Prof. Rückert) (Joint Appointment between Department of Medicine und Department of Informatics)
	Development, characterisation, and implementation of a continuous live-cell feeding system for label-free metabolic monitoring by mid-infrared optoacoustic detection (topic is not available any more)	Ntziachristos
	Research group Chair of Biological Imaging - Cooperation with Helmholtz Zentrum München (Prof. Ntziachristos)
	Development of Effective Algorithms for Removing Motion Artifacts in Abdominal Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (topic is not available any more)	Karampinos
	Research group Institute of Radiology
	Distortion correction for high-resolution quantitative X-ray imaging detectors	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description X-ray imaging detectors - in particular for high-resolution microscopy applications - may suffer from distortions, which degrade the image quality. This can have severe negative effects for quantitative applications, such as 3D micro-computed tomography. This project focuses on the characterisation of distortions of several X-ray imaging detectors at the Munich Compact Light Source, and the subsequent development of suitable correction methods. Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Melcher (johannes.melcher@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf Johannes Melcher
	DNA Based Robot Arms for Molecular Sensing (topic is not available any more)	Simmel
	Research group Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems
	DNA-Origami als Fallen für filamentöse Viren (topic is not available any more)	Dietz
	Research group Biomolecular Nano-Technology
	Entwicklung eines kardiovaskulären in vitro Modells mittels Bioprinting (topic is not available any more)	Mela
	Research group Chair of Medical Materials and Implants (Prof. Mela)
	Entwicklung, Herstellung und Charakterisierung transformierbarer und biokompatibler Elektroden aus neuartigem Material für periphere Nervenschnittstellen und Neuromodulation (topic is not available any more)	Wolfrum
	Research group Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics (Prof. Wolfrum)
	Entwicklung von Referenzsystemen und Oberflächenchemie zum Nachweis von Exosomen. (topic is not available any more)	Hayden
	Research group Heinz Nixdorf Chair of Biomedical Electronics (Prof. Hayden)
	Evaluierung von Methoden zur Anomalieerkennung hinsichtlich unterschiedlicher Modalitäten (topic is not available any more)	Rückert
	Research group Informatics 31 - Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Medicine (Prof. Rückert) (Joint Appointment between Department of Medicine und Department of Informatics)
	High-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging at the Munich Compact Light Source - Computational Part	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the development of an algorithmic framework for a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such biopsies. Character of thesis work: mainly computational (image processing/ reconstruction) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf Johannes Brantl
	High-sensitivity grating-based phase-contrast imaging at the Munich Compact Light Source - Experimental Part	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description Using phase-contrast as alternative imaging contrast for X-rays can considerably improve the imaging results for biomedical specimens. This project will focus on the experimental construction of a high-sensitivity and high-resolution grating-based phase-contrast micro-tomography setup at the Munich Compact Light Source for investigating soft-tissue biomedical samples, such as biopsies. Character of thesis work: mainly experimental For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Johannes Brantl (johannes.brantl@tum.de), or Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf Johannes Brantl
	Implementation of a grating-based interferometer for X-ray vector radiography at the Munich Compact Light Source	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description Grating-based X-ray dark-field (DF) imaging uses scattering of X-rays to create an image of an object, rather than conventional X-ray attenuation. The combination of X-ray scattering with imaging allows us to map information about structures that are much smaller than the resolution of the imaging system over a large field of view. The fact that the used gratings typically are one-dimensional can be leveraged to obtain an orientation dependent dark-field signal in a technique called X-ray vector radiography (XVR). Applications of XVR include the determination of the fibre orientation in reinforced composite materials, or characterization of the anisotropic structure in trabecular bones. The goal of this project is to implement an experimental XVR setup at the Munich Compact Light Source (MuCLS - https://www.bioengineering.tum.de/en/central-building/munich-compact-light-source). The student will help with the design, implementation, and characterization of the X-ray grating interferometer setup, and conduct their own XVR experiments. Character of thesis work: experimental lab work/ controls/ data acquisition (50%) & computational/ simulation/image processing (50%) Basic experience in X-ray imaging, and/or Python programming are desirable. For more information, please contact: Dr. Florian Schaff (florian.schaff@tum.de), or Prof. Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de). Contact person Florian Schaff
	In vitro and in silico assessment of the microvascular network under fluid flow	Alim
	Research group Theory of Biological Networks Description Blood vessels deliver oxygen and necessary nutrients to all tissues in the body. During embryonic development, formation of the first primitive vascular labyrinth though vasculogenesis is followed by vascular network expansion and maturation through angiogenesis. The latter comprises formation of new blood vessels out of pre-existing ones and the subsequent vascular remodeling in order to adapt the vascular network to the specific metabolic demands of the surrounding tissue. Onset of blood flow into the primary vascular network is known for having major impacts on vascular remodeling ensuring the network’s efficiency through structural normalization and hierarchy. Owing to the fact that vessel remodeling is often found impaired in pathological angiogenesis, many therapeutic methods have been developed to interfere with the vessel growth and normalization strictly affecting vascular morphology. However, the exact correlation between vessel morphological variations and alterations in blood flow dynamics has not been fully elucidated. Moreover, while many animal models have been developed to assess the effect of blood fluid flow on vascular morphology, translating their outcomes to human vascular system is often challenging. Employing the recent state-of-the-art microfluidic techniques for human organ-on-a-chip developments, one can grow perfusable human capillaries on polymeric chips for direct investigation of vascular structural development under flow through real time observations. Taking advantage of our in-house established human microvasculature on PDMS chip models, this project is aimed to assess the impact of fluid flow on the microvascular network architecture and vessel caliber. To this end you will be working with existing 2D network image datasets analysing the microvascular structural remodeling in response to the fluid flow. Contact person Fatemeh Mirzapour
	Low-dose phase-contrast tomography at a rotating anode X-ray source (topic is not available any more)	Herzen
	Research group Physics of Biomedical Imaging Contact person Lisa Heck
	New drugs and molecular machines with DNA origami	Dietz
	Research group Biomolecular Nano-Technology Description Please inquire for thesis projects.
	Parylene Charakterisierung (topic is not available any more)	Wolfrum
	Research group Associate Professorship of Neuroelectronics (Prof. Wolfrum)
	Radioluminescence microscopy for organoid specimens	Pfeiffer
	Research group Biomedical Physics Description Radioluminescence microscopy (RLM) is a novel approach for high-resolution imaging of the radionuclide uptake in living cells, particularly in organoid systems. This project will focus on the development of an experimental setup, which allows imaging the radionuclide distribution with a few micro-meter resolution, using a scintillator-lens CCD system. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the department of nuclear medicine at the TUM university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar. Character of thesis work: experimental (50%) / computational (50%) For more information, please contact: Martin Dierolf (martin.dierolf@tum.de), Franz Pfeiffer (franz.pfeiffer@tum.de) Contact person Martin Dierolf

Registering the research phase

The registration to all modules belonging to the research phase is done at once in the Dean's Office (Dekanat), normally at the beginning of the third Master's semester. When doing this, the certificate of mentor counseling has to be included. After agreeing on a topic with the future supervisor, students can print out the registration form in the student access.

After six months the Master's thesis should begin. Passing the Master's seminar and the Master's training will be recorded in TUMonline and you are officially alowed to start the thesis.

Handing in the thesis and getting the grade

Before handing in the Master's thesis, you must fill in the final titel of the thesis in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Afterwards, you have to hand in two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat). You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind.

Extension of the deadline is only possible for good reasons. See FAQ on Thesis extension.

The Master's thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second examiner. The second examiner is appointed by the examination board on suggestion of the supervisor (after official registration of Master’s thesis).

The supervisor and the second examiner will also grade the Master's colloquium, which completes the research phase.

Re-enrollment during the research phase

For any examination you must be enrolled as a student of TUM. Hence you need to re-enroll for one semester more e.g. if you hand in your Master’s thesis or your Master’s colloquium takes place after the current semester ends.

With a due date for your thesis or a scheduled date for the colloquium e.g. in October, you should not forget to re-enroll for the winter semester and the corresponding deadline would be August 15.

Organization of the colloquium

The Master’s colloquium is organised and conducted by the supervisor together with the second examiner. The Master’s colloquium takes approximately 60 minutes, consisting of a 30 minutes talk and 30 minutes examination. Naturally, the inclusion of the colloquium in a group seminar is possible.

Completing your Master studies

At the end of the semester in which you reach the necessary 120 ECTS in your Master's degree program and passed all required exams you will be exmatriculated (according to §13(1) enrolment rules of TUM). In most cases the Master's colloquium will be the last exam to reach this point.

Taking further exams and final documents

You are principally allowed to take further exams after reaching the 120 ECTS, i.e. to replace previous results in the catalog of the focus areas with better results. Therefore it is generally not possible that the final documents are generated before you are exmatriculated. In case you need the final documents (or even preliminary documents) earlier, you have to request for it explicitly. See the Remarks on end of studies and final documents for further information.

Deriving the final grade

The final grade is the ECTS-weighted average of the graded exams.

Module	CP	ca. %
PH2001 Biomedical Physics 1	5	6,25
PH2002 Biomedical Physics 2	5	6,25
Fokus area	40	50
Master’s Thesis	30	37,5
Summe	80	100