TU Braunschweig and University of São Paulo launch joint Master’s module on Nutrition and Metabolism

TU Braunschweig and the University of São Paulo have launched their first jointly approved Master’s programme module. The module is an innovative approach to advancing international teaching. By integrating virtual lectures, interactive group work and practical exercises, it offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience that prepares students for global scientific collaboration.

The idea for a German-Brazilian teaching collaboration arose during Professor Jarlei Fiamoncini’s sabbatical in the laboratory of Professor Karsten Hiller at TU Braunschweig. Both researchers share a passion for understanding the complex relationship between nutrition and metabolism. With the support of TU Braunschweig International Teaching Lab in the Project House, they developed a structured concept for the course. The involvement of Dr Gabi Kastenmüller, a renowned expert in systems metabolism at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, further strengthened the plan.

An international and interdisciplinary learning experience

Testing an ergospirometer. This device is used to measure metabolism and physical performance. Photo credit: Karsten Hiller/TU Braunschweig

The English-language module “Nutrition and Metabolism” in the Master’s programme in Biology at TU Braunschweig and in the Master’s programme in Nutritional Sciences at the University of São Paulo is designed not only to impart current knowledge in biochemistry, metabolism and systems biology, but also to promote intercultural exchange between Brazilian and German students. “This course goes beyond traditional teaching. It connects students from different cultures and research backgrounds and encourages them to learn from each other while addressing key issues in nutrition and metabolism,” says Professor Karsten Hiller from TU Braunschweig.

Over a ten-week period, students attended weekly online lectures on topics such as nutritional biochemistry, metabolism and inflammation. In addition, weekly seminars allowed students to work together in international teams to research specific topics and present their findings. The practical part of the course took place in person at both universities, where students took part in practical experiments, including measuring the body’s oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production via the air they breathe, as well as blood sugar levels to assess the effects of fasting and various macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) on whole-body metabolism, and using mass spectrometry to analyse the protein content of different foods such as protein shakes, quark and blood samples.

“Bringing together students from both universities and creating a shared learning experience was an important goal of this project” says Professor Jarlei Fiamoncini from the University of São Paulo. “We also explored the cultural dimensions of nutrition, such as eating habits in Germany and Brazil, thus broadening the students’ perspective on global nutrition science.”

A glucose sensor worn on the arm. The sensor continuously measures sugar levels in tissue at short intervals. This provides a history of sugar data. Photo credit: Daniel Burket.

The module also introduced students to cutting-edge research methods, including metabolomics, stable isotope tracing and bioinformatics approaches to studying human metabolism.

“This course gave students hands-on experience in analysing metabolomic data using systems biology approaches,” says Dr Gabi Kastenmüller from Helmholtz Zentrum München. “Understanding how diet and genetic factors influence metabolism at a systems level is crucial for advancing personalised nutrition and disease prevention strategies.”

Challenges and adaptability

The implementation of a bi-national module also presented logistical hurdles, including different academic calendars and time zone differences. Halfway through the course, for example, the realisation that Brazil does not observe daylight saving time meant that the time difference between São Paulo and Braunschweig was suddenly reduced by one hour. “Fortunately, our team was flexible enough to adapt,” says Kastenmüller. “This experience showed us how important adaptability is not only in research, but also in international teaching cooperation.”

Enrichment for students

Daniel Burket, a Master’s student at TU Braunschweig:

“I wish there were more courses like this. Working with Brazilian students was a priceless experience, and learning about nutrition and metabolism was not only interesting for a biology student, but also gave me a different perspective on my eating habits and how my body works.”

Larissa Rodrigues, a student at the University of São Paulo, said:

“The course was a great opportunity to learn about nutrition and metabolism from different perspectives. Even more enriching was the contact with excellent lecturers and students from Germany, which made it a valuable scientific and cultural experience.”

Following this success, TU Braunschweig and the University of São Paulo are exploring further opportunities for joint educational initiatives.