Teaching, Dr. Christian C. Gruber

Thomas Carruthers

“A good teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.”

At the core of my teaching philosophy stands the conviction that the most effective way to learn science is to do science. I combine traditional methods — blackboard derivations, physical molecular model kits — with state-of-the-art computational tools, including Virtual Reality environments, AI-driven platforms, and molecular dynamics simulations. That research-led teaching can contribute to scientific discourse at the highest level is illustrated by a practical lab exercise that led directly to a Nature Correspondence (2025) identifying systematic stereochemical errors in AlphaFold 3.

My lectures (4 courses, 9 ECTS/year, 150–230 students annually)

MOL.603UB

University of Graz

Molecular Virology

3 ECTS

MOL.969UF

Graz University of Technology

Integrative Structural Biochemistry

2 ECTS

MOL.878U

University of Graz

Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling

2 ECTS

My practical courses

MOL.878U

University of Graz

Structural Bioinformatics
Practical Course

2 ECTS

Lecture abstracts

Molecular Virology

This lecture provides a basic understanding of virology and introduce questions and methods of virological research. What is a virus? Genetic diversity, replication cycles, structural composition, evolution, classification, virus receptors, significance as a pathogen, antiviral strategies will be covered. These concepts are first discussed in general terms and then in detail using the example of some concrete, important viruses, including influenza, corona viruses, HIV, hepatitis A, B, C, FSME. At some points, results of current, molecular biological research are explained to enable an understanding of modern, virological research methods. After the lectures, the students have acquired fundamental knowledge of virology. They know the basic terms and definitions. They understand the genetic diversity and the significance of viruses as pathogens. They are also familiar with antiviral strategies and with a number of important viral infections.

Integrative Structural Biochemistry

This course introduces students to concepts of the relatively new field of integrative structural biology. Short refreshers of classical methods of structure elucidation (X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance) will be followed by detailed descriptions of complementary techniques that are essential for a detailed functional characterization of complex biomolecules as well as biomolecular complexes. These methods include advanced concepts of NMR, solution scattering studies (SAXS/SANS), computer-aided calculations (structure prediction, ligand binding, molecular dynamics), cryo-electron microscopy as well as mass spectrometry-based concepts (Crosslinking, radical footprinting, Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange). In addition, integrative modelling approaches that combine complementary experimental techniques and/or bioinformatic data will be discussed. To better convey the educational contents, emphasis will be put on demonstrating the potential of each methodology for addressing complex biological questions. This will provide students with the basis for effectively approaching the characterization of scientific systems during subsequent stages of their education (master thesis, PhD thesis).

Structural Bioinformatics (Practical Course)

Practical examples from the field of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling: prediction and modeling of protein structures, docking simulations, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics. Theoretical knowledge as provided by the lecture course structural bioinformatics – molecular modeling, basic knowledge in structural biology is expected. After the course, the students are able to independently solve problems in the field of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling.

Structural Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling

Basics of structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling: structural databases, structure validation and visualization, prediction of secondary and tertiary structures of proteins (threading, homology modeling), ligand design (molecular docking, molecular interaction fields), molecular mechanics and dynamics, estimation of free energies, enzyme design, basics of QM- and QM/MM-methods. Basic knowledge of chemistry and structural biology is required. After the lecture, the students are able to extract structural information of small molecules and biological macromolecules from the specific databases and to validate these data. They know some important software products and web services, which are used in structural bioinformatics. The students understand the basis of important algorithms and are able to assess their usability and limits.

Supervision

Over nearly two decades, I have (co-)supervised 4 doctoral theses, 12 master theses, 16 bachelor theses, 6 lab projects, and mentored 13 postdocs and senior scientists at Innophore and acib.

I am particularly proud that one of my PhD students in 2025 received the Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae — Austria’s highest academic distinction, awarded personally by the Federal President — alongside the ORF/Infineon Women’s Science and Innovation Award (1st prize).

Several alumni now hold positions as professors, postdoctoral researchers, and industry experts across Europe.

Open and ongoing thesis

1 of 4 available

University of Graz

Bachelor thesis

Please contact me for an appointment

As advertised

University of Graz

Master thesis

Master’s theses are advertised online