Discovery of cellular processes in terms of  systems biology depend on the availability of adequate analytical methods for data acquisition and evaluation. The more complex the systems to understand the more important the efficiency of the method applied regarding temporal, spacial and monetary expense. On-hand conventionally analytical  methods in these days are not optimised for such multi-dimensional data acquisitions.
New, alternative ways have to be explored in order to give the possibility of fast analyses, comprehensive information recording of the biological system and data processing at the same time. Here, micro systems technology can contribute and supply the technological platform necessary for examination of microscopic systems. Using photolithographic processes micrometer and submicrometer scale structures can be fabricated. Such structures are in the dimensions of biological cells or even smaller. Thus, foundation are laid to control the reaction conditions at cellular and sub-cellular level with high spacial and temporal resolution.
The central idea of the graduate school is the cooperation and the intensive exchange of knowledge between scientists of different disciplines aiming the development of novel analytical platforms applicable to systems biology.