KU Leuven
Master of Molecular Biology
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Molecular biology is the discipline within the life sciences aimed at understanding the molecular basis of life in health and disease. It is a multidisciplinary area of study and deals with the structure and function of molecules as well as their interplay in creating the phenomenon of life.
The Interuniversity Programme in Molecular Biology is organized by Vrije Universiteit Brussel in collaboration with KU Leuven and Universiteit Antwerpen.
Do you have a bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or biomedical science, and can’t get enough of the biochemical unity that underlies the world's biological diversity? This two-year inter-university master of science in Molecular Biology is just the program you’re looking for! Given the diverse backgrounds of our students, we organize a pre-test in week 1 of the 1st year to assess prior knowledge in mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and practical research skills. Any deficiencies are covered by compulsory orientation towards certain electives. By the end of year one, you’ll be right up to speed and ready to continue with the advanced common core and specialized courses in year two. You'll also be armed with all the laboratory skills you need to prepare a thesis in year two, thanks to our intensive training.
Research Management Skills
You’ll learn to perform and manage research in a multidisciplinary and international context. We’ll train you in various aspects of research communication and research management with our specific courses on Research Communication Skills and Project Writing and Management.
Dissertation or Master's Thesis
Supervised by a promoter, you’ll carry out an independent research project and produce a written dissertation of your research and results. During the experimental part of the thesis, you master the art of planning and performing experiments and interpreting results. You also learn to report both orally and in writing, prepare presentations, and summarise literature data. Finished? Then you’ll present your work in public and answer questions from a jury and the audience. There are many potential research projects offering real contributions to molecular biology, so you can select any lab, even beyond the three partner universities.
The strengths of our Molecular Biology program
- VUB has already earned a strong reputation in training and basic and applied research in molecular biology and biotechnology.
- Thanks to dedicated courses, you’ll be trained in indispensable research communication and management skills in a multidisciplinary and international context.
- You’ll conduct an independent research project, in which you’ll master valuable skills for the future, such as project writing and performance, planning and experimentation, critical interpretation and presentation.
Curriculum
Year 1
Common core 1
- Analytical Biochemistry
- Molecular Microbiology
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Research rotation I
- Immunology
- Research Communication Skills
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Research rotation II
Year 2
Common core 2
- Micro- and Nanobiotechnology
- Global Biotechnology Challenges
- Project Writing and Management
Career Opportunities
Develop your understanding of cellular processes, biological molecules and their interactions and choose your preferred profile: Biotechnology for Global Health or Agro- and Plant Biotechnology. You’ll graduate knowing how to appraise the scientific and social aspects of applied molecular biology.
You’ll be armed to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and to develop preventive strategies, diagnostic techniques and therapies, while understanding relevant ethical issues.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Program Leaders
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.