The Netherlands is a
nation built on knowledge. Our economy relies on people who know what makes the
modern world tick. Without them, what would become of our high-tech life
science industries (e.g. Shell, DSM, Unilever), our agricultural sector or our
innovations in biotechnology and medical research (in areas like cancer,
infectious diseases, ageing and neurological conditions)? We need people who
have learned to conduct independent research in a national or international
setting and who are equipped to face the rigours of tomorrow’s market. The
Master’s programme in Biomolecular Sciences/Molecular Cell Biology prepares you
for this challenge.
The field of Biomolecular Sciences/Molecular
Cell Biology is a core research area at the VU. Much of the faculty’s research
in this field has been brought together in a single organization, the Institute
of Molecular Cell Biology (IMC). Occupying a position at the scientific
forefront, the IMC is geared towards international research and enjoys close
cooperative ties both with institutes inside the Netherlands and leading
research teams further afield. This far-reaching network gives you as a
Master’s student the opportunity to fulfil your traineeships in a cutting-edge
research environment here and abroad.
The full Master’s programme in Biomolecular
Sciences/Molecular Cell Biology takes two years and is worth 120 credits. It is
also possible to take individual sections of the programme, leading to degree
component certificates at Master’s level. Most of the tuition is in English.
The classes consist of:
·
Compulsory
courses 27 credits
·
Core
options/selected topics 12 credits
·
First
traineeship 30-36
credits
·
Second
traineeship 30-36
credits
·
Literature
survey 9
credits
·
Elective
options 12 credits
Formative Academic Skills (9 credits)
Subjects include Ethics, History of Science and
Scientific writing in English.
A choice of three out of five of the following
set courses:
September: Integrative Bioinformatics and
Genomics
October: Molecular Microbiology
November: Developmental Biology
December: Parasitology
January: Formative Academic Skills (see above)
February: Biological Fluorescence.
This programme gives a thorough grounding in
the subjects and methods of the Institute, as well as providing a solid
preparation for one or more traineeships.
The aim of the core options and selected topics
is to provide you with in-depth knowledge of various areas. They deal with both
theoretical and practical aspects. Your choice of courses will depend on your
own interests and the focus of your research traineeships. It is also possible
to take a tutorial in order to fill in any gaps in your existing knowledge. A
number of short courses and intensive courses are available in the areas of
mass spectroscopy, protein purification, protein synthesis and other subjects
from the programme run by BioCentrum Amsterdam.
Your traineeships will account for
approximately 70 of your credits. You can choose between two traineeships of
equal length, or one longer traineeship (with a maximum of 40 credits) and one
slightly shorter traineeship (with a minimum of 30 credits). Your first
traineeship should preferably be within the VU. You are free to fulfil your
second traineeship outside of the VU, at an institute abroad, for example.
As a Master’s student you are also required to
carry out a literature survey. You are expected to complete this task
independently to a large extent, though you will, of course, have expert
guidance from one of the teaching staff. You can also determine your own topic
and research question. Your literature survey can focus on a scientific
question but may also take a more applied or social approach.
As a Master’s graduate, you can embark on a
research career in the field of biomolecular sciences/molecular cell biology in
industry, the academic world or other research institutes, within the
Netherlands or abroad.
Direct admission to the Master’s programme in
Biomolecular Sciences/Molecular Cell Biology is possible with a Bachelor’s
degree in biomedical sciences or biology from a university in the Netherlands.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another subject (e.g. chemistry, physics,
qualification as a research technician) obtained at a university or institute
of higher education in the Netherlands or abroad, the Examination Board will
decide whether to admit you. It may set additional requirements if necessary.
Vrije Universiteit
Student Services, main building
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0)20 444 5020 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
local time)
Information on the Internet: www.falw.vu.nl
Contact:
Dr H.S. van Walraven
Dept. of Structural Biology (Room H-225)
Prof. B. Oudega (Room M-548)
Dept. of Molecular Microbiology
Institute of Molecular Cell Biology
De Boelelaan 1085
1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0)20 444 7177
E-mail: rieky.van.walraven@falw.vu.nl or
bauke.oudega@falw.vu.nl
No rights may be derived from the contents of
this brochure.