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Biology – (M.Sc.)
VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
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| Application Deadline: | Start in 1 September: April (non-EEA: April). | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,750 - ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Education Variants: |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 120 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of VU University Amsterdam
The Masters programme in Biology is about a fascination for life. From exploring the latest developments in DNA and genomics to studying interrelations between flora and fauna in complex ecosystems.
The greenhouse effect is warming the Earth. What will the consequences be for life on our planet? How do cells communicate? As plants and animals adapt to pollution in their environments, or to changes in temperature, we need to know we can research these phenomena. What will be your contribution to the theory of evolution? If you can't wait to answer these questions, then Biology is the programme for you. While pursuing a Master's in Biology, you can opt to study an exciting number of specialisations. The research specialisation will enable you to embark on a career in research, either in the business sector or attached to universities or other research institutes. The Policy & Management specialisation equips you for a position as a policy officer and gives you a solid basis from which to start your own business. The Communication & Education specialisation enables you to work in public relations, scientific journalism, biological design or teaching at pre-university or higher vocational education level.
Contents
Types of teaching (in year 1):
- theory: 16%
- practice: 60%
- self study: 24%
Programme internationalization:
- Studying abroad is recommended.
This programme has a workload of 120 ECTS.
Specialities:
Ecology:
Students with a Bachelor's degree oriented towards Biology and Earth Sciences are invited to apply to this programme, which aims at approaching Ecology either from a molecular perspective or from a field scale approach and preferably both. The programme is taught in English. Students who want to focus on Ecology are encouraged to take part in the Master's Ecology programme of VU University Amsterdam.
Green Life Sciences:
This specialization provides a broad curriculum through the combined efforts of Plant Science groups from both the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) of the University of Amsterdam (UVA) and the Institute of Molecular Cell Biology at VU university Amsterdam (VU). Training in theoretical and practical aspects of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology is combined with ecology, systematics and population biology to give the student an integrative view of how plants function. Students should be able to understand biochemical processes as well as evolutionary and ecological questions and their inter-relationship.
Brain and Behaviour:
This specialization focuses on training knowledge, insight and understanding of the multiple facets that play a role in various kinds of behavioural functions - and how these are influenced by genes, environmental factors and developmental factors. Behavioural models are presented and discussed to demonstrate the significance of the brain and behaviour in the context of brain research and its clinical implications. Special attention is given to research issues in mice and in humans.
Societal specialization:
The societal programme requires 1 year of specialized study. This specialization must be combined with a specialization in biological research and may not be combined with the communication specialization or the education specialization.
Education specialization:
The programme focuses on science communication theory and research as well as on science communication in practice. This includes science journalism as well as museology, the use of internet for science communication and health communication. The programme for the communication specialization is 1 year in duration. This specialization must be combined with a specialization in biological research and can not be combined with the societal specialization or the education specialization.
Communication specialization:
Students with a Bachelor's degree oriented towards Biology and Earth Sciences are invited to apply to this programme, which aims at approaching Ecology either from a molecular perspective or from a field scale approach and preferably both. The programme is taught in English. Students who want to focus on Ecology are encouraged to take part in the Master's Ecology programme of VU University Amsterdam.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
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Requirements
Previous education: BSc in biology or equivalent
Additional subject
Additional language requirements:
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- IELTS listening: 6
- IELTS reading: 6
- IELTS writing: 6
- IELTS speaking: 6
- TOEFL paper based: 580
- TOEFL computer based: 237
- TOEFL internet based: 93
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade C (Score: 60) |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 580 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 237 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 93 |
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands
Funding details
Scholarships / Grants:
Nuffic:
The aim of the Libertas Support Fund is to assist politically engaged students who for political reasons have been prevented from studying in their countries of origin to continue their studies in the Netherlands.
For additional information: Website
:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website
VU University Amsterdam:
VU University Amsterdam awards its own scholarships to outstanding students joining our international Master's degree programmes. The VU Fellowship is an amount of money between 2.500 and 15.000 Euros to cover a part of the study expenses. The general criteria for selection are excellence, motivatio
For additional information: Website
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