Life Science and Technology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The duration of each programme is two years (120 EC). Students receive the degree Master of Science in Life Science & Technology after completion of the programme, with specification of the specialization, if applicable. All tracks have the same Director, the same Exam Committee, and the same Programme Committee. An Admission Committee will advise on admissions.

Tracks

• Cell Factory
• Cell Diagnostics
• Functional Genomics
• Living Matter
• Life Science & Technology and Science-Based Business

Track: Cell Factory

Cell factory is the most process-oriented track of the MSc programme. It concerns cells operating as factories as well as in factories. The student focuses on gaining all information and skills necessary for the industrial application of (parts of) living organisms in the production of valuable components. Consequently, this educational programme focuses strongly on technological aspect such as fermentation technology, as well as on purification and formulation aspects of a biotechnological product on its way to the end consumer, in addition to modern molecular biology with its basis in genomics and physiology

Track: Cell Diagnostics

This programme focuses on development and implementation of methods, techniques and instruments in order to obtain the maximum of information about the living cell. This applies to all organizational levels, from molecule through subcellular structure to the whole cell, in vitro and in situ. In addition to acquiring new fundamental knowledge, the development of new medicines is one of the most important applications.

Cell diagnostics is absolutely a bio-instrumentational track in which the definition `Biorecognition´ - the detailed specificity of binding, interaction and biocatalysis through biomolecules -is central. A well-grounded knowledge of biological systems is essential in protein chemistry and protein technology, cell biology, immunobiology, bio -organic and bio-anorganic chemistry. In addition, the student is introduced to new developments in physics, spectroscopy, electron microscopy, (micro)electronics, micro array techniques, image processing and image interpretation as well as in bio-informatics.

Track: Functional Genomics

This programme is characterised by the in-depth study of molecular genetics and cell biology with emphasis on those processes which play a role in regulation of information transport in the cell. In addition, the student gains insight and skills in modern analysis (genomics, proteomics, single cell/single molecule spectroscopy) and recombinant DNA/PCR technologies. A thorough understanding of Bioinformatics is essential in view of the complexity and enormity of the data sets which are generated.

Track: Living Matter

This programme concerns the identification of molecular structures and mechanisms and research of the physical principles underlying cellular organisation. This is the most fundamental track, literally focused on the `Science of Life´. Students will learn to understand living processes in terms of models, rules, laws and theories. Currently, a fundamental, theoretical description of the majority of biological processes is unknown. In order to arrive at a meaningful understanding of nature, it is important to discover regularities or laws in nature.

This approach is evident in the Systems Biology where biological processes are described in model form without knowledge of the underlying theory. Graduates with the Living Matter profile will have accumulated in-depth knowledge stretching from physics and chemistry through mathematics and informatics to molecular biology. Whilst mathematical skills are important for a more quantitative description, the emphasis in these modules lies more on the application rather than the precise definition of mathematical rules. The interdisciplinary nature of the Living Matter profile means that both theoretical and experimental internship positions are possible in both Leiden University and TU Delft within a large number of research groups, in particular chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, theoretical biology, mathematics and informatics.

Track: Life Science & Technology and Science-Based Business

This MSc programme prepares students for a career in science-related business and administration and for innovation and enterprise from an LS&T perspective. In addition to knowledge obtained from one of the above mentioned programmes, students obtain competence with respect to organisation, people in organisations and establishment and management of processes.

Students with a MSc in Life Science & Technology and Science-Based Business are also admissible to a PhD programme.In order to get a SBB Master annotation, the minimal programme consisting of the course SBB Fundamentals and the SBB training period must be completed. The course SBB Fundamentals can also be taken in the "free choice" part of the research MSc programmes mentioned. More information on Science- Based Business is available at www.sbb.leidenuniv.nl

This programme has a workload of 120 ECTS.

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands

Funding details

Scholarships / Grants:

Leiden University:
For additional information: Website