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Molecular Biology – (M.Sc.)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Faculty of Science and Bio-engineering Sciences
| Application Deadline: | EEA: 1 June, non-EEA: 1 March | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 578 | ||
| Location: | Brussels / Belgium / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 24 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Molecular biology is the discipline within the life sciences that aims at understanding the molecular basis of life in health and disease. Obviously, it is a multidisciplinary subject, dealing with the structure and function of molecules as well as their interplay to create the phenomenon life. Research in molecular biology not only intends to produce knowledge, but also offers new opportunities for the development of diagnostic tools, new strategies to improve agricultural production and improve the health status of man and livestock.
This Master is an Interuniversity Programme on Molecular Biology (IPMB), jointly organized by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Universiteit Antwerpen, and selected and supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UDC) as one of its international course programmes. Although originally designed to meet the needs of students from developing countries, the programme offers an exquisite opportunity for those who seek re-orientation to enter the fascinating world of molecular biology. Also Erasmus-Socrates students who visit the organizing universities for one or two semesters are most welcome to attend classes and acquire laboratory skills.
The programme aims at strengthening and updating the theoretical and practical skills of young scientists from developing countries who are already involved in either human or animal health care, or agricultural research. The goal of the programme is not just to transfer technology but rather to train participants to acquire the ability to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and challenges and to provide them with the intellectual tools needed to develop a molecular biological approach to tackle the problems their country is facing.
Career Opportunities
Masters of Molecular Biology find employment in universities, hospitals, private and governmental research laboratories, patenting bureaus, as lecturers, consultants, advisors to policy makers etc. Many graduates proceed to PhD-programmes in Belgium or abroad. Students from developing countries can apply for VLIR-UDC support to re-integrate at home or for a sandwich PhD-scholarship. Flemish students can apply for a PhD scholarship of VLIR-UDC to make a PhD on developmental relevant topics.
Contents
Most important topics in molecular biology in first year
In view of the diversity of the background of the students, the first year consists of in depth courses that cover the most important topics in molecular biology and bring the students to the level of knowledge required to successfully follow the advanced and specialization courses of the second year. During intensive laboratory training, students are well prepared to embark for the preparation of their dissertation in the second year.
Advanced courses in second year
In the second year, all students take four advanced courses followed by three specialization courses in either the field of human health, animal production or plant production. Also much time is devoted to the preparation and writing of the dissertation, which is an original research work made under the supervision of a promoter and defended in public.
1 Year
* Molecular Biology
* Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Genetic Engineering
* General Chemistry and Protein Chemistry
* General and Analytical Biochemistry
* Mathematics and Statisitcs
* Microbiology
* Practicals I
* Bioinformatic Tools
* Immunology
* Microbial Genetics and Genetics of Higher Eukaryotes
* Virology and Parasitology
* Practicals II
* Visits
2 Year
Common Core
* Advanced and Applied Molecular Biology
* Advanced Microbial Genetics and Virology
* Physical Chemistry and Structural Analysis of Macromolecules
* Social and Economical Aspects of Biotechnology
Specialisation Human Health
* Human Infectious Diseases
* Epidemiology : Study Design and Analysis
* Human Genetics and Diseases
* Dissertation
Specialisation Plant Production (KULeuven)
* Phytopathology
* Biocontrol of Plant Diseases and Bio-fertilisation
* Plant Biodiversity
* Dissertation
Specialisation Animal Production (KULeuven)
* Prophylaxis of infectious Diseases of Farm Animals
* Applied Biotechnology in Livestock Production
* Livestock Genetics
* Dissertation
Master´s test
The dissertation is a most important part of the programme and is considered as the "crown" of two years of intensive study and training. Since the academic year 2003-2004, the number of credits allocated to the dissertation was increased from 22 to 30. In view of the real time that students devote to the preparation of the dissertation, this was a right and justified decision of the steering committee and is fully supported by all lecturers. Also the students appreciate this decision.
The dissertation is an original research work that contributes to the knowledge of the field concerned. The dissertation is a "quality-label" that proves the ability of the student to retrieve, master and comprehensively summarize the vast literature related to the research topic, to work as a member of a team, to solve problems, to get acquainted with new techniques, to interpret data obtained in a critical way, to report on results, detect hurdles and make suggestions to overcome them, plan future experiments, put results obtained into perspective and finally to write the dissertation and defend it in public before a jury and an audience.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
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Requirements
Diploma
Eligible are holders of a bachelor/master diploma (or equivalent), issued by a Flemish university, in the fields of sciences, applied biological sciences, applied sciences, medicine, veterinarian medicine, pharmacy or holders of the diploma of Industrial Engineering with specialization in Chemistry or Agriculture.
Eligible are also holders of one of the above mentioned diplomas, issued by a non-Flemish university after 4 years of study or after three years of study on condition that the candidate has relevant research experience that can be considered as equivalent to the fourth year of a 4 year study. Applicants should complete the application package and return it to the IPMB secretariat (Vrije Universiteit Brussel-IPMB, Pleinlaan 2, Building E, room E5.01, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium)
* Download the application from the website of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
English
A good knowledge of English is a prerequisite. Proof of proficiency in English has to be provided if previous studies were in a different language.
A language test: only TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, CPE, CAE are accepted. The minimum requirements are TOEFL: paper-based: 550, computer-based: 213, internet-based: 80; TOEIC: 860; IELTS-academic module: Band 6.5; CPE: Grade C; CAE: Grade B.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 6.5 |
| TOEFL Paper-based: | 550 |
| TOEFL Computer-based: | 213 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 80 |
Accreditation
All degree programs are accredited by NVAO.
Ask a Question
You can contact Interuniversity Programme Molecular Biology to ask a question about Molecular Biology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
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