Molecular Life Sciences

Contents

The education programme focuses on the acquirement of competences needed for the application of research for the development of products in various areas of molecular life sciences.

5 Modules to reach your Master degree

Within the following five modules, students acquire the needed knowledge and skills to translate molecular life science research into products:

Introduction

During this module, basics in molecular and cell biology, gene technology, using databases and reading scientific articles are refreshed. After this, all students have the same post-bachelor level and are ready to acquire skills in product development during the following modules.

Infectious Diseases

This module starts with a guest lecture week, in which experts in the field inform about the recent developments in fighting infectious diseases. Based on this, on information in the literature and some basic market analysis, students develop potential products to prevent or cure infectious diseases. A training in (scientific) writing and presenting enables them to communicate their advices about such future products in a professional way.

Carcinogenesis

This module continues with the design of a strategy to develop such a potential product; this time in the context of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Furthermore, patent opportunities and blocks for the product are studied. Guest lecturers inform again about the recent developments in the field.

Biotechnology

During this module, skills in product development are complemented by a course in project management. Students write a project proposal including not only the experimental strategy leading to the product, but also a planning with respect to aims, time, costs and communication as well as an analysis of risks and chances. During this module, all activities, are in the context of the development of sustainable products in pharma, biofuel, food and personal care industries. A short project in fermentation technology is also included.

Master Thesis

During this final module, all developed skills are used to develop a product in one of the numerous companies in the field or in a research institution. Upon successful completion of this project with a report, presentation and defence, students demonstrate that they have reached all necessary competences to independently plan and carry out projects in product development.

After graduation

After graduation from the Applied Master programme in Molecular Life Sciences, the classical career option is to become a project leader in a life science company. However, to continue with a PhD project is also possible.

To make sure our graduates meet the requirement of potential employers, the programme management is regularly in discussion with representatives of the work field. The last meeting was in April 2009 during which the demand of professionals specialized in applying knowledge for product development was emphasized. As a result, the graduate profile and final qualifications of the Applied Master in Molecular Life Sciences was updated. For detailed information see 'Downloads' on the right.

Integration of the programme in contract R&D at HAN BioCentre

The HAN BioCentre performs contract R&D in the field of molecular biology, fermentation technology and downstream processing. The staff of the Master programme is involved in these activities and vice versa ensuring that the programme is always up up-to-date. Furthermore, students of the Master programme are often involved in these projects giving them the chance to work on realistic projects.

The Professorship of the HAN BioCentre

The Industrial Microbiology Professorship is part of the HAN BioCentre, that conducts custom research on behalf of the businesses community in the areas of Applied Life Sciences and Chemistry.

Prof. dr. C.A.M.J.J. van den Hondel holds the Professorship of Industrial Microbiology. This professorship is located in Nijmegen in the `University of Applied Sciences´ building, Laan van Scheut 2.