Biology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Would you like to further specialize in biology after earning a bachelor´s degree? Or would you just like to keep open the possibilities for various opportunities? Both are possible at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The modular system used in our Master of Biology offers a broad and practical choice of specializations. After successfully completing the two-year master´s programme (120 credits), you are:

• Master of Biology: Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology or
• Master of Biology: Environment: Biodiversity and Ecosystems or
• Master of Biology: Human Ecology

Three main specialisations

Within each of the three main specializations, you have a wide choice of research-oriented profiles.

1. Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology

The specialization Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology is focused on the molecular basis of life. You will study genetic mechanisms and their aberrations, such as cancer, and applications, such as gene therapy and stem cells. Also the defence mechanism of the animal body against intruders, such as bacteria, viruses, protists and parasites will be part of your knowledge base.

2. Environment: Biodiversity and Ecosystems

In the specialization Environment: Biodiversity and Ecosystems, you will explore the depths of ecology and the functioning of ecosystems. The knowledge that you acquire is, of course, important for the management, policy issues and the recovery or restoration of ecosystems. As a future biologist, you can acquire knowledge of natural history during field work in Belgium and abroad, and this in combination with acquiring laboratory techniques and specialised ICT techniques.

3. Human Ecology

he specialisation Human Ecology deals with human-alteration of the environment. The programme combines expertise at research and policy level within a global and development context. As a future environmental biologist you will acquire knowledge on various ecosystems and their services, on human-environment interactions, and you will acquire skills in monitoring tools and policy analysis. Field work and visits are organised in combination with laboratory training, specialised data treatment and exercises to acquire methodological skills in a human ecology perspective.

Master´s Research Project

Since research is an important part of your master´s programme, we ensure that it can be carried out in optimal circumstances. The subject of your master´s research project is situated within the research of the biology laboratories at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel or at another institution with which we cooperate.

Science of life, so follow the rhythm of life

Since biology is the science of 'life', it is also necessary to follow the rhythm of life. For example, you are bound to the seasons for the study of amphibian migration, spring vegetation, seed production of tropical mangrove trees, the flowering and pollination of primroses or the blooming of phytoplankton in lakes. For that reason, you can already carry out field work for your master´s research project during your first programme year by moving certain electives to the second programme year.

For other subjects, it is not necessay to take the seasons into account, for example the functional anatomy of mangrove trees, developmental biology of frogs, toxicological research on nano-particles or research in the areas of cancer, stem cells or pathogenic bacteria.

Accreditation

All degree programs are accredited by NVAO.