M.Sc. Molecular Biology
University of Antwerp
| Application deadline: | July 31; Non EU: April 30 |
| Tuition fee: |
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| Start date: | September 2013 |
| Credits: | 120 ECTS |
| Duration full-time: | 24 months |
| Partnership: | Joint |
| Languages: |
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| Location: |
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| Delivery mode: | On Campus |
| Educational variant: | Full-time |
Description
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.
This Master 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.
After two years of study, participants should have acquired the ability to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and challenges and the intellectual tools needed to develop a molecular biological approach to tackle the problems their country is facing.
Contents
The first year of this Master programme consists of the following units that must be followed by all participants:
- Molecular Biology;
- Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Genetic Engineering;
- General Chemistry and Protein Chemistry;
- General and Analytical Biochemistry;
- Microbial Genetics and Genetics of Higher Eukaryotes;
- Mathematics and Statistics;
- Bioinformatics;
- Immunology;
- Microbiology;
- Virology and Parasitology;
- Physiology (plant or animal physiologyoption);
- practical courses and visits.
The academic year consists of two semesters and exams are organised at the end of each semester.
Although there are some lectures in the second semester,students spend most of their time in research laboratories where they are acquainted with basic and advanced laboratory practice. Visits to various labs of Flemish universities and research institutes a realsoorganised in the second semester.
These visits are intended to inform the participants about the research that is being conducted in Flanders in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and to allow them to identify a topic for a dissertation in the second year of the programme.
In the second year the participants first follow common core courses
- Advanced and Applied Molecular Biology;
- Advanced Microbial Genetics and Virology;
- Physical Chemistry and Structural Analysis of Macromolecules;
- Social and Economical Aspects of Biotechnology
and one of three specialisation core courses:
- Plant Production (Phytopathology; Bio-Control of Plant Diseases and Biofertilisation; Plant Biodiversity);
- Animal Production (Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases of Farm Animals;Applied Biotechnology in Livestock Production;Livestock Genetics);
- human health (human infectious diseases; Control and Prevention of Human Diseases; Human Genetics and Diseases).
Furthermore, students prepare a dissertation which is a very important part of the programme; half of the study credits of the second year are allocated to it.
The master dissertation consists of an original research work that is to be submitted in writing and defended before a jury and an audience. Preferably, participants should choose a topic that is relevant to the further development of their research activities in their home country.
Requirements
- Holders of a four-year university degree or a three-year university degree (provided the candidate has relevant research experience) are eligible.
- Priority is given to candidates of developing countries holding the degree of Medical Doctor,Veterinary Doctor orAgricultural Engineer.
- Candidates holding degrees in Biology, Biochemistry,Chemistry and other scientific disciplines related to life sciences are also eligible.
- A good knowledge of English is a prerequisite. Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL minimal score 213;computer test=550 paper) or IELTS, minimal score 6.5) has to be provided if previous studies were in a different language.
English Language Requirements
| IELTS band: | 6.5 |
| TOEFL paper-based test score: | 550 |
| TOEFL computer-based test score: | 213 |
| TOEFL internet-based test score: | 80 |
Funding
A limited number of scholarships is offered by VLIR-UDC for participants from developing countries. For details on the application procedure and forms, please consult the VLIR-UOS website.
Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Belgium can apply through the Belgian Embassy for a scholarship from the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC). For details and procedures, please contact the Belgian diplomatic representation in your country or consult the BTC-website. Similarly, citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements with the Flemish community can apply for a scholarship. For details, please consult the website of the Flemish community.
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.
More information on IELTSContact
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