Location:

Leuven, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of physics, biochemistry, and biology. If necessary, a number of basic courses will be offered to fill gaps in previous studies. In some cases, students are required to take a number of introductory courses. For students with a Bachelor's degree in physics, the courses address biochemistry and cellular biology. For students with a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry or biology, the courses address physics. Prospective students should: - have a strong interest in the structure-function relation of biomolecules; - have a strong interest in the understanding of the behaviour of molecules in the living cell; - have a sound theoretical and practical basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology; - possess the general skills to conduct laboratory work and statistical data analysis, present and report research results, retrieve and assimilate information, use computers and work in a project-oriented way; - be able to study and report on a specific scientific sub-area through guided independent learning with gradually decreasing supervisory support. Basic knowledge is defined on the basis of the following international textbooks: - Physics: R.Serway & J.Jewett, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed) - Mathematics: C. Neuhauser, Calculus for Biology and Medicine (2nd ed) - Chemistry: J.R. Holium, Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (6th ed) - Biology: Solomon, Berg & Martin, Biology - Biochemistry: Garrett & Grisham, Biochemistry (3rd ed) or Van Holde & Ahern, Biochemistry (3rd ed)

The Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology is an international interdisciplinary study programme offered by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, the Medical Imaging Centre, and the Physiology Research Group. This two-year Master's programme (120 ECTS) focuses on the phenomena related to the interaction and communication between living cells and their molecular constituents, drawing on research methods used within the fields of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and physics. The programme provides in-depth training in the multidisciplinary fields of biophysics and biochemistry, with particular emphasis on subfields in which KU Leuven's research expertise is internationally recognised: the determination of molecular structures, molecular and supramolecular modelling, the spectroscopy of biomolecules, the physical modelling of complex systems and the study of these models, the transport through ion channels in membranes, and the study of molecular interactions and physical principles in vitro, in complex biological machineries and in the living cell. This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Setting Description:

Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is home to a vibrant community of international scholars spread out over its various campuses. 14% of the university’s 54,000 students are international representing 140 countries. KU Leuven's three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. Boasting an outstanding central location, KU Leuven offers a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research and cutting-edge innovation.

Cost:

https://www.kuleuven.be/studentenadministratie/inschrijvingen/en/fees/fees.html