Location:

Brussels, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

• Number of credits : 120 • Years: 2 • Campus: Etterbeek, Brussels • (Inter)national exchange program: optional for 30 credits. • Internship: optional for 6 or 12 credits. Biology is by nature a multifaceted science. Until recently, biologists in individual research fields worked almost independently, with limited exchange of expertise and knowledge. However, contemporary research challenges, like the link between climate change and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, or the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, require integrative approaches, combining elements from different scientific domains. The Master programme in Biology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel allows you to specialize in your research field of interest, while keeping the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary career. The programme includes the following profiles: Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology This profile introduces students into the study of animal and plant development, microbiology, cell signaling pathways, cytoskeleton dynamics, cancer biology, virology and immunology. Courses of this profile span multiple levels of biological organization, from whole organisms down to the molecular level. Students choosing this profile not only receive up-to-date knowledge on these topics but also acquire the laboratory skills required to engage in cutting-edge research. The availability of a staff with world-class expertise and facilities with state-of-the-art equipment ensures an ideal training ground, and excellent opportunities to enter a PhD program after graduation. Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, profile ECOLOGY This profile allows students to gain experience in the research methods used to study the evolution and ecology of organisms found in terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems. A staff of experts teaches up-to-date knowledge on individual organisms, populations, species communities and ecosystems, backed up by their active research experience in taxonomy and phylogeny, vertebrate and invertebrate ecology, evolutionary ecology, biogeography, plant ecology, plant-animal interactions, and nature management. In addition, students are introduced into ecological research by means of practical field training and excursions in Belgium and abroad. Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, profile HERPETOLOGY This unique profile addresses biology students with a passion for amphibians and reptiles. An international team of visiting scientists organizes lectures on diversity, ecology, physiology, behavior, evolution and conservation biology and prepares students for a professional career in herpetology. Ecological and herpetological field courses in European and tropical countries form an important part of this programme. As a student, you will be in a stimulating environment, with fellow students and top-experts sharing your passion. For more information, have a look at www.herpetology.be. Human Ecology This profile focuses on the interaction between humans and their natural environment. The increasing impact of the human population on ecosystems worldwide stresses the urgent need for researchers with a multidisciplinary background, that engage in developmental plans for a durable use and management of natural resources. The profile Human Ecology addresses an international audience of students and offers a course programme that, besides scientific topics, also addresses technological, socio-economical and political aspects. For more information, have a look at our wesbite.

Biology, Science, Genetics

As a Master in Biology, you will find work in many sectors. Most Biology masters play an active role in research, in universities as well as in the business world (medical and pharmaceutical industry, agro-industry). In addition to this, as a Master in Biology, you can also perform policy and governance work at the municipal, regional, federal or international levels. Biologists also find their way into education (secondary, higher and university) and into the educational sector (nature and environment, among others). In each job, the knowledge and skills that you have acquired during your education at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel will be an important trump card.

Setting Description:

The Master of Science in Biology is open to holders of a Bachelor degree in Biology. For other academic bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences, equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students by the Master of Biology Steering Committee. Such as academic Bachelor degrees with a minor in Biology (e.g. BSc in Environmental Sciences, BSc in Biotechnology...) All necessary information regarding the admission requirements and application forms can be found on the web page 'How to enroll as a student'. Students who want to apply for a VLIR-UOS scholarship (Human Ecology) check our website.

Cost:

Subsidized tuition fees. As from 2013 • ˜€578,7 per year for EU students • ˜€2950 per year for non-EU students For details please visit our website. Possible scholarships for students from developing countries.