Master in molecular biology

This Master is an Interuniversity Program in Molecular Biology (IPMB), jointly organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, and the Universiteit Antwerpen, and selected and supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS) as one of its international course programs. Although originally designed to meet the needs of students from developing countries, the program offers an exquisite opportunity for those who seek re-orientation to enter the fascinating world of molecular biology. Also, students in exchange programs who visit the organizing universities for one or two semesters are most welcome to attend classes and acquire laboratory skills.

The program 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. The goal of the program is not just to transfer technology but rather to train participants to acquire the ability to cope with a wide range of scientific problems and challenges and to provide them with the intellectual tools needed to develop a molecular biological approach to tackle the problems their country is facing.

In view of the diversity of the background of the students, the first year consists of in-depth courses that cover the most important topics in molecular biology and bring the students to the level of knowledge required to successfully follow the advanced and specialization courses of the second year. During intensive laboratory training, students are well prepared to embark on the preparation of their dissertation in the second year.

In the second year, all students take four advanced courses followed by three specialization courses in either the field of human health, animal production, or plant production. Also, much time is devoted to the preparation and writing of the dissertation, which is an original research work made under the supervision of a promoter and defended in public.

The Interuniversity Program in Molecular Biology is structured over two academic years. In view of the diverse background of its students, a pre-test in week 1 of the 1st year is organized to test the student’s previous knowledge in mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and experimental research skills. Any deficiencies will result in a compulsory orientation towards certain electives.

By the end of the first year, students will have obtained the level of knowledge required to successfully take part in the advanced common core and specialized courses of the second year. Intensive training in the first year provides students with the laboratory skills to prepare a thesis in the second year.

First-year: Total of 60 ECTS

• Common core (35 ECTS)
• Profile-specific courses (9 ECTS)
• Electives (16 ECTS)

Second-year: Total of 60 ECTS

• ​Common core (13 ECTS)
• Electives (17 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

According to the program-specific intended learning outcomes (ILOs) graduates should:

• ILO-1 possess a broad and advanced knowledge of biological processes at the molecular level and of the functioning of living organisms;
• ILO-2 have developed advanced knowledge on and insight into the applicability of molecular biology to improve human health or plant production;
• ILO-3 be able to use ICT in data mining, data processing, and scientific communication;
• ILO-4 master the practical skills to plan and perform research in molecular biology;
• ILO-5 be able to operate as a member of a multidisciplinary team;
• ILO-6 be able to contribute, through molecular biological research, to solving global problems or problems that either specifically developing or developed countries are facing;
• ILO-7 have developed a critical mind allowing him/her to consider and reflect on known and new theories within the specialty;
• ILO-8 be able to appraise scientific and social aspects of applied molecular biology;
• ILO-9 be able to present personal research, thoughts, ideas, and opinions, both written and orally, to peers and to the general public;
• ILO-10 have acquired the skills to write and manage research projects, including international collaborative projects;
• ILO-11 be able to disseminate the acquired knowledge in his/her country and region through activities in education and research;
• ILO-12 be aware of ethics in research and publication.

After graduation, you will be able to contribute to the improvement of human health or plant production through a molecular biological approach. You will know how to appraise the scientific and social aspects of applied molecular biology. We train our students so they can cope with a wide range of scientific problems as well as the development of preventive strategies, diagnostic techniques, and therapies while being aware of the ethical issues related to this field. A critical mind will allow you to consider and reflect on existing and new theories within the study field and will help you to solve global problems or issues that both developing and developed countries are facing.