Master of Biology
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
Request Info
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Request Info
Introduction
The living world is our most challenging and captivating teacher. The Master of Science in Biology programme is geared towards preparing the student for the challenges and opportunities awaiting in the broad field of biology. Our primary goal is to obtain insight and to understand the basis and evolution of organisms that adapt to their environment. This knowledge leads to applications with important economic and societal benefits, employment opportunities.
The Department of Biology is committed to excel in teaching and research and comprises of three divisions with diverse activities ranging from molecular and physiological to ecological research on populations, communities, and ecosystems. The Master of Biology programme includes four modules:
- Common Core (18 ECTS): You will obtain the necessary training in analysing and processing complex biological data, in basic programming, and in discussing biological topics in a societal context.
- Advanced Biology (54 ECTS): You will be trained in the theory and techniques of fundamental and applied research in one of two areas of specialisation: ‘Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology’ or ‘Molecular Biology and Physiology’. Throughout advanced and specialised courses, you will obtain the necessary knowledge and insights in your specific area of Biology. You can specialise in one track or combine courses from both tracks to design a programme that fits your needs and interests.*
- Elective courses (18 ECTS): You can select additional courses in Advanced Biology, courses on Entrepreneurship, take remedial courses to fill in knowledge gaps and/or follow courses from other master’s programmes.
- Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS): You will conduct your own original scientific research in the field of biology in an academic setting with the help of a supervisor. You will defend your master’s thesis publicly.
*In the English programme the specialisation area contains more ECTS in comparison to the Dutch programme. This is because the Dutch programme also contains an internship.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Structure
The Department of Biology is committed to excel in teaching and research and comprises three divisions with diverse activities ranging from molecular and physiological to ecological research on populations, communities, and ecosystems. The Master of Biology program includes four mandatory modules:
- Common Core (18 ECTS)
Training in processing and analyzing complex biological data, basic programming, and societal discussion. - Advanced Biology (54 ECTS)
Advanced and specialized courses will grant you the necessary knowledge and insights in a specific area of biology. - Elective courses (18 ECTS)
Additional courses can be selected in Advanced Biology or Entrepreneurship. - Master’s Thesis(30 ECTS).
You will conduct original research in an academic setting with the help of a supervisor, and defend your master’s thesis publicly.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the program, you will be in a position to pursue a career as a scientific researcher at universities, agro-industries, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, environmental conservation organisations, and NGOs. You will also be an excellent candidate for employment as a scientific advisor in banks and private invest ment foundations, a policy officer in governmental and public administration, a scientific communications advisor, a scientific journalist, a science teacher, a data manager or a data analyst.