Master of Science in Biology

These are busy times for biologists. Biodiversity crisis, stem cell research and avian flue: biology has never been more varied and socially relevant. Every day, biologists face new research challenges, from the level of single molecules to whole ecosystems. In the past decade, biology has seen the emergence of various multidisciplinary research and application fields, mainly due to the rise of DNA techniques and computer technology. A master’s degree in biology allows you to contribute to such research, but also to share your knowledge through teaching, or to apply it in public service or private industry. Many of our students use their master’s degree as a stepping stone to enter a PhD program. Others enter the work force in fields as diverse as biotechnology, government service, environmental consulting and teaching. At the VUB, we offer a strong, research-focused and thesis-based Master programme in which graduate students interact closely with their teachers and supervisors from the first day of their entry. In addition, being located in the heart of Europe, Belgium ensures the proximity of academic and medical institutions, biotechnological know-how, and government agencies to offer the ideal intellectual and career environment.

Course outline & programme

  • 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 www.humanecology.be.

Top

 

Related Master programmes

You can also use your Bachelor degree in Biology to obtain the degree Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management, by enrolling into the following programme:

Oceans and Lakes

This master programme addresses any student with a background in Sciences. Oceans & Lakes is an inter-university programme organized by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Antwerp University and Ghent University. The programme presents a comprehensive overview of the diversity and complexity of life and biological processes in oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries. It provides the students with strong fundamental and applied knowledge and prepares them for an active role in the scientific research and management of marine and lacustrine ecosystems. ‘Oceans and Lakes’ adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical geological, ecological and societal aspects and including nature conservation and sustainable development.

www.oceansandlakes.be

A bachelor degree in Biology further allows you to enroll into the following Master programmes, organized by other departments of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel:

Top

 

Master thesis

Regardless of the profile you choose, our goal is to provide you with the optimal preparation for a successful scientific career. One of the best ways to develop your scientific skills is by conducting a professionally guided research project and reporting your results in a Master thesis. Thesis subjects are chosen in agreement with one of the Biology department’s principal investigators who will act as your supervisor. Your project typically fits within the research activities of his/her team, or of a collaborating research institution. More information on the biological research conducted at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is available at http://dbio.vub.ac.be/research/research.html.

op

Admission & application

The Master of Science in Biology is open to holders ofa 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 www.humanecology.be.

Language requirements

In order to be admitted, you need to be proficient in English. The language requirements can be found on the website.

Additional information

Students who have obtained the go-ahead of the Admission Board, or who have direct admission can find additional information on the web pages for prospective students. Certainly take a look at the webpages Preparing your stay prior to your visit to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Top

Scholarships

Only for the specialization Human Ecology (ICP) a limited number of scholarships is offered by VLIR-UOS for participants from developing countries. For details on the application procedure, 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.

Registration for this program can be done at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Top

 

Tuition fees

Information about the fees can be found on the web page of Tuition Fees.

Top

 

Career opportunities

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.

Top

 

Our Student Service

Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.

For all kinds of help, advice and support, visit the web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.

Top

 

More information

Top

©2008 Vrije Universiteit Brussel • Pleinlaan 2 • 1050 Elsene • T. +32 (0)2/629.21.11 • info@vub.ac.be • disclaimer